Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician

The closing date is 31 August 2025

Job summary

Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technician (4 POSITIONS)

The opportunity has arisen for new Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technicians (PRPT) to join our pharmacy team based at Prospect Park Hospital in Reading where the working hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

You MUST have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade A-C/9-4, including Mathematics, English and Science qualifications. Previous experience of working within a pharmacy setting is desirable.

You will need to be self-motivated, organised, able to work efficiently, to deadlines and be able to work under pressure at times. You will be expected to work through the department on a rotational basis as set out in the two year timetable, covering dispensary, pharmacy stores, medicines information, medicines safety, wards and accuracy checking.

While learning the practical skills that Pharmacy Technicians require you will also undertake and complete the Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technician qualification starting in February 2026. Completing this qualification will enable you to apply for registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council as a qualified Pharmacy Technician.

Main duties of the job

  • You will complete the Certificate of Higher Education in Pharmacy Technician Practice apprenticeship over the course of 24 months.

  • You will be able to spend time completing rotations within all areas of our department

  • You will spend time working on mental health wards and/or community health wards to be able to complete ward-based learning for the apprenticeship.

  • You will be expected to participate in the late duty rota whereby the hours are 10-6pm.

  • You will take part in departmental training sessions to develop your training/learning objectives and develop leadership skills.

  • You will also take part in the appraisal process and engage in regular 1:1 meeting with your line manager and college tutors/assessors as part of your on-going development.

About us

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:

  • Caring for and about you is our top priority
  • Committed to providing good quality, safe services
  • Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions

Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:

  • Flexible working options to support work-life balance
  • 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
  • Generous NHS pension scheme
  • Excellent learning and career development opportunities
  • 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
  • Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
  • Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
  • Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
  • Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
  • Free parking across Trust sites

Details

Date posted

20 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

2 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

371-MHS814

Job locations

Prospect Park Hospital

Honey End Lane

Reading

RG30 4EJ


Job description

Job responsibilities

The must haves for this role:

  • Five GCSEs or equivalent at grades A-C /9-4, including Mathematics, English and two Science qualifications (must have for enrolment to apprenticeship).
  • Clear written and spoken English, and communication skills.
  • Ability to use own initiative and demonstrate self-confidence and self-motivation.

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.

We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.

Were committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please dont hesitate to call: Jennie Nunn on 07825904472 or email jennie.nunn@berkshire.nhs.uk wholl be delighted to help.

Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The must haves for this role:

  • Five GCSEs or equivalent at grades A-C /9-4, including Mathematics, English and two Science qualifications (must have for enrolment to apprenticeship).
  • Clear written and spoken English, and communication skills.
  • Ability to use own initiative and demonstrate self-confidence and self-motivation.

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.

We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.

Were committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please dont hesitate to call: Jennie Nunn on 07825904472 or email jennie.nunn@berkshire.nhs.uk wholl be delighted to help.

Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications/Training

Essential

  • Five GCSE's or equivalent at grade A-C/9-4. Must include - Mathematics, English, Science
  • Clear Written English (ILETS 7 - overseas candidates)
  • Computer literate with experience of Microsoft packages and databases.

Desirable

  • BTEC Level 2 Certificate in the Principals and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff or NVQ level 2 Pharmacy Services

Continuous Professional Development

Essential

  • Organisation of own learning in and out of workplace (approx. 10 hours per week)

Previous Experience

Essential

  • Evidence of team/group work

Desirable

  • Experience of working in a pharmacy environment
  • Customer service skills

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Good written communication skills
  • Ability to communicate well in writing with colleagues, other healthcare professionals and service users
  • Ability to work well within a team alongside all grades of staff/colleagues and with other healthcare professionals
  • Ability to work well and efficiently by oneself
  • Ability to respond well to pressure and to meet deadlines
  • Good computer skills
  • Act in a professional manner and work as part of a team
  • Attention to detail
  • Punctual and reliable

Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Multiple site working, when required to do so.
  • Occupational health clearance
Person Specification

Education/Qualifications/Training

Essential

  • Five GCSE's or equivalent at grade A-C/9-4. Must include - Mathematics, English, Science
  • Clear Written English (ILETS 7 - overseas candidates)
  • Computer literate with experience of Microsoft packages and databases.

Desirable

  • BTEC Level 2 Certificate in the Principals and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff or NVQ level 2 Pharmacy Services

Continuous Professional Development

Essential

  • Organisation of own learning in and out of workplace (approx. 10 hours per week)

Previous Experience

Essential

  • Evidence of team/group work

Desirable

  • Experience of working in a pharmacy environment
  • Customer service skills

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Good written communication skills
  • Ability to communicate well in writing with colleagues, other healthcare professionals and service users
  • Ability to work well within a team alongside all grades of staff/colleagues and with other healthcare professionals
  • Ability to work well and efficiently by oneself
  • Ability to respond well to pressure and to meet deadlines
  • Good computer skills
  • Act in a professional manner and work as part of a team
  • Attention to detail
  • Punctual and reliable

Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Multiple site working, when required to do so.
  • Occupational health clearance

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Address

Prospect Park Hospital

Honey End Lane

Reading

RG30 4EJ


Employer's website

https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Address

Prospect Park Hospital

Honey End Lane

Reading

RG30 4EJ


Employer's website

https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Lead Education & Training Pharmacy Technician

Jennie Nunn

jennie.nunn@berkshire.nhs.uk

07825904472

Details

Date posted

20 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

2 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

371-MHS814

Job locations

Prospect Park Hospital

Honey End Lane

Reading

RG30 4EJ


Supporting documents

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