Job summary
We are looking for dynamic, highly motivated individuals with excellent attention to detail to participate in a 2-year training post as a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (PTPT). As a key part of our pharmacy workforce, our well established and successful training programme will set you on the right track to develop your career in Pharmacy.
Your apprenticeship will follow a competence-based learning programme involving one day a week virtual training with Bradford College. Working under appropriate supervision, you will participate in a range of pharmacy services within Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WUTH).
Salary - Locally approved apprenticeship rate, 75% of Band 4 minimum in year 1 (£20,614 on 2025/26 pay scale) and 95% of Band 4 minimum in year 2. For current NHS staff with Pharmacy experience (internal or external candidates), Band 2 or 3 pay rates will be protected ensuring no reduction in pay.
Applicants should share our Trust vision and values and be looking to challenge themselves. WUTH Pharmacy has been recognised as a high performer by NHSE and CQC. We are a large department, employing 95 Pharmacists and 47 MMTs alongside excellent support staff. We deliver services to the acute hospital and primary care networks (PCN).
We are a highly innovative department; recently winning, or shortlisted for national awards within surgery, antimicrobial stewardship and PCN.
Main duties of the job
You will rotate across the Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge sites within a variety of areas including stores/procurement, wards, aseptics, main and satellite dispensaries:
o Working under supervision and being assessed by qualified Pharmacy Technicians to provide an accurately dispensed supply of inpatient, outpatient and discharge medication from our fully automated dispensary, which benefits from electronic prescribing, a prescription tracking system and near patient satellite dispensaries at ward level.o Rotate at ward level under supervision and be trained in the assessment of patients own drugs; carrying out patient drug histories and provision of supplies of inpatient medicines for bedside administration; the dispensing for discharge system; the co-ordination of discharge prescriptions and counselling of patients at discharge; disseminating discharge information to patients, carers and GPs.o Reaching required competencies in assessing medication at ward level and final accuracy checking in accordance with standards and criteria within the Level 3 BTEC Diploma in the Principles and Practices for Pharmacy Technicians qualification.o Learning the different technical roles and gaining further understanding of manufacturing in our licensed pharmacy aseptic unit, making chemotherapy, parental nutrition and a range of other items. o Issuing and stock control of medicines through a rotation within our Central Pharmacy Stores at Clatterbridge Hospital.
About us
All new colleagues can expect to receive a warm and friendly Wirral welcome from the very first time they make contact with us. We are described as "competent and caring staff" by our patients.
Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is situated on The Wirral peninsula which has a stunning coastline and beautiful countryside surroundings, with great activities for its residents.
We are one of the largest and busiest acute Trusts in the North West of England, comprising of the Wirral's only Emergency Department. We provide a high quality range of acute care services and employ over 6,000 staff, who serve a population of approximately 400,000 people across Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Neston, North Wales and the wider North West footprint.
We have approximately 855 beds trust-wide and our financial turnover is in excess of £337m.
The Wirral is easily accessible with excellent transport links including motorway, train, bus or ferry and within easy reach to the major cities of Liverpool, Chester and Manchester as well as neighbouring North Wales.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Two-year fixed term apprenticeship training post designed to give the Apprentice Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician technical experience and knowledge to be able to work towards the fully qualified job description attached as a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered Rotational Pharmacy Technician.
To achieve this requires participation and completion of a comprehensive training and competency programme consisting of a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in the principles and practice for pharmacy technicians including a final end point assessment.
A commitment to study in your own time, approx. 8 hours per week and attendance at all internal and external study days is expected as part of this role although work-based study time will be provided to assist in completion of skills-based units only. Posts are a 2-year fixed term contract with 1 full day release to attend virtual learning provided by Bradford College.
Applicants must have and be able to provide certified evidence at interview of 4 GCSEs at A-C (9-4) three of which MUST be in maths, English language and 1 science** (see guidance below) and then 1 other subject. (Dual Science Award, applied science and access to nursing healthcare accepted) or equivalent.
** The equivalency for science requirements has been an ongoing conversation with GPhC and Edexcel Pearson.
Edexcel Pearson have issued the following guidance which we are now happy to follow for entry criteria for our PTPT course -To align our qualification entry requirements with the IET standards (other academic Level 3 Pharmacy Technician guidance on entry requirements V 0.1 2 requirements or experience equivalent to national level 2 or above) and to maintain the integrity of the qualification, we would like to clarify that the equivalency for science can be evidenced through:- Substantial experience of working in pharmacy environment as a pharmacy service assistant in UK or Internationally, substantial experience means a minimum of two years and /or Learners must have completed a level 2 qualification in Pharmacy and Centres must carry out screening using one of the science related unit assignments for Level 3 qualification to satisfy that the learner can meet the science requirements at level 3 All other entry requirements remain same as stated in the specification
Functional skills level 2 in English and Maths can be provided by the Trust for upskilling of current NHS staff with a view to reapplying for a future post once successful, functional skills cannot be completed alongside the qualification.
Candidates who successfully complete the 2-year course will then be eligible to register as a Qualified Rotational Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Please note, a permanent role is not guaranteed upon the obtainment of the required essential qualifications.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Two-year fixed term apprenticeship training post designed to give the Apprentice Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician technical experience and knowledge to be able to work towards the fully qualified job description attached as a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered Rotational Pharmacy Technician.
To achieve this requires participation and completion of a comprehensive training and competency programme consisting of a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in the principles and practice for pharmacy technicians including a final end point assessment.
A commitment to study in your own time, approx. 8 hours per week and attendance at all internal and external study days is expected as part of this role although work-based study time will be provided to assist in completion of skills-based units only. Posts are a 2-year fixed term contract with 1 full day release to attend virtual learning provided by Bradford College.
Applicants must have and be able to provide certified evidence at interview of 4 GCSEs at A-C (9-4) three of which MUST be in maths, English language and 1 science** (see guidance below) and then 1 other subject. (Dual Science Award, applied science and access to nursing healthcare accepted) or equivalent.
** The equivalency for science requirements has been an ongoing conversation with GPhC and Edexcel Pearson.
Edexcel Pearson have issued the following guidance which we are now happy to follow for entry criteria for our PTPT course -To align our qualification entry requirements with the IET standards (other academic Level 3 Pharmacy Technician guidance on entry requirements V 0.1 2 requirements or experience equivalent to national level 2 or above) and to maintain the integrity of the qualification, we would like to clarify that the equivalency for science can be evidenced through:- Substantial experience of working in pharmacy environment as a pharmacy service assistant in UK or Internationally, substantial experience means a minimum of two years and /or Learners must have completed a level 2 qualification in Pharmacy and Centres must carry out screening using one of the science related unit assignments for Level 3 qualification to satisfy that the learner can meet the science requirements at level 3 All other entry requirements remain same as stated in the specification
Functional skills level 2 in English and Maths can be provided by the Trust for upskilling of current NHS staff with a view to reapplying for a future post once successful, functional skills cannot be completed alongside the qualification.
Candidates who successfully complete the 2-year course will then be eligible to register as a Qualified Rotational Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Please note, a permanent role is not guaranteed upon the obtainment of the required essential qualifications.
Person Specification
Qualifications, Specific Experience & Training
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 in Pharmaceutical Sciences/BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent
- Must be registered with General Pharmaceutical Council of Great Britain
- Working in a pharmacy
- Pharmacy labelling and stock control systems
Desirable
- Accredited Accuracy Checker
- Hospital pharmacy experience
- JAC stock control system
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Interpret and dispense prescriptions accurately
- Good written communication skills
- Word processing, email, accurate data entry skills
- Effectively provide advice to patients regarding medicines
- IT literate
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Methodical with attention to detail
- Conscientious and reliable
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
- Good oral communication skills
- Organise and prioritise work
- Able to motivate self and others
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Enthusiasm for the position
- Friendly, empathetic and reliable team worker, able to relate to all staff grades
- Ability to cope in busy environment
- Self motivated
Other Requirements
Essential
- Ability to work weekends and bank holidays in accordance with departmental rotas
- Ability to carry out moderate to intensive physical effort throughout the working day and carry out concurrent activities including climbing ladders, stretching, bending and standing for long periods of time
Person Specification
Qualifications, Specific Experience & Training
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 in Pharmaceutical Sciences/BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent
- Must be registered with General Pharmaceutical Council of Great Britain
- Working in a pharmacy
- Pharmacy labelling and stock control systems
Desirable
- Accredited Accuracy Checker
- Hospital pharmacy experience
- JAC stock control system
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Interpret and dispense prescriptions accurately
- Good written communication skills
- Word processing, email, accurate data entry skills
- Effectively provide advice to patients regarding medicines
- IT literate
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Methodical with attention to detail
- Conscientious and reliable
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
- Good oral communication skills
- Organise and prioritise work
- Able to motivate self and others
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Enthusiasm for the position
- Friendly, empathetic and reliable team worker, able to relate to all staff grades
- Ability to cope in busy environment
- Self motivated
Other Requirements
Essential
- Ability to work weekends and bank holidays in accordance with departmental rotas
- Ability to carry out moderate to intensive physical effort throughout the working day and carry out concurrent activities including climbing ladders, stretching, bending and standing for long periods of time
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
