Job overview
Are you an enthusiastic motivated individual looking for a future career as a qualified Pharmacy Technician? These training posts include an apprenticeship and start on 14 September 2026 ending 15 September 2028 with posts at both Ipswich and Colchester Hospitals. You would be based at one site.
Applicants must meet Apprenticeship criteria and have a minimum of 4 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade 9–4 or A*-C (Maths, English and Chemistry or Biology).
You must be self-directed to meet deadlines, committed to self-study and effectively use study time given by the department to complete the course and be eligible to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council as a Pharmacy Technician. You must demonstrate an understanding and compliance with the values and behaviours expected of NHS staff and the Standards for Pharmacy Professionals.
Pharmacies are busy departments covering a diverse range of activities and functions including: dispensary, logistics, quality control, manufacture/preparation of medicines/products including chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition, clinical trials, ward based/clinical activities, medicines information and community services. We have an automated robotic dispensing and stock supply system. This course places emphasis on clinical ward based and dispensary work.
You will be required to participate in our 7 day service including lates, weekends and bank holidays
Interviews:
Colchester 31.07.2026, Ipswich 30.07.2026
Main duties of the job
Salary will be Band 4 Annex 21: Year 1 (£21,113) 70% top Band 4 and Year 2 (£22,621) 75% top Band 4. Internal applicants will be via Annex 30.
Ipswich contact Sally Rogers [email protected] 01473 704432
Colchester contact Amanda Callander [email protected] 01206 742823
You will undertake a Certificate of Higher Education, in Pharmacy Technician Practice delivered by the School of Pharmacy at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. The course has a blended learning approach using e-learning, classroom tutorials, practical sessions and portfolio building. There will be on-going assessments, observations with mandatory study days and forums.
This course places emphasis on clinical ward based and dispensary work. You will communicate and work effectively with patients, ward based teams and multi-disciplinary staff to provide a safe, timely and efficient patient-centred service aiding supply, patient compliance and discharges. The course also includes Accredited Checking, Medicines Management and Medicines Reconciliation.
You must be able to attend mandatory study days, follow procedures, apply theory to practice and have an interest in a career as a hospital based Pharmacy Technician. Appropriate supervision and training will be provided throughout.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of research into the undertaking required for an Apprentice Pre-registration (trainee) Pharmacy Technician
- Evidence of research into the role of the Pharmacy Technician
- Stock control & stock rotation
Desirable
- Aspects of hospital pharmacy
Experience
Essential
- Working effectively as part of a team under supervision
- Applying theory to practice
- Able to prioritise/organise own work/study to achieve deadlines
- Using own initiative
- Effective communication skills (written, listening, comprehension, verbal)
- Interacting effectively with public/peers/leaders/team members
- Attention to detail
- Work calmly under pressure and meet deadlines
Desirable
- Working in a pharmacy
- Stock control
- Accurate record keeping
- Moving and handling loads
- Customer services
Qualifications
Essential
- At least 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) Grade A* - C or new GCSEs Grades 9 – 4 including Maths, English and at least one Science that includes chemistry or biology
Desirable
- NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills/individual units or equivalent
- Any other relevant qualification
Personal Skills
Essential
- Motivated and enthusiastic for a career as a pharmacy technician and dedicated to the undertaking required for the course
- Commitment to attending the required study days
- Commitment to self-study (home and off the job learning) to enable sufficient learning to complete course
- Demonstrate Trust values and behaviours
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Apprentice Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust in Colchester, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 4 Pharmacy technician role. The advertised salary is £28,392 - £31,157 Annex 21 Year 1 70% top Band 4, Year 2 75% top Band 4. The contract type is 2 years (Fixed term until 15th September 2028). The application deadline is 12 Jul 2026.
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