Pre-Registration Student Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship QE

Job overview

We are looking for motivated, enthusiastic, and hardworking individuals to join our Pharmacy Department as Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians.  We have vacancies at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich and University Hospital Lewisham.

This is an excellent opportunity to begin a rewarding career in healthcare and take the first step towards becoming a registered Pharmacy Technician—a vital role in delivering safe, effective, and patient-centred care.

Over two years, you will undertake a structured apprenticeship programme combining academic study and workplace training, leading to the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians.

On completion, you will be eligible to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Qualifications and Eligibility

• Minimum of 4 GCSEs (grade C/4 or above), including Maths, English, and a Science subject.
• Please note: some higher qualifications (e.g., certain degrees) may make applicants ineligible due to apprenticeship funding rules.
• Applicants must have an awareness of the role of a Pharmacy Technician in a hospital setting.

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this post.

Main duties of the job

What we offer:

• Contract: Fixed term 2 years (Apprenticeship)
• Start date: September 2026
• Location: Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich and University Hospital Lewisham

This is more than just a training programme—it’s a gateway to a lifelong career in the NHS where you’ll make a real difference to patients every day.

As a pre-registration trainee pharmacy technician, you will take part in a rotational training programme designed to give you a broad and practical foundation in hospital pharmacy services.  You will:

• Dispense and supply medicines for inpatients and specialist outpatient clinics.
• Support ward-based medicines management services, ensuring our patients receive the right medicines at the right time.
• Gain experience in stores.
• Rotate through inpatient dispensary, community outpatient placement, wards, medicines information and stores.
• Work under the supervision of our experienced qualified pharmacy teams while gradually developing independence and competence.
• Balance your workplace learning with one study day a week and additional personal study commitments.

Apply now and start your journey to becoming a Pharmacy Technician of the future!

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description for additional information.

As a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician you will:

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured 2-year rotational training programme, covering inpatient and outpatient dispensary services, ward-based medicines management, and pharmacy stores.
• Dispense, supply and label medicines for patients under the supervision of registered staff, ensuring accuracy and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support ward-based services by completing competencies in medicines management.  Helping to check stock levels, replenish medicines, and ensure the safe and timely supply of medication to patients.
• Assist with the receipt, storage, issue and ordering of medicines in line with legal, professional and Trust standards.
• Learn to operate pharmacy IT systems (e.g. dispensing systems, stock management systems, Omnicell) accurately and effectively.
• Follow all relevant SOPs, local policies, and national legal requirements relating to medicines handling and data protection.
• Maintain accurate training records and participate fully in assessments, appraisals and progress reviews.
• Balance study and workplace learning, making effective use of one protected study day per week and personal study time.
• Demonstrate a professional, patient-centred approach in all activities.

Key Relationships

• Pharmacy Education & Training team – receive guidance, supervision and progress reviews.
• Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists – work alongside and under their supervision during rotations.
• Nursing and medical staff – collaborate on wards to support medicines management and safe patient care.
• Patients and carers – provide a helpful, courteous service when interacting in dispensaries or on the wards.