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Trainee Pharmacy

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Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (Apprenticeship) – NHS

Employer: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Location: West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, London, with rotations across West Middlesex and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital sites
Salary: £28,392–£31,157 per year (Year 1: 70% of the top of Band 4; Year 2: 75% of the top of Band 4, plus Outer London HCAS)
Grade: Band 4
Contract: Fixed-term, 2 years (Apprenticeship Training Contract)
Working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, including a weekend working day every six weeks
Vacancies: 2
Training provided: Yes – full practical training in-house, alongside a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians
Expected start date: 3 February 2027
Visa sponsorship: Not confirmed in the advert. Applicants requiring sponsorship should check their eligibility under current UK immigration rules before applying.
Closing date: 2 November 2026 at 11:59 pm
Job reference: 289-CS-580

About the Role

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting two enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals for its Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship at West Middlesex University Hospital in Isleworth.

This two-year apprenticeship offers an opportunity to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue a career as a registered Pharmacy Technician. Successful candidates will work within different hospital pharmacy departments while studying towards a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians.

The programme is expected to begin on 3 February 2027 and combines practical workplace experience with academic learning and competency-based training.

Training and Qualifications

Full practical training will be provided in-house, supported by a competency-based programme. Apprentices will gain experience across several pharmacy services while completing the required underpinning knowledge courses.

Candidates must be prepared to balance employment with academic study and commit up to 10 hours of their own time each week to private study.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Successful applicants will rotate through several pharmacy departments, including:

  • Inpatient and outpatient dispensaries.
  • Medicines distribution, goods receipt and purchasing.
  • Technical services and sterile product manufacturing.
  • Clinical trials.
  • Medicines management.
  • Medicines information.
  • Clinical governance.

The role involves supporting patients with their medicines, helping manage the safe supply of medications, and assisting pharmacists and registered Pharmacy Technicians. Training and work placements will take place across both West Middlesex University Hospital and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

Essential Requirements

Applicants should meet the following essential criteria:

  • Four GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including English, Mathematics and Science, or a BTEC Certificate in Science or equivalent.
  • Pharmacy experience.
  • A proven record of work or study, including evidence of completing assigned tasks and achieving qualifications where applicable.
  • Ability to follow standard operating procedures and workplace policies.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations relevant to the role.
  • Good organisation, prioritisation and time-management skills.
  • Basic computer skills, including word processing, email and accurate data entry.
  • Ability to work under pressure, follow supervision and meet deadlines.
  • Good problem-solving skills, initiative and attention to detail.
  • A friendly, empathetic and reliable approach to teamwork.
  • Ability to work independently and contribute to the training of others.
  • Willingness to undertake academic and practical training while working in a busy pharmacy environment.
  • Good manual dexterity and ability to undertake moderate physical activity, including occasionally handling heavy loads.
  • Professional conduct, punctuality and commitment to personal development.
  • Willingness to understand and demonstrate the Trust’s PROUD values.

Desirable Experience and Skills

The following would be advantageous but are not listed as essential:

  • NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills.
  • Patient counselling and customer care experience.
  • Dispensing experience.
  • Familiarity with pharmacy labelling and stock-control systems.
  • Hospital pharmacy experience.
  • Knowledge of the JAC stock-control system.
  • Experience of non-sterile or sterile manufacturing.
  • Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice.
  • Ability to interpret and dispense prescriptions accurately.
  • Experience advising patients about medicines.

About Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust operates two main acute hospital sites: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital, alongside clinics across North West London.

The Trust employs nearly 7,500 staff and provides services to a diverse population of approximately 1.5 million people. Its services include maternity care, accident and emergency, children’s services, and specialist HIV and sexual health clinics.

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The Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments are available for disabled applicants.

Visa Sponsorship and Right to Work

The advert does not confirm whether visa sponsorship is available for this apprenticeship.

Applicants who require sponsorship should check the current UK Visas and Immigration requirements and confirm eligibility with the Trust before applying. Meeting the educational and experience requirements does not automatically mean an applicant qualifies for a work visa.

Official guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration

Important Information for Applicants

  • Applications may close before the advertised deadline if a high volume is received, so early submission is recommended.
  • Applicants should monitor their email inbox and junk folder for recruitment updates.
  • Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.
  • The role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
  • Some duties may involve weekend working across multiple hospital sites.
  • Applicant information may be shared with partner NHS trusts within the North West London Acute Provider Collaborative Group for recruitment and workforce purposes, in accordance with data protection requirements.

Contact for Informal Enquiries

Contact: Justyna Papior
Job title: Senior Principal Pharmacy Technician MMT and E&T
Email: justyna.papior@nhs.net
Telephone: 020 8321 5224

You may also contact Zainab Al Baghdadi, Senior Medicines Management Pharmacy Technician, at zainab.albaghdadi1@nhs.net.

Application / Selection Process

Interested candidates should review the job description and person specification before submitting an application.

Closing date: 2 November 2026 at 11:59 pm.

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