Trainee Pharmacy

Trainee Pharmacy Technician – Apprenticeship | North London NHS Foundation Trust

Salary: £31,554 – £33,270 per annum (including HCAS)

Location: Highgate Mental Health Centre, Dartmouth Park Hill, London, N19 5NX

Employer: North London NHS Foundation Trust

Contract: Fixed-term (24 months)

Working Pattern: Full-time

Pay Band: Band 3

Vacancies: Not stated in the advert

Closing Date: 15 November 2026

Start Date: February 2027

Reference: 455-NLFT-8397912

Visa Sponsorship: Applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome and will be considered.

Job Overview

North London NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting Trainee Pharmacy Technicians for its 2027–2029 apprenticeship cohort.

This is an opportunity for individuals interested in healthcare and science to develop a career in pharmacy through a structured two-year training programme.

Successful candidates will gain practical experience across different pharmacy departments while working towards a Certificate of Higher Education in Pharmacy Technician Practice Apprenticeship with the University of East Anglia.

The programme is designed to equip trainees with the knowledge, practical skills and workplace competencies required to become fully qualified, General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)-registered Pharmacy Technicians.

Please note: Successful applicants must be available to start employment in February 2027.

Key Responsibilities

As a Trainee Pharmacy Technician, you will:

• Undertake a comprehensive Level 4 training programme covering the principles and practice of pharmacy.
• Attend a recognised college or pharmacy training organisation to complete the academic components of the qualification.
• Gain practical experience through structured workplace rotations.
• Develop the skills and competencies required for GPhC registration.
• Work effectively as part of a pharmacy team in a fast-paced environment.
• Balance academic study with workplace responsibilities.
• Maintain a professional approach and demonstrate commitment throughout the two-year programme.
• Work under the guidance and support of a dedicated Educational Supervisor.

Training rotations will include:

• Inpatient dispensary.
• Clozapine coordination.
• Medicines management.
• Procurement and distribution.
• Specialist clinical experience.
• Community Mental Health Team visits.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants must have at least four GCSEs at grades A*–C (grades 9–4 under the new grading system) or equivalent, including:

• English Language: Grade C/4 or above.
• Mathematics: Grade C/4 or above.
• Science: Grade C/4 or above.

Equivalent qualifications may include Scottish National 5, Functional Skills Level 2 or other accepted evidence of English and numeracy.

Important: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is not accepted as an equivalent to GCSE English Grade C/4.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Genuine interest in pharmacy and healthcare.
• Good IT literacy.
• Ability to learn quickly.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Patient-focused approach.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.
• Ability to balance studying with employment commitments.

Essential Experience

• Experience working with the public.
• Experience working as part of a team.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Previous pharmacy experience.
• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services.
• Experience working in a pharmacy or healthcare setting.
• Evidence of good time management and initiative.
• Interest in studying and developing new skills.

Benefits of Working with North London NHS Foundation Trust

The Trust offers a supportive working environment and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits include:

• NHS pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• NHS staff discounts.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Leadership development and training opportunities.
• Internal staff network support groups.

Visa Sponsorship

Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is available for consideration.

North London NHS Foundation Trust confirms that applications from candidates who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.

Applicants requiring sponsorship can therefore apply, subject to meeting the relevant immigration and eligibility requirements.

Additional Information

This position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Candidates applying for UK entry clearance under the Skilled Worker route may also need to provide criminal record certificates from countries where they have lived for the required periods.

Application and Selection Process

Interested candidates should submit their applications online through the official NHS Jobs portal.

Applicants should ensure they meet the GCSE qualification requirements and can commit to the full two-year apprenticeship programme.

Closing date: 15 November 2026.

Expected start date: February 2027.

Contact for Enquiries

Contact: Caroline Lawrence
Job Title: Senior Lead Pharmacy Technician
Email: caroline.lawrence9@nhs.net
Telephone: 07870 385031

Employer: North London NHS Foundation Trust

Official Website: https://www.northlondonmentalhealth.nhs.uk/