Technical Apprenticeship - Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician

Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician

NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service

Band 4 - 37 hrs/week

£29,116 - £31,670 per annum (Annex 21 post)

(including weekend and public holiday rota commitments)

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to train as a Pharmacy Technician within NHS Lothian?

Join our dynamic team and take the first step in your pharmacy career with a structured two-year training programme leading to professional registration as a Pharmacy Technician

About the Role.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to join our Pharmacy Services Teams within NHS Lothian on a 2-year Technical Apprenticeship programme, which will result in you being eligible to apply to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to become a registered Pharmacy Technician.

As a pharmacy technician, you’ll prepare and dispense medicines safely and carry out accuracy checking to guarantee they are safe to take. You’ll also speak with patients and manage their supply of medicines, while keeping a record of their medicine history.

You will rotate in clinical and technical areas to gain skills across all these areas.

Your main tasks will include (roles vary depending on the sector you work in):

• Reviewing and recording medicines.
• Providing advice on how to take and store medicines safely.
• Take medication histories and assess medications are safe to use when patients transfer through different care sectors.
• Recording, analysing and interpreting data.
• Monitoring, ordering and taking stock of medicines received from pharmacy suppliers.
• Preparing patient-specific medication for administration via parenteral routes for treatment and diagnostic purposes.
• Working in a variety of settings – cleanrooms (Aseptic facilities), dispensary, stores/distribution and ward/clinic/GP practice settings.

Why Join Us?

NHS Lothian’s Pharmacy & Medicines Service is dedicated to delivering clinically led, person-centred services to ensure patients receive the best care possible. We are focused on creating an environment where every team member has the opportunity to flourish, develop, and make the best use of their skills.

As one of Scotland’s four teaching Boards, NHS Lothian has strategic partnerships with local Universities, Local Authorities, and four Integration Joint Boards, ensuring a strong focus on learning and professional development. Our training sites include major hospitals and primary care settings across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

As part of this recruitment, the following posts are available.

• 1 x Hospital - Western General Hospital
• 3 x Hospital - Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
• 1 x Primary Care - Northeast Edinburgh
• 1 x Primary Care - Northwest Edinburgh
• 1 x Primary Care – Southeast Edinburgh
• 1 x Primary Care – Southwest Edinburgh
• 1 x Primary Care – West Lothian

Whilst this advert may be for a specific post(s) in a particular location, applicants who are shortlisted for interview may be considered for similar vacancies in alternative locations.

What will you learn?

• You will study to gain the Diploma - Pharmacy Services SCQF Level 8 – This qualification includes a knowledge-based PDA award, which is undertaken through day-release at college, and a competency-based SVQ Group Award, completed in the workplace.
• Establish a rapport with the multidisciplinary team and gain the confidence of the patients and their families.
• Managing self within a complex dynamic clinical environment.
• Maintaining skill and knowledge level in technical and clinical competencies and core skills.
• How to address the equality and diversity needs of patients and staff.

About you.

We are looking for someone with:

• National 5 (Grade A-C) or above in English, Maths, Chemistry and Biology SCQF Level 5 or Completion of Access to Pharmacy Services (SCQF Level 5), NC Pharmacy Services, or NC Applied Science (Biology or Chemistry).
• Eligible access routes: Route to Careers in Pharmacy SCQF Level 6/Preparation for Clinical Practice SCQF Level 6, Modern Apprenticeship Pharmacy Services (Knowledge and SVQ programme) SCQF Level 6
• If English is not your first language, IELTS 7 is required (regulatory GPhC requirement).
• Age 16 and above, no higher age limit.
• Effective team player and good interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to completing the Apprenticeship Programme.
• Ability to carry out delegated responsibilities within a dynamic clinical environment.
• A strong alignment with NHS Lothian’s values and a willingness to contribute to our dynamic team.

Please note this is a Trainee post, therefore Annex 21 applies

For trainees covered by Annex 21 where the period of training lasts for between one and four years, pay will be as follows:

• up to 12 months prior to completion of training: 75 per cent of the pay band maximum of the fully qualified rate;
• more than one but less than two years prior to completion of training: 70 per cent of the pay band maximum of the qualified rate of the qualified;
• more than two but less than three years prior to completion of training: 65 per cent of the pay band maximum for the qualified rate.
• more than three years from completion of training: 60 per cent of the pay band maximum of the fully qualified rate.

For further guidance on Annex 21 – please follow this link: Annex 21 – Arrangements for pay and banding of trainees

Please note that all Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician posts are not eligible for sponsorship through the skilled worker route.

NHS Lothian is currently unable to support international applicants with the training or assessments required to gain entry onto the relevant professional register. Applicants must complete these requirements independently before applying for a position that requires professional registration. This policy applies to all international recruitment.

About NHS Lothian

At NHS Lothian, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce. Serving a population of 900,000, we are the second-largest health system in Scotland and home to one of its four teaching boards. Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience we’re looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification. However, we understand that there's only so much a job pack can convey. If you’d like to learn more about this exciting role, the team you’ll be joining, or the opportunities available, we warmly encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager. This is a great chance to have an informal discussion, ask questions, and explore how this role aligns with your career goals.

Reach out to:

Start the conversation today — we’d love to hear from you!

Please quote JobTrain ref: 213296

Closing Date for Applications: 30/04/25

To learn about this programme please visit our website:
Technical Apprenticeship – Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technician – NHS Lothian Careers

The recruitment process will consist of various stages, all of which are mandatory. If shortlisted, you will be required to attend the following dates and sessions:

• Information Session & Group Assessment (In Person, Edinburgh): Tuesday, 6 May

• Interviews (In Person) - Various days, w/c 12-16 May

Candidates who are successful in interview will be expected to start in NHS Lothian on Monday 30 June, 2025. We are unable able to alter this date.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.