Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Apprentice Pharmacy Technician

Join the pharmacy team at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) and train to become a pharmacy technician. You’ll combine study with hands-on experience in the dispensary and on hospital wards, learning how medicines are ordered, prepared and supplied, and how to support patients to take them safely.

You don’t need previous pharmacy or healthcare experience to apply. We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with people, pays close attention to detail and is ready to put what they learn into practice.

What you’ll do

Working under the supervision of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, you’ll learn to:

• Receive prescriptions, support the team with prescription validation, and help prepare, dispense and hand out medicines to patients.

• Order medicines and manage stock so that supplies are available when patients need them.

• Take part in medicines reconciliation on the wards, helping the team check what medicines a patient was taking before they came into hospital.

• Develop your patient counselling skills and, as your training progresses, take part in more advanced conversations about how to use medicines safely.

• Keep accurate records, protect patient confidentiality and follow NHS health and safety procedures.

You’ll also have opportunities to complete an audit and a project, and to explore work beyond your core training. This could include Technician Services, Clinical Trials, Electronic Prescribing, Medicines Safety and the work of South Central Ambulance Service.

What we’re looking for

You’ll need to communicate clearly, both in writing and when speaking with patients and colleagues. We’re looking for someone reliable who can follow instructions, organise their work when priorities compete and ask for help when they’re unsure. You’ll treat people from all backgrounds with care and respect and be willing to balance coursework with learning on the job.

Entry requirements

You must meet the apprenticeship programme’s entry requirements, including GCSEs in English, maths and science at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications. If you gained your qualifications overseas, you’ll need to provide evidence from UK ENIC that they are comparable to the required GCSEs.

You must also have the right to work in England and meet the residency requirements for apprenticeship funding that apply to your circumstances.

The role may involve working across different pharmacy areas and covering shifts. You’ll need to be available for the working pattern advertised. Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, occupational health clearance and the appropriate DBS check.