Vacancy at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Are you interested in a rewarding new career in Pharmacy? Earn whilst you learn with a two‑year Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship!
We have a vacancy for a Science Manufacturing Technician (SMT). We are looking for a motivated, enthusiastic and reliable individual to join our team.
Candidate must have a minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths, English and Science at Grade 4/C or above, be able to demonstrate commitment to a career in Pharmacy and will ideally have some previous pharmacy experience. Evidence of essential qualifications must be provided prior to interview. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
This post is fixed term for two years with a full‑time contract of 37.5 hours per week and requires participation in early, weekend and bank holiday rotas. In exceptional circumstances and reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis, a minimum of 30 hours per week may be considered.
We have three apprenticeship vacancies. These posts will be subject to staggered start for the course intake (6 monthly) to balance study time and workload. The first intake will be in September 2026, second intake February 2027 and third intake September 2027, allowing any new starter to gain underpinning knowledge of aseptic work before embarking on the course.
Throughout the two‑year post, SMT will gain practical experience that enables learners to perform increasingly complex skills in assisting in the aseptic manufacture and preparation process, stock management and quality control. British Values are integral to encouraging learners to voice their opinions through various avenues such as online teaching, workbook activities and discussions during the learning programme.
At level 3, there are various topics that apprentices will learn including:
* Aseptic Manufacture and Preparation Processes
* Clean Room Design and Behaviours
* Health, Safety and Reducing Risk in Aseptic Pharmaceuticals
* Legislation, Regulations and Standards in Aseptic Pharmaceuticals
* Maintenance and Calibration in Aseptic Pharmaceuticals
This is whilst undertaking a distance learning apprenticeship delivered by an accredited external education provider.
By the end of the two years SMTs will:
* Have attained a Science Manufacturing Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship
* Be eligible to register with the Science Council
* Be able to apply for Science Manufacturing Technician roles nationally
A considerable amount of additional study will be required in the student’s own time. The successful candidate must have good time‑management skills both in and out of work due to the pressure of undertaking the qualification while being in full‑time employment. A learning contract must be adhered to at all times.
UHD is investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any service‑specific questions at interview. If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.
UHD has active networks including Women’s, BAME, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.
AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process.
To understand the role in more detail, please read the full job description and person specification documents, which are attached to this advert.
For more information on the type of work that the aseptic team does, watch:
* Meet Peter – Assistant Technical Officer
For more information on apprenticeships and eligibility criteria visit:
* https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice
This advert closes on Sunday 26 April 2026.
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