Overview
Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship — a two year fixed term appointment to commence in February 2026. This role provides in-house practical training toward becoming a registered Pharmacy Technician, while studying for a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians. The appointment will rotate across inpatient and outpatient areas at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (and West Middlesex University Hospital sites). Salary is as follows: Year 1: 70% of the top of Band 4 + Inner London HealthCare Allowance (HCAS); Year 2: 75% of the top of Band 4 + Inner London HCAS. The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, with adjustments available for disabled candidates.
Place of work includes Inpatients Dispensary, Outpatients Dispensary, Distribution, Goods Receipt & Purchasing, Technical Services, Clinical Trials, Medicines Management, Medicines Information and Clinical Governance, on a rotational basis across Chelsea Hospital and West Middlesex Hospital sites. Full practical training will be provided in-house, with a competency-based programme; underpinning knowledge courses will be undertaken to work towards registration as a Pharmacy Technician.
Eligibility and Commitment
The following guidance applies: Candidates with an equivalent or higher-level pharmacy qualification are not eligible for apprenticeship funding. Candidates must be UK residents for at least three years to satisfy eligibility. Applicants should be willing to commit up to 10 hours per week of private study and participate in both academic and practical training.
Responsibilities
* Work across multiple pharmacy areas, supporting patients with medications and assisting Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians.
* Assist in manufacturing sterile products and ensuring the safe supply of medicines.
* Demonstrate patient-centered care, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to learn quickly while working as part of a busy team.
* Adhere to professional standards and contribute to a positive training environment.
Qualifications and Requirements
* Interest in pursuing a career as a Registered Pharmacy Technician; prepared to complete a BTEC Level 3 Diploma while employed.
* Willingness to undertake underpinning knowledge courses as part of the apprenticeship program.
* Good interpersonal skills and professional conduct; capable of balancing study with work commitments.
* Eligibility to work in the UK (see above) and readiness to undergo training and assessment as part of the competency-based programme.
Salary and Benefits
* Year 1: 70% of the top of Band 4 + Inner London HCAS
* Year 2: 75% of the top of Band 4 + Inner London HCAS
* Flexible working arrangements may be considered where possible.
Contract Details
* Two-year fixed term appointment to commence February 2026.
* Rotational placements across Chelsea Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital sites.
* Attendance at both academic and practical training as part of the programme.
How to Apply / Informal Visits
Karen Benjamin, karen.benjamin1@nhs.net
Elsa Ghebremariam, elsa.ghebremariam@nhs.net
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England’s top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—with award-winning clinics across North West London. The Trust employs approximately 7,500 staff serving a population of about 1.5 million, offering full clinical services including maternity, A&E, and children’s services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us Good for safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding for leadership and resource use. The Trust continually invests in facilities including significant expansions in critical care and ambulatory diagnostic services. We welcome flexible working arrangements where possible to support staff and patient needs. The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, with adjustments available for disabled candidates.
Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period. Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received.
For further details or informal visits contact: Elsa Ghebremariam, Higher Level Pharmacy Technician E&T/MM. Email: elsa.ghebremariam@nhs.net; Tel: 020 3315 8491
Seniority level: Internship
Employment type: Part-time
Job function: Health Care Provider
Industries: Hospitals and Health Care
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