Pre‑Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (Post 1 and Post 2)
Location: Lynebank Hospital, Dunfermline, Fife.
Salary
Year 1: 70% of Band 4 salary (currently aligned to the Real Living Wage ~ £12.60/hour).
Year 2: 75% of Band 4 salary.
About the Role
We are looking for individuals with an interest in pharmacy and medicines to help deliver high‑quality patient care while gaining a vocational qualification and earning an income to study. The role will start in September 2026.
As part of NHS Fife’s Pharmacy & Medicines Directorate, you will work with a team of over 300 pharmacy staff across multiple settings to deliver safe, effective, and person‑centred care. As a trainee, you will rotate across pharmacy settings, build a portfolio of work‑based evidence, and gain valuable experience.
Education & Qualification
You’ll complete the Diploma in Pharmacy Services, which includes:
* Knowledge‑based learning (PDA in Pharmacy Services SCQF Level 7) via blended learning with West College Scotland
* Vocational training (SVQ in Pharmacy Services SCQF Level 8) over two years
On successful completion, you will be eligible to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and apply for Pharmacy Technician roles across NHS sectors.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following qualification routes:
Route A – Standard Entry
National 5 qualifications at Grades A to C (or equivalent) in:
* Biology
* Chemistry
* English
* Mathematics
* One additional subject
Route B – Alternate Entry (Typically Internal Candidates)
National 5 at Grades A to C in English and Mathematics, and completion of an approved Pharmacy Services SQA course that evidences learning at SCQF Level 7 (to be assessed during the application process).
Additional Requirement
If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 7 is required (GPhC regulatory standard).
Applicants must also meet the Modern Apprenticeship eligibility criteria as defined by Skills Development Scotland.
Placement Details
This fixed‑term training post is based in Primary Care, with placements at a Primary Care Pharmacy base, GP practices working alongside clinical pharmacy teams, and rotations to a local community pharmacy. Rotations will be allocated on appointment and may change according to service needs. Some travel will be required across settings, and there may be opportunities to spend time in an acute or community hospital environment.
Secondment and Eligibility
Existing permanent employees must first discuss this opportunity with their substantive line manager. The secondment policy can be found here. If you do not have approval for a secondment from your current line manager, you will not be able to progress your application for a fixed‑term post. External applicants with continuous NHS Service must also have an in‑place secondment agreement, from their existing board, to apply for this post.
Contact
To find out more or arrange an informal chat, please contact:
Michelle Jackson – Lead Pharmacy Technician Primary Care
michelle.jackson@nhs.scot
Louise Hamilton – Specialist Pharmacy Technician Primary Care
louise.hamilton3@nhs.scot
Internal Applicants
Internal pharmacy applicants who wish to discuss how their current qualifications align with the entry requirements are encouraged to speak with their line manager in the first instance.
Working Hours & Pay
As from 1/4/26, the Agenda for Change full‑time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part‑time hours will be reduced pro‑rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.
A requirement of this post is to become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme prior to appointment.
Legal Right to Work
To work in the United Kingdom, you must demonstrate relevant permission to work in the country. This is granted by the UK Visa and Immigration Service. As part of pre‑employment checks, NHS Scotland Boards will verify your entitlement to work in the UK, evidenced through a number of routes including specific visa types as well as EU settled and pre‑settled status. It is essential that you verify your right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored before submitting your application.
Support for Disabled and Diversity
We offer flexible working and family‑friendly policies and fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long‑term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.
Please note the salary is pro‑rata for part‑time hours.
Regarding AI Tools
AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can help plan and prepare your application, but your answers must be your own.
* Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
* Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
* Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI‑generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.
Tip
Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.
Equal Opportunities
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. We aim for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
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