Job Summary
This role has been approved for advertising; however, it is also being assessed as a suitable alternative employment opportunity. As a result, the vacancy may be withdrawn or there may be a delay before shortlisting can begin.
This role is open to all applicants. However, in line with Cornwall First recruitment principles, initial shortlisting will prioritise applicants from Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and the Integrated Care Board for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We are actively recruiting 2 posts for the role of a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician which will be either a hospital-only placement or in a fixed collaboration with either a GP surgery or community pharmacy across East, West and Mid Cornwall.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified people to train as a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician. You will require at least 5 GCSE’s at Grade 4 or above to include Mathematics, English and Science (to include Chemistry or Biology). If you do not possess these qualifications and want to apply, please contact the person specified below to discuss.
Main duties of the job
Training over the 24 month period is by a combination of virtual classroom sessions with appropriate provider (Bradford College, Buttercups or other suitable educational course provider) and on the job experience at various sites, which may include GP Practice, Community Pharmacy and other secondary care organisations, following a rotational timetable, to build a portfolio towards gaining the qualification to become a certified Pharmacy Technician.
Upon successful completion of the qualification and training period, you will be eligible to register as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council. You will be supervised and assessed throughout your training and will also be expected to commit your personal time to complete the assignments and underpinning knowledge elements of these courses.
This is a full time post working 37.5 hours per week, however part time hours may be considered.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 5 GCSE’s Grade 4 or above OR equivalent including Math, English Language and Literature and one Science based subject or Double Science
Desirable
- BTEC Level 2 in Pharmaceutical Science
- Level 2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills
Additional circumstances
Essential
- Must have been living in the UK / EU for the last 3 years and hold a current National Insurance Number.
- Must meet requirements to qualify for Apprenticeship funding.
- Able to work the hours required, including weekends and bank holidays
- To be willing to work with hazardous substances such as toxic chemotherapy products and radioactive sources
Desirable
- Full UK driving licence – or working towards
Experience
Essential
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to apply theory to practice
Desirable
- Previous experience in either hospital, retail or general practice pharmacy
- Able to show evidence of interest in the work of a Pharmacy Technician
Practical & Intelectual Skills
Essential
- Good all round communication skills both verbal and written
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office and computer skills
- Ability to prioritise work and cope with meeting deadlines and manage time effectively
- Able to cope with very occasional distressing situations
Desirable
- Able to demonstrate good levels of skill related to manual dexterity
- Working with JAC or similar computer drug systems
Disposition / Adjustment / Attitude
Essential
- Able to work effectively as part of a team
- A frequent requirement for moderate bending and lifting able to push trolleys to wards and departments
- To be able to concentrate for frequent but short time frames during medicine dispensing
- Ability to work within an acute healthcare setting.
- To be prepared to travel to different work placements as per the rotational timetable.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 25 June 2026
