Job summary

We are looking for a dynamic, highly motivated individual with good attention to detail to participate in a 2- year training post as an Apprentice Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician.

You will be essential to the continuing development of the pharmacy team. Working under appropriate supervision following a competence-based learning programme involving one day a week virtual training with Bradford College you will participate in the provision of a comprehensive pharmaceutical service within (WUTH).

Evenings, weekends and bank holidays as per rota. Currently 1 in 6 weekends both Saturday / Sunday and 1-2 Bank Holidays.

Salary - Apprenticeship trainee rates of pay Band 4 Annex 21

75% of Band 4 minimum in year 1 and 95% of Band 4 minimum in year 2

Year 1 75% of pay band min- £18, - Year 2 95% of pay band min- £23,

This vacancy is being advertised as an apprenticeship and as such the salary for the role if reflective of this. Those who currently hold and can evidence the essential qualifications need not apply.

Although English and Maths at level 2 is not required for the role, it is a requirement to complete the apprenticeship and need to be in place by the end of the apprenticeship.

If you do not hold or cannot evidence English and Maths at level 2 then support will be provided for the successful applicant(s) as part of the Trust's apprenticeship offer.

Main duties of the job

Apprentice Pre - Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (PTPT) duties include working under supervision and being assessed by qualified Pharmacy Technicians to provide accurately dispensed medicine supply of inpatient, outpatient and discharge medication from our fully automated pharmacy dispensary which benefits from electronic prescribing, a prescription tracking system and our near patient satellite dispensaries at ward level.

To train under supervision in assessing medication for an accurate in process and final accuracy check in accordance with standards and criteria within the BTEC qualification.

Rotate as an apprentice trainee through the pharmacy department learning the different technical roles and gain further understanding of manufacturing in our licensed pharmacy aseptic unit, making chemotherapy, parental nutrition and a range of other items.

Rotate at ward level at APH and CGH under supervision and train as an apprentice PTPT in duties including assessment of patients own drugs, carrying out patient drug histories and provision of supplies of inpatient medicines for bedside administration and the dispensing for discharge system.

The co-ordination of discharge prescriptions and counselling of patients at discharge. The communication of discharge information to patients carers and GPs.

About us

All new colleagues can expect to receive a warm and friendlyWirral welcome from the very first time they make contact withus.

We are described as "competent and caring staff" by University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust issituated on The Wirral peninsula which has a stunning coastlineand beautiful countryside surroundings, with great activities forits are one of the largest and busiest acute Trusts in the NorthWest of England, comprising of the Wirral's only EmergencyDepartment.

We provide a high quality range of acute careservices and employ over 6,000 staff, who serve a population ofapproximately 400,000 people across Wirral, Ellesmere Port,Neston, North Wales and the wider North West have approximately 855 beds trust-wide and our financialturnover is in excess of £ Wirral is easily accessible with excellent transport linksincluding motorway, train, bus or ferry and within easy reach tothe major cities of Liverpool, Chester and Manchester as wellas neighbouring North Wales.

Job description

Job responsibilities

4. Job Description

Two-year fixed term apprenticeship training post designed to give the Apprentice Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician technical experience and knowledge to be able to work towards the fully qualified job description attached as a GPHC registered Rotational Pharmacy Technician.

To achieve this it requires participation and completion of a comprehensive training and competency programme consisting of a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in the principles and practice for pharmacy technicians including a final end point assessment.

A commitment to study in your own time, approx. 8 hours per week and attendance at all internal and external study days is expected as part of this role although work-based study time will be provided to assist in completion of skills-based units only.

Posts are a 2-year fixed term contract with 1 full day release to attend virtual learning provided by Bradford College.

Applicants must have and be able to provide certified evidence at interview of 4 GCSEs at A-C (9-4) three of which MUST be in maths, English language and 1 science (see guidance below) and then 1 other subject.

Dual Science Award, applied science and access to nursing healthcare accepted) or equivalent . suitable comparability evidence must be provided for overseas qualifications (if applicable) United Kingdom National Information Centre for Qualifications and Skills (UKENIC).

The equivalency for science requirements has been an ongoing conversation with GPhC and Edexcel Pearson.

Edexcel Pearson have issued the following guidance which we are now happy to follow for entry criteria for our PTPT course -

To align our qualification entry requirements with the IET standards (other academic Level 3 Pharmacy Technician guidance on entry requirements V 2 requirements or experience equivalent to national level 2 or above) and to maintain the integrity of the qualification, we would like to clarify that the equivalency for science can be evidenced through : -

Substantial experience of working in pharmacy environment as a pharmacy service assistant in UK or Internationally, substantial experience means a minimum of two years and / or

Learners must have completed a level 2 qualification in Pharmacy and

Centres must carry out screening using one of the science related unit assignments for Level 3 qualification to satisfy that the learner can meet the science requirements at level 3

All other entry requirements remain same as stated in the specification

Functional skills level 2 can be provided by the Trust for upskilling of current NHS staff with a view to reapplying for a future post once successful.

Candidates who successfully complete the 2-year course will then be eligible to register as a Qualified Rotational Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Please note, a permanent role is not guaranteed upon the obtainment of the required essential qualifications.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Specific Experience & Training

Essential

• NVQ Level 3 in Pharmaceutical Sciences / BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent
• Must be registered with General Pharmaceutical Council of Great Britain
• Working in a pharmacy
• Pharmacy labelling and stock control systems

Desirable

• Accredited Accuracy Checker
• Hospital pharmacy experience
• JAC stock control system

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Interpret and dispense prescriptions accurately
• Good written communication skills
• Word processing, email, accurate data entry skills
• Effectively provide advice to patients regarding medicines
• IT literate
• Commitment to Continuing Professional Development

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Methodical with attention to detail
• Conscientious and reliable

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Good oral communication skills
• Organise and prioritise work
• Able to motivate self and others

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Enthusiasm for the position
• Friendly, empathetic and reliable team worker, able to relate to all staff grades
• Ability to cope in busy environment
• Self motivated

Other Requirements

Essential

• Ability to work weekends and bank holidays in accordance with departmental rotas
• Ability to carry out moderate to intensive physical effort throughout the working day and carry out concurrent activities including climbing ladders, stretching, bending and standing for long periods of time

Last updated : 2024-05-21