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- Tasks: Join our Pharmacy team to support patient care and gain hands-on experience in various pharmacy settings.
- Company: NHS Fife is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare to a community of 380,000 people.
- Benefits: Get paid while you study, enjoy flexible working, and access family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Develop valuable skills, earn a recognised qualification, and work in a supportive, values-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum National 5 grades in English, Maths, Biology, and Chemistry or equivalent qualifications required.
- Other info: Rotational training options available in Primary Care and Hospital services; travel may be necessary.
Do you have an interest in pharmacy and medicines? Do you want to play a part in helping to deliver high quality patient care? Do you want to develop new skills, work towards a vocational qualification and get paid to study at the same time? If you have answered yes to the above, then a Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician role beginning in August 2025 may be the perfect job for you.
Every member of our Pharmacy team has our values at the heart of everything they do within NHS Fife:
- Care and Compassion
- Dignity and Respect
- Openness, Honesty & Responsibility
- Quality and Teamwork
If your own personal values match ours then we want to hear from you. The NHS Fife Pharmacy & Medicines Directorate serves a population of approximately 380,000 people and is provided by an integrated team of around 300 Pharmacy staff who each play a part in delivering the highest quality care to everyone in Fife. As a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician you will be part of this team too, working on a rotational basis across different pharmacy settings gaining valuable experience along the way at the same time as building a portfolio of work-based evidence.
The Pharmacy Technician qualification, called the “Diploma in Pharmacy Services”, is gained through a combination of knowledge-based learning (PDA in Pharmacy Services SCQF level 7) via a blended learning format with West College Scotland or Fife College and vocational education (SVQ in Pharmacy Service at SCQF level 8) over 2 years. On successful completion of the training you will register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) in order to practice as a Pharmacy Technician. Once registered you will be eligible to apply for Pharmacy Technician roles in any one of the many pharmacy sectors.
Applicants must have the following qualifications as a minimum:
- National 5 grades A to C (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry or equivalent
- OR Modern Apprenticeship underpinning knowledge in Pharmacy at SCQF Level 7 (Including Chemistry) and SQA in Pharmacy Services SCQF level 6
- If English is not your first language, IELTS 7 is required (regulatory GPhC requirement).
Applicants must also meet the eligibility criteria for the Technical Apprenticeship Scheme as detailed by Skills Development Scotland.
Please note there are 2 training options available:
- In a Primary Care pharmacy base with the opportunity to spend time in GP practices working alongside the clinical pharmacy teams and rotations to a Local Community Pharmacy.
- In Hospital services time is spent in our core supply departments within the hospital dispensaries, stores and aseptic unit. You will also spend time in clinical areas working closely with multidisciplinary teams.
Rotations will be allocated on appointment and can be subject to change for business needs. Some travel will be required to move between settings. Applicants who are shortlisted for interview may be considered for either role.
Trainees are paid a percentage of the pay band maximum for the qualified rate which is dependent on the duration of the training period. Existing permanent employees must first discuss this opportunity with their substantive line manager. The secondment policy can be found here Hub.
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 in place a secondment agreement, from their existing board to apply for this post.
Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team.
NHS Fife is legally obliged to ensure all its employees are legally entitled to work in the United Kingdom. If you are not a United Kingdom (UK) or Irish National, you are required to confirm your right to work in your application. NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Fife welcomes applications from all sections of society.
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.
Annex 21 Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (LW) employer: NHS National Services Scotland
Contact Detail:
NHS National Services Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Annex 21 Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (LW)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with NHS Fife's values: Care and Compassion, Dignity and Respect, Openness, Honesty & Responsibility, and Quality and Teamwork. During your interactions, whether in interviews or informal chats, demonstrate how your personal values align with these principles.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current employees in the Pharmacy team for insights about their experiences. This can help you understand the role better and may provide you with valuable information to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your interest in pharmacy and patient care. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your commitment to these areas, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about your willingness to learn and adapt, especially since the role involves rotations across different pharmacy settings. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully adapted to new environments or learned new skills quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace Annex 21 Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (LW)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician role. Familiarise yourself with NHS Fife's values and how they align with your own.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant qualifications, such as your National 5 grades or any Modern Apprenticeship experience in Pharmacy. Emphasise skills that demonstrate your commitment to patient care and teamwork.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for pharmacy and patient care. Mention specific experiences that showcase your alignment with NHS Fife's values, and explain why you are interested in this training opportunity.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the healthcare field.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS National Services Scotland
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and the skills required, as well as the values of NHS Fife, such as care, compassion, and teamwork.
✨Prepare for Common Questions
Anticipate questions related to your interest in pharmacy and patient care. Be ready to discuss why you want to pursue this role and how your personal values align with those of NHS Fife.
✨Showcase Your Qualifications
Highlight your relevant qualifications, such as your National 5 grades or any apprenticeships. Be prepared to discuss how your educational background has prepared you for this role and your commitment to further learning.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the training process, opportunities for professional development, or the team dynamics within the pharmacy department.
