Trainee Science and Manufacturing Technician - Apprenticeship
NHS AFC: Band 4
Main area Pharmacy Grade NHS AFC: Band 4 Contract Fixed term: 2 years (Apprenticeship) Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 361-8241956-C
Site Lister Hospital Town Stevenage Salary £28,392 - £31,157 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 13/11/2026 23:59
Here at East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust
Our mission is: Providing high-quality, compassionate care for our communities
Our vision to 2030 is: To be trusted to provide consistently outstanding care and exemplary service
Our values - We want our staff to believe in, demonstrate and live our values in everything we do. Our values are:
- Include We value the diversity and experience of our community colleagues and partners, creating relationships and climates that provide an opportunity to share, collaborate and grow together.
- Respect We create a safe environment where we are curious of the lived experience of others, seek out best practice and are open to listening and hearing new ideas.
- Improve We are committed to consistently delivering excellent services and continuously looking to improve through a creative workforce that feels empowered to act in service of our shared purpose.
Job overview
Are you interested in science, healthcare and medicines? East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust is offering an exciting opportunity to join our Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit as a Trainee Science and Manufacturing Technician while undertaking a fully supported Level 3 Science and Manufacturing Technician (SMT) qualification.
This two-year apprenticeship-style role combines practical workplace experience with specialist training, allowing you to develop the knowledge and skills required to become a registered SMT. You will work alongside experienced pharmacy professionals in a highly specialised environment, supporting the preparation and supply of chemotherapy and other medicines used to treat patients across the Trust.
See Job description for Key responsibilities .
We are looking for motivated individuals with GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics and Science, strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills, and a commitment to learning. Pharmacy experience is desirable but not essential.
Please note salary: Year 1 is 70% of top of band 4 and year 2 is 75% of top of band 4
At the heart of everything we do are our core values: Include , Respect , and Improve . We encourage you to embrace these values throughout the recruitment process and in your role with us.
Main duties of the job
This is an excellent opportunity to start a rewarding career in NHS pharmacy manufacturing, contributing directly to patient care while gaining a recognised professional qualification within a supportive and innovative teaching NHS Trust.
Requirement to attend study days weekly. Successful completion of the qualification will enable you to be registered as a Science Manufacturing Technician. You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs A*-C (or equivalent 9-5) grade which must include Maths, English, Chemistry and Biology (double science accepted).
To assist with the provision of pharmaceutical services to the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.
To undertake the Science and Manufacturing Technician Level 3 qualification to become a qualified registered Science and Manufacturing Technician ensuring all course deadlines are met.
To participate in providing a comprehensive pharmacy service whilst following a structured training programme.
To work with pharmacists and technicians to ensure patients treated within Lister Macmillan Cancer Centre (LMCC) receive the best possible drug treatment, delivered safely and with a good patient experience.
To utilise isolator technology and clean room facilities to safely prepare and label chemotherapy medicines/ extemporaneous medicines for human use.
Act as an in-process checked (require accreditation)
Dispense individual chemotherapy doses using “batch” product.
Working for our organisation
At East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, we are proud of the range of general & specialist services we provide & our 6,000 or so dedicated staff ensure our patients get the best care. Our ability to be flexible & innovative in the way in which we work and deliver our services to our catchment has never been more important than it is now.
We run the following hospitals:
- The Lister Hospital, Stevenage
- New Queen Elizabeth II (New QEII), Welwyn Garden City
- Hertford County, Hertford
We have ambitious plans to become an outstanding, patient-led Trust where dedicated staff provide high-quality, compassionate care to our patients. We continue to undergo significant transformation; our staff & patients are at the heart of delivering this ambitious agenda.
We understand that finding and starting a new job is an important life decision. If you need reasonable adjustments for a disability, or a life event, such as menopause - so that we can consider your application fairly & to get the best out of you during the selection process, please let us know.
We are committed to a positive work life balance for our employees. Employees are entitled to seek to work flexible working patterns & we are committed to listen and consider all requests. Such requests, of course, have to be made & considered formally, & will need to be balanced against service needs, but our starting point will always be to find ways to support making them happen.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification applicant pack for further detailed information regarding this role.
Person specification
Qualifications/Training
- 5 GCSEs/or equivalent at grade A* - C or 9-5 (must include Mathematics, English Language and Science)
- Ability to complete the Science and Manufacturing Technician qualification in the 2 year timeframe
- NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent
- A Levels or equivalent
Previous Experience
- Teamwork
- Pharmacy experience (hospital or community)
- Experience of training others
Other Requirements
- Understanding of, and commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion
- Role model our Trust values every day
- Commitment to study outside of working hours
- Physically able to carry out isolator manipulations
Knowledge
- Awareness of Science and Manufacturing Technician job role
- IT skills, including Microsoft Words and Excel
Skills
- Accurate
- Able to use initiative; proactive and self motivated
- Good time management
- Able to perform under pressure
When you apply...
Please note we do not offer visa sponsorship for roles unless clearly stated in our adverts. This means even if you have the right to work currently but will require a new sponsorship to work for our Trust your application will not be considered.
Vacancies may close earlier than the advertised closing date where a high volume of applications are received. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out on the opportunity to join the Trust or develop your career with us.
While we recognise that AI can support in drafting an application, you are encouraged to clearly demonstrate your personal skills, experience and behaviours that align with the role, and this is usually best done in your own words. We reserve the right to review all applications for the use of AI tools and where this is inconsistent with our values and standards of behaviour your application may be rejected
All correspondence relating to vacancies will be via the e-mail address you have provided on your application form. Some servers automatically send e-mails to your junk mail so please check as well as your inbox.
We are committed to fair, transparent and ethical recruitment. We will never ask applicants to pay fees at any stage of the recruitment process. All vacancies are advertised on our Trust Careers webpage and NHS Jobs, with applications managed through TRAC. We will only contact applicants through our official recruitment channels and Trust contact details.
Secondments/Fixed term
Where a vacancy is advertised as a temporary position, the duration will be specified in the advert. If the vacancy becomes permanent towards the end of the specified duration, the successful applicant may not be required to re-apply and can be slotted into the role on a permanent basis if appropriate.
If you are an internal applicant applying for a temporary working arrangement, please see the attached notes on secondments.
Committed to our Community
East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion for all job applicants, staff, patients and the wider community. We want to create a workforce which represents the communities we serve. We are on a journey to become a more inclusive organisation and we welcome applications from everyone regardless of their background. In particular we encourage applications from candidates with disabilities, and candidates from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds who are currently under-represented in various parts of our workforce .
We understand the importance of balancing work and home life. We are committed to support flexible working for our staff wherever possible and all our employees are given the opportunity to discuss potential for flexible working.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and achieved our status in 2019.
We will remove barriers that prospective candidates might face at any stage of our recruitment process. If you have a disability and would like the advert in an alternative format, or would like to talk about how we can adjust the interview process to best support you, please contact us by emailing resourcing.enh-tr@nhs.net
We are also proud to support our UK armed forces by supporting Reservists, Cadet Instructors, Veterans and military spouses/partners into employment and offering supportive policies that value their contribution to the community and to our Trust.
We are committed to being a carer-friendly environment, addressing the complex needs of families with caring responsibilities. In partnership with Carers in Hertfordshire, all our working carers have access to support from recruitment. We are also a member of Carers UK, providing resources to make balancing work and caring easier. Our approach is inclusive, recognizing diverse challenges and creating a supportive environment where carers feel valued.
King's Trust Support
If you’re aged between 16 and 30 years-old, you can get FREE employability support from The King’s Trust. The King’s Trust will help build your CV and cover letter, offer advice and top tips for future interviews and support you with research about working in the NHS. Please contact Enquiries.H&SC@princes-trust.org.uk for support.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenses Act 1974 (exceptions) Order 1975 (amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Name Edward Foster Job title Pharmacy Technician Specialist Technical Services Email address edward.foster1@nhs.net Telephone number 01438285394 Additional information
Chloe Chapman, Pharmacy Technician Specialist, Education and Training, Lister Hospital on (01438) 284032.
Clare Baverstock, 01438 284032
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Trainee Science and Manufacturing Technician - Apprenticeship in Stevenage employer: Enherts Tr
East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As a part of the Temporary Staffing – Doctors team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery while enjoying flexible working arrangements and access to comprehensive training programmes. Located in a vibrant community, the Trust fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in the NHS.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Science and Manufacturing Technician - Apprenticeship in Stevenage
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✨Reach Out Directly to Companies
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✨Utilise College Resources
If you're studying, tap into your college’s career services for leads on manufacturing apprenticeships. They often have connections with local businesses and can help you polish your application to stand out. And remember, applying through our website can give you a leg up on the competition for positions at Enherts Tr!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing and production sector, we want to see your hands-on skills. Make sure your CV lists any relevant technical abilities or tools you’ve worked with, like machinery or software specific to production processes. This is your chance to shine a light on any experience you already have, even if it’s just in class or through a hobby!
Highlight Your Commitment to Learning:As this is an apprenticeship, emphasising your eagerness to learn is crucial! In your cover letter, mention specific areas of manufacturing you're excited to learn about, and why you're passionate about joining Enherts Tr. Show us you’re ready to dive into the practical world of production!
Include Relevant Qualifications:List any qualifications or certifications related to manufacturing—think health and safety, technical courses, or even basic engineering principles. It can help set you apart from others and show you come prepared and informed about the industry standards!
Keep It Relevant and Concise:When applying for an apprenticeship, make sure your documents are straightforward and relevant. Focus on your most pertinent experiences and avoid clutter. Remember, humility goes a long way—if you've worked on projects, even in a school setting, don’t hesitate to include those to reflect your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Enherts Tr
✨Get Hands-On with Machinery
Since you're eyeing an apprenticeship in manufacturing-production, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the tools and machinery related to the role. We should brush up on our basic mechanical skills and be ready to talk about any hands-on experiences we've had, like school projects or part-time work that involved manual tasks.
✨Show Your Understanding of Safety Protocols
Safety is paramount in manufacturing, so be prepared to discuss health and safety protocols relevant to the industry. We can expect questions focusing on how to maintain a safe working environment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard awareness—making sure we articulate our understanding can really impress the interviewers at Enherts Tr.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, they’re looking for enthusiasm and the willingness to absorb knowledge. Let’s be prepared to discuss how we’ve approached learning new skills in the past, showing we’re ready to embrace the learning curve that comes with this exciting opportunity at Enherts Tr.
✨Research Typical Production Processes
It might help us to know a thing or two about basic manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, quality control checks, and production scheduling. We could bring examples of these processes from our research or coursework to showcase our interest and understanding of the field during the interview.
