Cattedown Pharmacy, Plymouth
Full-time apprenticeship
Monday to Friday
Fixed-term contract covering the full apprenticeship
About the opportunity
Cattedown Pharmacy is looking for a motivated and dependable Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician to join our independent community pharmacy.
This is a paid, work-based training position leading to the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Integrated Apprenticeship. The programme normally takes at least two years and combines practical pharmacy experience with structured study through an approved training provider.
Following successful completion of the programme and all registration requirements, the trainee should be eligible to apply for registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) as a Pharmacy Technician.
The programme will provide experience across dispensing, medicines management, patient-facing care, pharmacy services and the wider operation of a modern community pharmacy.
We welcome applicants from different backgrounds, including school-leavers, career changers and mature candidates. Previous pharmacy experience is desirable but not essential.
Attitude, reliability, willingness to learn and a genuine interest in community pharmacy are more important to us.
About Cattedown Pharmacy
Cattedown Pharmacy is a busy independent community pharmacy in Plymouth.
We provide NHS dispensing and an expanding range of NHS and private clinical services alongside healthcare products and retail sales.
The successful candidate should understand that modern community pharmacy combines:
- Safe and effective patient care
- Excellent customer service
- NHS and private pharmacy services
- Appropriate promotion of pharmacy services and healthcare products
- Commercial awareness
- Efficient and accurate dispensing
We use Titan PMR and barcode-supported dispensing technology, giving the trainee experience within a modern pharmacy environment.
As well as traditional dispensing, our pharmacy provides a wide range of clinical services, giving the successful candidate the opportunity to see how the role of community pharmacy is continuing to develop.
What you will learn and do
With training and appropriate supervision, your responsibilities will gradually include:
- Receiving and processing prescriptions
- Assembling and labelling medicines accurately
- Communicating with patients, GP practices and other healthcare professionals
- Supporting patients at the medicines counter
- Helping identify patients who may benefit from appropriate NHS or private pharmacy services
- Promoting relevant pharmacy services and healthcare products appropriately
- Supporting stock control, ordering, deliveries, expiry-date checks and stock rotation
- Using Titan PMR and pharmacy dispensing systems
- Maintaining accurate records and following pharmacy procedures
- Supporting the safe and efficient organisation of pharmacy workflow
- Maintaining confidentiality, cleanliness and high standards of patient care
- Completing coursework, workplace assessments and portfolio evidence
- Developing medicines-reconciliation and final accuracy-checking skills as the programme progresses
- Taking increasing responsibility as your knowledge and competence develop
A strong trainee may also have opportunities to develop leadership skills, support other members of the team and prepare for greater operational or supervisory responsibilities.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for someone who:
- Genuinely wants to build a career in community pharmacy
- Is reliable, punctual and professional
- Is willing to work hard and remain committed when learning becomes challenging
- Takes responsibility for their work
- Can accept feedback and act on it
- Is proactive and willing to use their initiative
- Has excellent attention to detail
- Communicates confidently and respectfully with patients
- Can work efficiently without compromising patient safety
- Is comfortable working in a busy environment
- Understands the importance of both patient care and commercial awareness
- Is organised enough to manage employment and study together
- Works well independently and as part of a team
- Is committed to completing the full apprenticeship programme
- Can travel reliably to Cattedown Pharmacy
Previous experience in pharmacy, healthcare, retail or customer service would be advantageous.
Qualifications and apprenticeship eligibility
Applicants will normally require appropriate GCSEs or recognised equivalent qualifications, typically including:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
Entry requirements can vary between apprenticeship providers.
Appointment will also be subject to:
- Confirmation of apprenticeship funding eligibility
- Satisfactory right-to-work checks
- Suitable references
- Any other required pre-employment checks
Hours and study arrangements
This is a full-time, Monday-to-Friday position, with no routine weekend working.
Protected paid study and off-the-job training time will be provided in accordance with the requirements of the apprenticeship programme.
Study time may include:
- Live teaching
- Coursework
- Revision
- Portfolio work
- Workplace evidence
- Assessments
- Other approved learning activities
The trainee will need to be organised and committed to completing both their workplace training and academic requirements throughout the programme.
Some additional study or preparation outside contracted hours may occasionally be necessary to complete the qualification successfully.
Supervision and development
The trainee will have appropriate educational and workplace supervision throughout the apprenticeship.
Progress will be reviewed regularly, and the trainee will receive day-to-day support from pharmacists and other experienced members of the pharmacy team.
As competence develops, the trainee will gradually be encouraged to take greater responsibility within their professional scope.
Occasional attendance at another pharmacy, training venue or healthcare setting may be required to meet the needs of the programme. Reasonable notice will be provided.
Contract and future opportunities
This is initially a fixed-term position covering the full apprenticeship programme, expected to last approximately 24 months.
Successful completion of the apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee permanent employment. However, a permanent Pharmacy Technician position or further career progression may be considered depending on:
- Performance throughout the programme
- Professional conduct and reliability
- Successful completion of the apprenticeship
- GPhC registration
- Suitability for the business
- Availability of an appropriate position
Why apply?
- Earn while completing a recognised professional qualification
- Work towards becoming a GPhC-registered Pharmacy Technician
- Receive protected paid study time
- Train within a busy independent community pharmacy
- Gain experience using Titan PMR
- Develop dispensing, clinical and patient-care skills
- Gain exposure to both NHS and private pharmacy services
- Work Monday to Friday with no routine weekend shifts
- Take on increasing responsibility as your competence develops
- Potential opportunity for a permanent Pharmacy Technician role and further career progression
How to apply
Please submit your CV together with brief answers to the application questions to [email protected] or apply directly through Indeed.
Application questions:
- Why would you like to become a Pharmacy Technician?
- Why are you interested in working in community pharmacy?
- Please briefly describe any previous pharmacy, healthcare, retail or customer-service experience you have.
The vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is found.
Job type: Full-time, Apprenticeship, Fixed-term contract
Contract length: Approximately 24 months
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Work location: In person – Cattedown Pharmacy, Plymouth
Contact 07508 630 280 for more information.
Pay: £10.00-£12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
