Trainee Pharmacy Technician
Location: Kirkby Pharmacy, SM2 6BX Contract: Two-year fixed-term training position (NHS funded) Hours: Full time — 4 days in the pharmacy + 1 day paid study leave per week Qualification on completion: Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician, registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
About the role
Kirkby Pharmacy is looking for an enthusiastic and committed Trainee Pharmacy Technician to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn and build a rewarding, long-term career in pharmacy.
This is an NHS-funded, two-year training position. You will spend four days each week working in the pharmacy, gaining hands-on experience across all aspects of pharmacy practice, and one day of paid study leave each week to complete your coursework and formal training.
On successful completion of the programme, you will qualify as an Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician and be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) — a nationally recognised qualification that opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities across community, hospital and primary care pharmacy.
We pride ourselves on being a supportive and friendly workplace, and you will be well supported throughout the programme by our experienced pharmacists and technicians every step of the way.
What you'll be doing
Over the two years you will develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to:
- Dispense and check prescriptions accurately and safely
- Prepare and label medicines
- Manage stock, ordering and controlled drugs
- Provide excellent service and advice to patients and customers
- Support the wider pharmacy team with day-to-day operations
- Complete your formal training and assessments during your study day
Clinical skills training
As part of this programme you will also receive training in a range of hands-on clinical skills, expanding your role beyond traditional dispensing and helping you deliver enhanced patient services. This includes:
- Vaccination administration — safe preparation and delivery of vaccines, patient consultation and aftercare
- Ear examination (otoscopy) — using an otoscope to examine the ear and recognise common findings
- Blood pressure measurement and interpretation — taking accurate readings and understanding what the results mean for the patient
This clinical training will give you valuable, in-demand skills and prepare you to play an active part in delivering NHS clinical services from the pharmacy.
What we're looking for
We welcome applications from candidates who are keen to learn and build a career in pharmacy. We are looking for someone who is:
- Reliable, punctual and professional — you take pride in your work and can be trusted with responsibility
- Accurate and detail-oriented — precision matters when working with medicines
- A good communicator — friendly, approachable and able to speak clearly with patients, colleagues and healthcare professionals
- Committed to the full two-year programme — including the study and assessment requirements
- A strong team player who is also able to work on their own initiative
- Willing to learn and open to feedback in a busy pharmacy environment
- Discreet and trustworthy, with an understanding of the importance of confidentiality
Requirements: Candidates should ideally have GCSEs at grade 4/C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). A genuine interest in healthcare and helping people is essential. Previous experience in a pharmacy, retail or customer service setting is welcome but not required — full training will be given.
Why join Kirkby Pharmacy?
- A fully NHS-funded training programme with a nationally recognised qualification
- Paid study leave every week — no need to study in your own time
- A supportive, friendly team invested in your success
- The chance to build a stable, long-term career in a valued healthcare profession
- Real responsibility and hands-on experience from day one
- Good transport links and free on street parking
Kirkby Pharmacy is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Work Location: In person
