We have an exciting opportunity for a Pre-registration Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship positions within our Pharmacy Aseptic Services team
This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a specialist aseptic unit, supporting the preparation and dispensing of chemotherapy treatments for day unit and ward patients.
Key Responsibilities:
Working under the supervision of experienced professionals, you will be involved in:
Reconstitution of cytotoxic and monoclonal antibody drugs
Performing pre- and in-process checks
Supervising pharmacy assistants
Preparing worksheets and labels
Assembling drugs and consumables
Conducting environmental monitoring
Essential Criteria:
Significant prior experience working in an aseptic unit
GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English
Must have lived in the UK for at least three years
Must not be currently enrolled in another qualification
Desirable:
NVQ Level 2 / Apprenticeship in Pharmacy Services
About the Apprenticeship:
Successful candidates will undertake the Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, which includes:
Attending study sessions and completing distance learning
Engaging in 20% off-the-job training
Completing online assignments and preparing for the End Point Assessment (EPA)
On-the-job training will be provided to support you in developing the skills and competencies required for the role.
Maintain effective communication with aseptic teams across both sites, as well as with colleagues in the wider Pharmacy Department.
Liaise with the Quality Control team regarding environmental monitoring activities and results.
Communicate regularly with tutors, mentors, and administrators at West Suffolk College, as well as with external training providers, qualification assessors, and quality assurers.
Coordinate with nursing staff on the Day Units and Chemotherapy Ward to ensure timely delivery of treatments.
Engage with other Pre-Registration Science Manufacturing Technicians to share learning and best practice.
Undertake study supported by full-time work experience and structured practical instruction from qualified pharmacy practice supervisors at the base hospital(s).
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
Detailed Job Description
As a Pre-Registration Science Manufacturing Technician, you will be fully supervised throughout the two-year training contract and receive structured training to support the development of decision-making skills and professional behaviours. A key focus of the apprenticeship is understanding your scope of practice and limitations, while building strong technical and professional competencies.
Core Responsibilities:
Develop awareness of environmental monitoring action limits and the appropriate corrective measures in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and departmental policies.
Support cost-effective and efficient dispensing by identifying opportunities for multiple dispensing of extended treatment regimes, considering expiry dates and vial sharing protocols.
Assess returned cytotoxic and monoclonal medications from wards and departments for suitability for re-issue, following departmental guidelines and SOPs, including accurate documentation on the CMM system.
Contribute to stock wastage reduction by promoting the efficient use and reuse of cytotoxic and monoclonal drugs.
Liaise across sites to optimise the use of stock with short expiry dates.
Ensure adequate stock levels of cytotoxic and monoclonal medications are maintained, and that stock is rotated appropriately to minimise waste.
Systems and IT Competency:
Access and interpret patient prescriptions using Chemocare® and Aria®.
Generate worksheets and labels using Episys Ultimate®.
Use Microsoft Windows and Office applications (Word, Excel) confidently for documentation and communication.
Operate the CMM system for dispensing, stock checking, and ordering.
