Job Description

This is a fixed term/secondment post until 01/02/2026. If you are a Hywel Dda University Health Board employee and are applying for this post as a secondment, agreement for the secondment is needed from your current manager prior to application.

The training post provides the opportunity to gain the required experience and qualification(s) needed to register as a pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Pharmacy technicians develop a high level of expertise in relation to medicines and health and they work as part of healthcare teams in hospitals, manufacturing units, community pharmacies and GP practices. They focus on management and use of medicines to make sure all types of people get the best outcomes from their medicines. They lead teams delivering medicines service.

During the two year training you will be expected to gain experience reflecting the changing and growing roles of the Pharmacy Technician.

If you are accurate, methodical, caring and interested in health and wellbeing then this could be the opportunity for you.

We are looking for forward thinking, enthusiastic, organised and motivated individuals to join our dynamic and motivated Pharmacy team at Withybush General Hospital.

The role of the Pharmacy technician is varied and interesting and continuously developing new roles, which is why we are offering this opportunity to explore this innovative role in a rotational training programme. You will gain experience in a hospital setting dispensing for In-patients and Out-patients, Purchasing and Distribution and ward-based work.

To complete the programme, candidates will need the ability and enthusiasm to undertake a modern apprenticeship training programme which will take two years to complete. This involves working full time (37.5 hours a week) in a pharmacy, building a portfolio of evidence, work-based assessment, on-line learning, study days and group work and following theGPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals. A commitment to studying outside working hours is essential as well as an ability to meet the deadlines set during your training programme.

Successful completion of the programme enables you to apply to the General Pharmaceutical Council for registration as a pharmacy technician and to apply for jobs as a pharmacy technician.

Hywel Dda University Health Board is the planner and provider of NHS healthcare services for people in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and its bordering counties. Our 11,000 members of staff provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services for around 384,000 people across a quarter of the landmass of Wales. We do this in partnership with our three local authorities and public, private and third sector colleagues, including our volunteers, through:

Four main hospitals: Bronglais General in Aberystwyth, Glangwili General in Carmarthen, Prince Philip in Llanelli and Withybush General in Haverfordwest;

Seven community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron, Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire Hospital Health and Social Care Resource Centre in Pembrokeshire;

48 general practices (four of which are managed practices), 47 dental practices (including three orthodontic), 99 community pharmacies, 44 general ophthalmic practices (43 providing Eye Health Examination Wales and 34 low vision services) and 17 domiciliary only providers and 11 health centres;

Numerous locations providing mental health and learning disabilities services;

Highly specialised and tertiary services commissioned by the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee, a joint committee representing seven health boards across Wales.

The job description attached refers to the position that you would be working towards. Those that currently hold the Level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy services, NVQ level 3 in Pharmacy services or equivalent qualificationwill not beconsidered.

To be shortlisted for an interview, candidates will need a minimum of 4 GCSEs grade A*- C (new grades 9 - 4) or equivalent including:

GCSE English at Grade C/Level 4 or above, Scottish National 5 or above, or equivalent English language evidence which can include Essential Skills Wales Communication Level 2.

GCSE Maths at Grade C/Level 4, Scottish National 5 or above, or equivalent evidence of numeracy which can include Essential Skills Wales Application of Number Level 2.

One GCSE Science at Grade C/Level 4 or above, or Scottish National 5 or equivalent.

Candidates who apply using \xe2\x80\x98equivalence\xe2\x80\x99 principles e.g. access to higher education courses, may need to complete Essential Skills Wales \xe2\x80\x98communication\xe2\x80\x99 and \xe2\x80\x98application of number\xe2\x80\x99. Proof of qualifications will be required.

You will undertake a training programme approved by the GPhC for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians. All candidates who do not already hold the qualification Essential Skills Wales \xe2\x80\x98digital literacy\xe2\x80\x99 at level 2 will need to complete this as part of the programme.

A commitment to studying outside working hours is essential as well as an ability to meet the deadlines set during your training programme. Experience of working effectively both in a team and independently and previous pharmacy experience are desirable but not essential for this post.

The successful applicant will need to attain the Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Pharmacy Technician Practice qualification within 2 years and will be appointed under Annex 21 rules. This means they will be supported by a development plan. (During the first year payment will be 70% of the top rate of band 4 pay, and the second year 75%). Support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the successful applicant.

As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.