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Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician

NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service

Band 4 annex 21 | 37 hrs/week

B4 annex 21 salary is based on 70% year1 and 75% year2 of B4 pay scale -£30,353 - £33,016* (see info below)

(Including weekend and public holiday rota commitments)

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to train as a Pharmacy Technician within NHS Lothian?

Join our dynamic team and take the first step in your pharmacy career with a structured two-year training programme leading to professional registration as a Pharmacy Technician

About the Role.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to join our Pharmacy Services Teams within NHS Lothian on a 2-year Technical Apprenticeship programme, which will result in you being eligible to apply to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to become a registered Pharmacy Technician.

As a pharmacy technician, you’ll prepare and dispense medicines safely and carry out accuracy checking to guarantee they are safe to take. You’ll also speak with patients and manage their supply of medicines, while keeping a record of their medicine history.

You will rotate in clinical and technical areas to gain skills across all these areas. Your main tasks will include (roles vary depending on the sector you work in):

• Reviewing and recording medicines.
• Providing advice on how to take and store medicines safely.
• Take medication histories and assess medications are safe to use when patients transfer through different care sectors.
• Recording, analysing and interpreting data.
• Monitoring, ordering and taking stock of medicines received from pharmacy suppliers.
• Preparing patient-specific medication for administration via parenteral routes for treatment and diagnostic purposes.
• Working in a variety of settings – cleanrooms (Aseptic facilities), dispensary, stores/distribution and ward/clinic/GP practice settings.

Why Join Us?

NHS Lothian’s Pharmacy & Medicines Service is dedicated to delivering clinically led, person-centred services to ensure patients receive the best care possible. We are focused on creating an environment where every team member has the opportunity to flourish, develop, and make the best use of their skills.

As one of Scotland’s four teaching Boards, NHS Lothian has strategic partnerships with local Universities, Local Authorities, and four Integration Joint Boards, ensuring a strong focus on learning and professional development. Our training sites include major hospitals throughout Lothian as well as primary care settings across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

As part of this recruitment, posts will be available at the following sites/HSCPs.

Royal Edinburgh Hospital

East Lothian Community Hospital

Primary Care – Southeast Edinburgh HSCP

Please note that due to the volume of recruitment, the start dates on associated courses will be staggered. All successful candidates, however, will be employed within the service from early March 2026.

Shortlisted applicant will be asked for their location/sector preference, we will endeavour to match candidates based on preference, but you may be offered an alternative location/sector.

What will you learn?

• You will study to gain the Diploma - Pharmacy Services SCQF Level 8 – this qualification consists of a knowledge-based PDA award completed through day-release at college, and a competency-based SVQ Group Award completed in the workplace.
• Establish a rapport with the multidisciplinary team and gain the confidence of the patients and their families.
• Managing self within a complex dynamic clinical environment.
• Maintaining skill and knowledge level in technical and clinical competencies and core skills.
• How to address the equality and diversity needs of patients and staff.

About you.

We are looking for someone with: Please ensure you provide your complete academic history. It is essential that we can clearly identify the specific qualification requested in the advert. For example, if you hold a degree, we need to know whether it includes the required subject (e.g., Chemistry), as this may not be obvious from the degree title alone.

• National 5 (Grade A-C) or above in English, Maths, Chemistry and Biology SCQF Level 5 or Completion of Access to Pharmacy Services (SCQF Level 5), NC Pharmacy Services, or NC Applied Science (Biology or Chemistry).
• Eligible access routes: Route to Careers in Pharmacy SCQF Level 6/Preparation for Clinical Practice SCQF Level 6, Modern Apprenticeship Pharmacy Services (Knowledge and SVQ programme) SCQF Level 6
• If English is not your first language, IELTS 7 is required (regulatory GPhC requirement).
• Age 16 and above, no higher age limit.
• Effective team player and good interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to completing the Apprenticeship Programme.
• Ability to carry out delegated responsibilities within a dynamic clinical environment.
• A strong alignment with NHS Lothian’s values and a willingness to contribute to our dynamic team.
• 
  Please note this is a Trainee post, therefore Annex 21 applies.

For trainees covered by Annex 21 where the period of training lasts for between one and four years, pay will be as follows:

• up to 12 months prior to completion of training: 75 per cent of the pay band maximum of the fully qualified rate;
• more than one but less than two years prior to completion of training: 70 per cent of the pay band maximum of the qualified rate of the qualified;
• more than two but less than three years prior to completion of training: 65 per cent of the pay band maximum for the qualified rate.
• more than three years from completion of training: 60 per cent of the pay band maximum of the fully qualified rate.

For further guidance on Annex 21 – please follow this link: Annex 21 – Arrangements for pay and banding of trainees

Please note that all Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician posts are not eligible for sponsorship through the skilled worker route.

NHS Lothian is not currently in a position to support an international applicant through any of the training/assessments that will be required for them to gain entry onto the relevant professional register. This needs to be undertaken by the individual in advance of applying for a post where professional registration is required. This applies to all international recruitment.

About NHS Lothian

At NHS Lothian, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce. Serving a population of 900,000, we are the second-largest health system in Scotland and home to one of its four teaching boards. Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience we’re looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification. However, we understand that there's only so much a job pack can convey. If you’d like to learn more about this exciting role, the team you’ll be joining, or the opportunities available, we warmly encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager. This is a great chance to have an informal discussion, ask questions, and explore how this role aligns with your career goals.

Reach out to:

Maree Lock, Senior Pharmacy Technician ( 0131 537 1229) Education, Research and Development Team maree.lock@nhs.scot

Susan Menzies, Lead Pharmacy Technician ( 0131 537 1229) Education, Research and Development Team susan.menzies2@nhs.scot

Start the conversation today — we’d love to hear from you!

Please quote Job Train ref: 235411

Closing Date for Applications: 29th December 2025

Please note – we expect a high volume of applicants for this post and in this instance, the advert may close early, so please don’t delay in applying if you are interested.

The recruitment process will consist of various stages, all of which are mandatory. If shortlisted, you will be required to attend the following dates and sessions: