Job Description

This post is a fixed term contract/secondment until 31/01/2028 due to funding.
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.
This post is a fixed term training contract of 24 months. 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).
Salary: Annex 21 Band 4 - 70% of top of band 4 in year one and 75% in year two.
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.
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.
Main duties of the job
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.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Interviews will be held on 08/12/2025
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

Details
Date posted
18 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
27,898 to 30,615 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
2 years
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
100-PST043-1125
Job locations
Withybush General Hospital
Fishguard Road
Haverfordwest
SA612PZ
Job description
Job responsibilities
This is a HEIW funded role for trainees only.
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 qualification will not be considered.
To be shortlisted for an interview, candidates will need a minimum of 4GCSEs 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 equivalence principles e.g. access to higher education courses, may need to complete Essential Skills Wales communication and application of number.
Proof of qualifications will be required on the day of the interview. If certificates are not provided on the day we will not be able to proceed with the interview.
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 digital literacy at level 2 will need to complete this as part of the programme.
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 the GPhC 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.
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. Job description
Job responsibilities
This is a HEIW funded role for trainees only.
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 qualification will not be considered.
To be shortlisted for an interview, candidates will need a minimum of 4GCSEs 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 equivalence principles e.g. access to higher education courses, may need to complete Essential Skills Wales communication and application of number.
Proof of qualifications will be required on the day of the interview. If certificates are not provided on the day we will not be able to proceed with the interview.
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 digital literacy at level 2 will need to complete this as part of the programme.
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 the GPhC 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.
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.
Person Specification
Language Skills
Desirable

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential

• Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade A*- C (new grades 9 - 4) or equivalent including English, Maths and one Science

Experience
Desirable

• Previous Pharmacy experience
• Experience of working effectively both within a team and independently
• Customer services experience

Person Specification
Language Skills
Desirable

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential

• Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade A*- C (new grades 9 - 4) or equivalent including English, Maths and one Science

Experience
Desirable

• Previous Pharmacy experience
• Experience of working effectively both within a team and independently
• Customer services experience

Skills Required