Job Description

Are you looking to kick-start your career in Pharmacy? Or perhaps you already work in pharmacy and want a new challenge?
If you are a motivated, self-driven and organised individual with a passion for patient care, we want to hear from you.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join our Level 3 Trainee Science Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship programme where you will gain hands on experience in our pharmacy aseptic service. Training will be completed through a combination of traditional academic learning where you will be supported to complete the theoretical and academic assessments and work-based learning where you will gain practical experience and develop professional skills and behaviours.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will gain a formal professional qualification and be able to register with the Science Council as a Science Manufacturing Technician.
We have 2 posts available at Musgrove Park Hospital Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
Please visit the link below which will take you to our education providers website for full details on the course:
Skills 4 Pharmacy - Science Manufacturing Technician (SMT) -- Pharmaceutical | Skills4Pharmacy
Minimum qualification requirements and apprenticeship eligibility criteria apply to this post and evidence of meeting the criteria and certification must be produced at interview.
Main duties of the job
As part of your apprenticeship the topics that you will learn include:

• Aseptic Manufacture and Preparation Processes
• Health, Safety and Reducing Risk in Aseptic Pharmaceuticals
• Legislation, Regulations and Standards in Aseptic Pharmaceuticals
• Maintenance and Calibration in Aseptic Pharmaceuticals

You will participate in the day to day routine activities of the aseptic unit working in a team of other Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technician's and Pharmacy Assistants to assist in the provision of the aseptic preparation service, the safe and efficient provision of aseptic chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies products to patients in the Trust.
Validation and training activities carried out in areas such as aseptic dispensing of products.
Please note that this advertised vacancy does not meet the UKVI eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa and therefore SFT would not be able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Details
Date posted
10 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
23,809.50 a year Annexe 21 or Band 3 pay protect offered to existing NHS contracts
Contract
Apprenticeship
Duration
2 years
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
184-OL-YE-3448
Job locations
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this job role please read the attached job description and person specification.
When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
For full details on the apprenticeship - please read the attached information and visit their website - skills-4pharmacy.co.uk or email : info@skills-4pharmacy.co.uk or call 0161 7940528
SCIENCE Manufacturing Technician Level 3
Our Level 3 SMT apprenticeship is an 18+ month programme with weekly live teaching sessions that provide eligibility for learners to register with the Science Council on qualification.
Throughout the programme learners will gain essential skills and knowledge including
Aseptic manufacture and preparation processes
Health, safety and regulatory standards in aseptic pharmaceuticals
Quality Assurance processed and documentation
Aligned to IfATE standard ST1406, learners will study for a Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing, accredited by Open Awards (see attached information sheet).
You will need to meet the eligibility and enrolment criteria, Qualification certification will be required and you MUST be a UK resident or hold the right to remain/work in the UK - which has been held for the past 3 years and will also cover the full 2 years of the apprenticeship.
**Please note that this advertised vacancy does not meet the UKVI eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa and therefore SFT would not be able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.**
Minimum qualification requirements and apprenticeship eligibility criteria apply to this post and must be evidenced at interview.
Annex 21 salary offered is based on 70% of the top of Band 4 in Year 1 and 75% in Year 2, or age related National Minimum Wage (NMW), whichever is higher. Band 3 pay protection would apply for candidates with pharmacy experience already employed on NHS contracts. Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this job role please read the attached job description and person specification.
When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
For full details on the apprenticeship - please read the attached information and visit their website - skills-4pharmacy.co.uk or email : info@skills-4pharmacy.co.uk or call 0161 7940528
SCIENCE Manufacturing Technician Level 3
Our Level 3 SMT apprenticeship is an 18+ month programme with weekly live teaching sessions that provide eligibility for learners to register with the Science Council on qualification.
Throughout the programme learners will gain essential skills and knowledge including
Aseptic manufacture and preparation processes
Health, safety and regulatory standards in aseptic pharmaceuticals
Quality Assurance processed and documentation
Aligned to IfATE standard ST1406, learners will study for a Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing, accredited by Open Awards (see attached information sheet).
You will need to meet the eligibility and enrolment criteria, Qualification certification will be required and you MUST be a UK resident or hold the right to remain/work in the UK - which has been held for the past 3 years and will also cover the full 2 years of the apprenticeship.
**Please note that this advertised vacancy does not meet the UKVI eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa and therefore SFT would not be able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.**
Minimum qualification requirements and apprenticeship eligibility criteria apply to this post and must be evidenced at interview.
Annex 21 salary offered is based on 70% of the top of Band 4 in Year 1 and 75% in Year 2, or age related National Minimum Wage (NMW), whichever is higher. Band 3 pay protection would apply for candidates with pharmacy experience already employed on NHS contracts.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Literacy and Numeracy to be demonstrated
• Eligibility and Enrolment criteria essential

Desirable

• GCSE grade 4 in English, Maths and Science
• Level 2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills or equivalent

Experience
Essential

• Experience of team working

Desirable

• Experience of working in a hospital environment

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Literacy and Numeracy to be demonstrated
• Eligibility and Enrolment criteria essential

Desirable

• GCSE grade 4 in English, Maths and Science
• Level 2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills or equivalent

Experience
Essential

• Experience of team working

Desirable

• Experience of working in a hospital environment

Skills Required