21 Oct
Royal Air Force
Aldergrove
Job description
What will you do?
As a Pharmacy Technician, you will provide professional medicines management and pharmaceutical advice and support to the RAF Medical Services.
Typical responsibilities include :
- Primary Healthcare : order, receive, prepare, store and dispense medical supplies and medication
- Medical Logistics : supply units with medical equipment, supplies and medication
- Maintain, coordinate and deploy medicines and medical equipment at the Tactical Medical Wing Headquarters
Minimum Education Requirements
Unqualified
You need at least 4 GCSEs at grade C / 4 or Scottish National 5 at grade C, including English, Mathematics and 2 Science subjects.
Qualified Pharmacy Technicians
Must be registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the GPhC.
Minimum Education Requirements
- You need at least 4 GCSEs at grade C / 4 or Scottish National 5 at grade C, including English, Mathematics and 2 Science subjects.
- You must be registered with the GPhC as a Pharmacy Technician
Requirements
- Be aged 16 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
- Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK / other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with right to work’ immigration status)
- Commit 12 years service
- Meet the health and fitness criteria
- Pass a Fitness test - Details below
Requirements
- Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis
- Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland,
holder of dual UK / other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status)
- Commit 27 days per year for 12 years minimum
- Meet the health and fitness criteria
- Pass a
Reserve role locations Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases.
As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important.
These are the bases where this role is active : 502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim 600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex 612 Sqn, RAF Leuchars, Fife 4626 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too.
We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours.
You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education.
The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas. 01 Phase one training Basic Recruit Training 10 weeks RAF Halton Your career will start with Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
10 weeks RAF Halton Phase one training
The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.
02 Phase two training Specialist training Ongoing DMAcad The next step is a Specialist training course that will give you a breadth of skills and knowledge across the full range of duties you may be employed in.
Ongoing DMAcad Phase two training
On successful completion the course you will return to DMAcad for a Professional Topics and Defence Medical Information Capability Programme (DMICP the computer system used in RAF Medical Centres) course, a Blood Supply and Storage course and a medical supply course, which involves both practical and written assessments : followed by a 6-week placement in a medical stores environment.
Finally, you will complete a 12-week Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC) placement under the supervision of Senior Pharmacy Technician;
you will then be given your first assignment. You will be required to complete a minimum Return of Service (RoS)
of 3 years from the date you start productive Service.
If you are joining with no qualifications as a Pharmacy Technician, your training will commence with a short induction visit to the Department of Pharmacy and Medical Supply (DPMS) at Defence Medical Academy (DMAcad) (Whittington) near Birmingham.
You will then be detached to an NHS hospital pharmacy department to undergo a two-year course leading to the award of BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians.
03 First tour Specialist training Ongoing As assigned After training your first tour will be to a unit where you can consolidate your initial training and broaden your specialist knowledge.
Ongoing As assigned First tour
This is usually at a RAF managed Defence Primary Healthcare Medical Centre.
04 Additional qualifications Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned You will also be required to complete a First Aid course at DMAcad within 12 months.
Ongoing As assigned Additional qualifications
If you are joining as a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Registered Pharmacy Technician, you will complete the First Aid course, the Professional Topics, DMICP and the Medical Supply course.
You will also undertake the placements; after which you will receive your first assignment.
05 Career progression Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned After completing one year’s total service and graduating from your training course you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist (Class 1) (AS1) Ongoing As assigned Career progression
Those already qualified will be promoted to Air Specialist (Class 1) (AS1) backdated to their second day in service. Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and Sergeant is on a time promotion basis.
06 Transferable skills Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned The qualifications you can earn are as valuable in the civilian world as they are in the RAF.
Ongoing As assigned Transferable skills
Your Continual Professional Development will keep you abreast of change and up to date with your civilian counterparts this means that whenever you decide to leave the RAF, you will be well placed to find employment in pharmacy.
prevnext TRAINING AND CAREER At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future,
as it is essential to ours.
You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
01 Phase one training Basic Recruit Training 23 days (split) RAF Halton Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC).
23 days (split) RAF Halton Phase one training
This will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
This should be completed within your first year in RAF reserves.
Throughout your training you’ll become prepared for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world.
As well as military training you’ll learn about the core values, code of conduct, and history of the RAF as well as its unique lifestyle.
02 Phase two training Specialist Training Ongoing As assigned After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.
Ongoing As assigned Phase two training
You’ll also undertake Medical Training Group Trade Management Training (MTG TMT 1) Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC) placement and a number of learning modules to bridge the gap between civilian and military practice.
03 Your commitment to us Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us.
Ongoing As assigned Your commitment to us
This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.
You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.
04 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process.
Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development
As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level.
05 Transferable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies.
Ongoing As assigned Transferable skills
The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too.
prevnext WHY JOIN THE RAF?
Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
Rent from £75p / m Free gym Subsidised food Health care World travel Training WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?
The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.
You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.
Training Free gym Subsidised food Paid pension Paid holiday COMMITMENT AND LOCATION
You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum.
Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.
You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
1 Aptitude test 2 Selection Interviews 3 Health Assessment 4 Fitness Test 5 Acceptance 6 Training 1 Aptitude test Stage 1 of 6
The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer seven multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill :
- Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information
- Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
- Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks
- Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work
- Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts
- Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts
- Memory - Ability to remember information accurately
Click to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) or try the online practice test.
2 Selection Interviews Stage 2 of 6
Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us.
Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics :
- Family life
- Education
- Work experience
- Special interests and hobbies
- Interest in the RAF
- Training
- The role you’ve applied for
- The RAF
You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards.
Some roles require a second interview and / or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in.
Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.
3 Health Assessment Stage 3 of 6
You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty.
As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.
We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role.
Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
4 Fitness Test Stage 4 of 6
A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career.
You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and includes a 2.
4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .
5 Acceptance Stage 5 of 6
Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.
This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.
6 Training Stage 6 of 6
Basic Recruit Training
This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases :
- Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number
- General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct
- Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment
- Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions
- Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities
- Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills
What next?
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF as a Reserve takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
1 Squadron information day 2 Aptitude test 3 Selection interview 4 Health assessment 5 Fitness test 6 Acceptance 7 Training 1 Squadron information day Stage 1 of 7
The first step in the application process requires you to attend a squadron information day. This is a chance for you to visit the squadron of your choice and ask questions.
You’ll get to see what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn about the trade you’re interested in.
2 Aptitude test Stage 2 of 7
The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer seven multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill :
- Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information
- Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
- Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks
- Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work
- Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts
- Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts
- Memory - Ability to remember information accurately
Click to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and try the online practice test.
3 Selection interview Stage 3 of 7
Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us.
Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics :
- Family life
- Education
- Work experience
- Special interests and hobbies
- Interest in the RAF
- Training
- The role you’ve applied for
- The RAF
You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards.
Some roles require a second interview and / or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in.
Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.
4 Health assessment Stage 4 of 7
You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty.
As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.
We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role.
Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
5 Fitness test Stage 5 of 7
A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career.
You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and includes a 2.
4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .
6 Acceptance Stage 6 of 7
If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your Squadron.
The purpose of this interview is to ensure you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.
7 Training Stage 7 of 7
Basic Recruit Training
Basic recruit training takes place at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire over a 15-day period. This residential course includes an introduction to life in the RAF Reserves, military skills training, drills, field training, and team-building exercises.
What’s next?
After basic recruit training, you will go on to receive role specific training in your spare time.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be aged between 16 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Have these minimum grades :
GCSE GCSE 2017 SNE Mathematics CGrade 4Grade 5 English Language CGrade 4Grade 5 Two science subjects CGrade 4Grade 5
Qualified Pharmacy Technicians must be registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the GPhC.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK / other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with right to work’ immigration status).
RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.
If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively.
As part of the application process you will need to do the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), which takes place at a fitness centre local to you.
▶️ Pharmacy Technician
🖊️ Royal Air Force
📍 Aldergrove