Trainee Dispenser

About the role

Boots is hiring a Trainee Dispenser to join its in-store pharmacy team in Colchester. In this position, you will work alongside the pharmacist and other healthcare colleagues to help deliver pharmacy and healthcare services safely and efficiently. While completing the NVQ2 Dispenser training, you will gain hands-on experience in the healthcare area of the store, build trusted relationships with patients, and support them with advice, prescriptions, and medicines-related queries.

The role is based in a UK store and cannot be carried out remotely. Applications from outside the UK will only move forward if the candidate can provide relevant UK qualifications and proof of the legal right to work in the UK.

The hourly pay for this position is £13.12, rising to as much as £15.10 in selected London locations.

What you will do

• Work through the Pharmacy Advisor NVQ2 training programme and complete the required learning.
• Handle prescription dispensing tasks such as ordering medicines, labelling, preparing, endorsing, and handing over prescriptions.
• Support pharmacists and healthcare colleagues in running and delivering pharmacy services.
• Offer guidance to patients on medicines and direct queries to the pharmacist when needed.
• Follow standard operating procedures to ensure prescriptions are dispensed safely and lawfully.
• Stay current with in-store updates, new tools, and operational processes.
• Help patients manage repeat prescriptions, use their medicines effectively, and reduce waste while improving adherence.
• Work with evolving store technology and new systems that improve dispensing processes and patient safety.
• Take part in ongoing training and development opportunities, including pathways toward Pharmacy Technician or store leadership roles.

What you need

• A strong willingness to learn and complete the Dispenser training programme (NVQ2).
• Valid UK right to work.
• Note that this position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
• Experience in community pharmacy would be an advantage.

Benefits

• Discretionary Christmas gift payment.
• Staff discount at a generous level.
• Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, plus a gift card for employees expecting or adopting a child.
• Flexible benefits scheme.
• Access to free, round-the-clock counselling and support through TELUS Health as part of the Employee Assistance Programme.

Additional information

Boots says it offers a broad benefits package beyond the items listed above. Salary estimates shown on third-party websites are not provided or endorsed by Boots and may be inaccurate.

The company describes itself as a workplace that values care, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. It aims to create an environment where colleagues can be themselves and reach their full potential, and it promotes equal opportunity and a diverse workforce.

After application review, shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview with the hiring manager. If the role is advertised as full-time, part-time and job-share arrangements may still be discussed during the hiring process. Reasonable adjustments can be provided for candidates who need support during the application or interview stages.

A successful offer is followed by a pre-employment screening check. Depending on location, this may include a DBS, PVG, or Access NI check. Boots also operates a Ban the Box approach and reviews applicants with criminal convictions individually.

No prior experience is required, and full training will be provided.