Dis-Chem: Dispensary Support Learnerships 2025

September 14, 2025 Ray Mat Comments 0 Comment

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Dis-Chem Pharmacies: Dispensary Support Learnership Programme 2025

Are you a dedicated, detail-oriented individual with a passion for healthcare and an eagerness to learn about the pharmaceutical industry? Do you have a strong academic background in science subjects and a drive to build a rewarding career in pharmacy? If yes, Dis-Chem Pharmacies has an exciting opportunity for you through the Dispensary Support Learnership Programme 2025.

This structured and industry-recognised programme is tailored for individuals who aspire to work in the pharmacy environment and gain practical, in-demand skills. It’s not just a job — it’s the first step toward a meaningful career in the healthcare sector.

Programme Overview

The Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership Programme is designed to provide learners with the necessary foundational knowledge and skills to support licensed pharmacists in delivering professional pharmaceutical services. This includes understanding the principles of medicine dispensing, stock management, patient service, and pharmacy ethics.

Participants will be employed on a fixed-term contract during the learnership period. Once learners are registered with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) as Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistants and have successfully completed the course, they may be eligible for permanent employment with Dis-Chem.

This opportunity is ideal for young individuals who have completed Grade 12 with science subjects and are motivated to grow their expertise within a fast-paced, customer-focused, and highly regulated environment.

Purpose of the Learnership

The primary goal of the learnership is to equip individuals with the core theoretical and practical knowledge required to function as a basic pharmacist assistant in a retail pharmacy setting. Learners will complete a recognised Basic Pharmacist Assistant qualification, gain real-world experience, and contribute to the pharmacy’s daily operations under the supervision of qualified professionals.

The programme promotes “learning by doing”, ensuring learners develop critical workplace competencies while complying with legal, ethical, and operational standards within the pharmaceutical field.

Key Responsibilities

During the course of the learnership, candidates will undertake various duties and practical training activities, including but not limited to the following:

1. Dispensing and Pharmacy Assistance

Support the sale of Schedule 1 medicines and other scheduled substances, in line with SAPC regulations and under pharmacist supervision.
Assist in the compounding, mixing, or preparation of non-sterile medicines, following authorised formulas and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Learn how to interpret medical prescriptions correctly and operate within the legal boundaries of pharmacy practice.
Gain knowledge on accurate picking, packing, labelling, and verifying of medications before final pharmacist checks.
Understand common medication dosages, potential drug interactions, and best practices in ensuring medication safety.

2. Stock and Inventory Management

Receive dispensary stock as per company SOPs, ensuring accuracy in delivery and documentation.
Participate in stock unpacking, labelling, and merchandising, ensuring the dispensary and over-the-counter (OTC) areas are well-stocked and orderly.
Monitor medicine expiry dates, report low/out-of-stock items, and ensure medicines are stored and arranged properly.
Assist in maintaining stock control of medicines from Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 substances.

3. Customer Interaction and Patient Service

Provide excellent customer service, assisting clients with medication inquiries and general pharmacy-related questions.
Follow up with patients on prescription collections, refills, and telephonic script tracking, as directed by the Dispensary Manager.
Handle call centre scripts and manage patient service calls, ensuring timely and respectful communication.
Assist in health promotion by sharing relevant information about medicine use, wellness, and preventative care.
Help with the authorisation processes for chronic medication and special disease treatments, including HIV, AIDS, and oncology treatments under medical aid schemes.

4. Operational and Administrative Support

Adhere to all company and pharmacy policies, SOPs, and regulatory guidelines issued by SAPC.
Take part in regular training, assessments, and progress reviews during the learnership.
Perform any other reasonable tasks delegated by the Dispenser or Dispensary Manager in support of pharmacy operations.

What You Will Learn

The learnership offers both academic learning and on-the-job practical experience, helping you to:

Understand the principles of pharmaceutical practice
Gain knowledge of medicines and their classifications
Learn about dosages, scheduling, and handling of medications
Master customer service techniques specific to pharmacy environments
Develop familiarity with pharmacy systems, inventory control, and ethical compliance
Understand the importance of accuracy, confidentiality, and professional conduct in a healthcare setting

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for the Dispensary Support Learnership, applicants must meet the following entry criteria:

Educational Requirements

Grade 12 (Matric) certificate is mandatory
Must have passed Pure Mathematics
Must have completed Life Sciences or Physical Sciences
Achieved a minimum overall average of 50%

These subjects provide the foundational knowledge needed to grasp scientific and numerical concepts related to pharmacy work.

Skills and Competencies

Ideal candidates should possess a variety of personal and professional traits that will enable them to succeed in this customer-driven and detail-sensitive role. These include:

Language and Communication

Proficiency in English and at least one additional South African language
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively, particularly when interacting with patients and healthcare providers

Time and Task Management

Excellent time management skills
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Strong attention to detail and accuracy

Customer Service

A helpful, patient-focused attitude
Ability to listen actively and offer suitable responses to customer concerns
Friendly, respectful, and professional conduct at all times

Teamwork and Collaboration

A team player who works well with colleagues and pharmacy staff
Willing to learn from others and follow guidance

Ethics and Responsibility

High levels of honesty and integrity
Respect for confidentiality, particularly regarding patient information
Accountable for tasks assigned and proactive in completing them

Numerical and Technical Ability

Basic numeracy and computer skills
Comfortable using point-of-sale systems and internal stock management platforms (training provided)

Why Choose the Dis-Chem Learnership?

Dis-Chem Pharmacies is one of South Africa’s largest and most trusted retail pharmacy chains, known for its commitment to quality healthcare, customer service, and employee development. As a participant in this learnership, you will:

Join a company that believes in uplifting youth through skills development
Receive on-the-job mentorship from experienced pharmacy professionals
Get exposure to real-life healthcare environments that foster growth and confidence
Become eligible for permanent employment as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant upon successful completion and registration
Develop career-ready skills in a high-demand industry

This is more than a learnership — it’s an investment in your future career, with opportunities for long-term growth in the pharmacy and healthcare sector.

Important Information

The learnership is a fixed-term contract that runs for a defined duration until registration and qualification are complete.
Learners will be required to meet performance standards throughout the programme to remain enrolled.
The programme is open to South African citizens only.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through the official Dis-Chem Careers Portal or designated recruitment channels. Ensure your application includes:

A comprehensive CV
A certified copy of your Grade 12 certificate
Certified copies of your ID and relevant documentation

Please make sure all documents are clear, valid, and correctly certified. Applications that do not meet the criteria or lack required documents may not be considered.

Submit application below

Location: Kyalami – Midrand, Gauteng

Closing Date: 17 September 2025

Apply Online for the Dis-Chem: Dispensary Support Learnership

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Closing Date: 26 September 2025

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Location: Ridgeview – Johannesburg, Gauteng

Closing Date: 11 September 2025

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Location: Paarl Mall – Paarl, Western Cape

Closing Date: 28 November 2025

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