Dis-Chem Pharmacies has opened applications for a Dispensary Support Learnership at its Farrarmere store in Benoni, Gauteng. This entry-level opportunity is ideal for unemployed South Africans who have completed Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics and Life Sciences or Physical Science and are interested in building a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Successful candidates will be employed on a fixed-term contract while completing the Basic Pharmacist Assistant Learner Programme. After successfully completing the programme and registering with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), learners may be considered for permanent employment.
Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership 2026 Overview
| Programme: Dispensary Support Learnership
| Employer: Dis-Chem Pharmacies
| Placement: Farrarmere, Benoni, Gauteng
| Employment Type: Fixed-Term Learnership
| Industry: Pharmaceuticals
| Placement: 12 August 2026
| Experience Required: Entry Level
| Salary: Market Related
About the Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership
The Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Programme provides learners with structured workplace training while completing the Basic Pharmacist Assistant Course. The programme combines practical work experience with professional learning, allowing candidates to develop the skills required to work in a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.
Once learners successfully complete the programme and register with the South African Pharmacy Council as Basic Pharmacist Assistants, they may be offered permanent employment within Dis-Chem.
Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- South African citizen
- Grade 12 (Matric) or Senior Certificate
- Pure Mathematics with at least 50%
- Life Sciences or Physical Science with at least 50%
- Ability to register as a learner with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC)
- Pass the required proficiency assessment
- Clear criminal and credit record
Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic requirements may not be considered.
What You Will Learn
During the programme learners will gain practical experience in:
- Pharmacy operations
- Medication dispensing procedures
- Stock control
- Customer service
- Pharmacy administration
- Pharmaceutical legislation
- Health promotion
- Prescription processing
- Medicine packaging and labelling
- Pharmacy ethics and professional conduct
Training takes place under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist.
Key Responsibilities
Successful learners will assist with:
- Selling Schedule 1 medicines under supervision
- Assisting with medicine preparation and dispensing
- Unpacking and merchandising pharmacy stock
- Maintaining dispensary cleanliness
- Checking medicine expiry dates
- Interpreting prescriptions under supervision
- Packing and labelling medication
- Stock management
- Following up on patient prescriptions
- Assisting with chronic medication authorisations
- Receiving pharmacy stock
- Supporting patient service activities
- Promoting health awareness
These duties help learners develop the practical skills needed to qualify as Basic Pharmacist Assistants.
Skills Required
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Good communication skills
- Customer service orientation
- Strong attention to detail
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving ability
- Professional behaviour
- Computer literacy
- Numerical ability
- Honesty and integrity
- Ability to work under pressure
Applicants must also be able to read, write and communicate effectively in English and a second South African language.
Advantageous Experience
The following will be an advantage:
- Retail or FMCG experience
- Previous Dis-Chem experience
- Knowledge of complementary medicine
- Family planning knowledge
- Experience with Unisolv
- SAP knowledge
- Electronic prescription systems
These are not compulsory but may strengthen an application.
Employment Conditions
Applicants should note the following:
- Fixed-term employment during training
- Successful completion of the learner programme is required
- Registration with the South African Pharmacy Council is compulsory
- Criminal and credit checks will be conducted
- Employment Equity principles apply
- Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Salary and Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
- Market-related salary
- Practical pharmacy training
- Structured workplace learning
- Professional supervision
- Opportunity for permanent employment after qualification
How to Apply for Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership
Interested applicants should submit their application through the official Dis-Chem Careers portal before the closing date.
Before applying, ensure you have:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified Matric certificate
- Supporting documents requested by the employer
Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete.
Best Before: 12 August 2026 Late applications may not be considered.
Why This Learnership Is Worth Applying For
The healthcare and pharmaceutical industries continue to create demand for qualified pharmacy support professionals.
Completing the Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership can help you:
- Gain recognised pharmacy experience
- Learn from registered pharmacists
- Build valuable customer service skills
- Register with the South African Pharmacy Council
- Improve long-term career prospects within the healthcare sector
- Increase your chances of securing permanent employment
For young South Africans interested in healthcare, this programme provides an excellent pathway into the pharmaceutical profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
- South African citizens with a Grade 12 qualification that includes Pure Mathematics and either Life Sciences or Physical Science with at least 50%.
Is previous work experience required?
- No. This is an entry-level opportunity designed for learners.
Will I receive training?
- Yes. Successful applicants will complete the Basic Pharmacist Assistant Learner Programme while gaining workplace experience.
Is permanent employment guaranteed?
- No. Permanent employment may be offered after successfully completing the programme and registering as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant with the South African Pharmacy Council.
Where is the learnership based?
- Farrarmere, Benoni, Gauteng.
When do applications close?
- Applications close on 12 August 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership 2026 is an excellent opportunity for Grade 12 graduates who want to begin a career in South Africa’s growing pharmaceutical sector. Through structured workplace training, mentorship and professional registration, learners will gain valuable experience that can open the door to long-term employment in pharmacy and healthcare.
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