Dis-Chem Pharmacies has opened applications for the Dispensary Support Learnerships 2026. The learnership is offered on a fixed term basis and is based in Randburg, South Africa.
The programme targets Grade 12 graduates who want to enter the pharmaceutical retail environment and work toward registration as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant with the South African Pharmacy Council.
Programme Overview
- Company: Dis-Chem Pharmacies
- Programme: Dispensary Support Learnerships 2026
- Programme type: Learnership
- Contract type: Fixed term
- Location: Randburg, South Africa
- Qualification outcome: Basic Pharmacist Assistant
- Regulatory body: South African Pharmacy Council
- Target group: Matriculants with science subjects
- Closing date: 27 December 2025
About Dis-Chem Pharmacies
Dis-Chem Pharmacies is one of South Africa’s largest retail pharmacy groups, operating dispensaries, clinics, and retail health stores across the country. The group plays a key role in primary healthcare access, medicine dispensing, and patient support.
The company focuses on regulated pharmaceutical services delivered through trained professionals working under strict legal and ethical standards. Learnerships form part of Dis-Chem’s workforce development pipeline in the dispensary environment.
About the Dispensary Support Learnership
The Dispensary Support Learnership is designed to train learners toward the Basic Pharmacist Assistant qualification. Learners are employed in a Dispensary Support role while completing the required training and practical exposure.
During the learnership period, learners work under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Permanent employment is only considered once the learner qualifies and is registered with the South African Pharmacy Council as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant.
The programme focuses on regulated medicine handling, patient interaction, and dispensary operations.
What the Learnership Covers
The learnership equips learners with foundational knowledge of the pharmaceutical environment and regulated dispensing practices.
Training focuses on:
- Principles of medicine scheduling and legal compliance
- Dispensary operations and workflow
- Patient service and communication
- Accuracy and safety in medicine handling
- Quality on the job learning under professional supervision
Key Responsibilities
Learners perform duties under the guidance of a responsible pharmacist and dispensary management.
Responsibilities include:
- Sale of Schedule 1 medicines or scheduled substances
- Assisting with compounding, manipulation, or preparation of non sterile medicines according to approved formulas and standard operating procedures
- Unpacking, merchandising, and cleaning of dispensary and OTC shelves
- Supporting accurate interpretation of prescriptions within legal and professional guidelines
- Picking, packing, labelling, and checking medication under pharmacist supervision
- Ensuring all medication is checked and signed off by a pharmacist
- Assisting with stock control, shelf organisation, and expiry date management for Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 medicines
- Following up with patients regarding script tracking and appointments
- Assisting with call centre scripts and patient service calls
- Providing health related information to promote wellness
- Assisting with scheme authorisation for chronic, HIV and AIDS, and oncology medication
- Reporting low or out of stock levels and stock errors
- Receiving dispensary stock according to company standard operating procedures
- Performing additional duties assigned by the Dispensary Manager
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet all requirements listed below.
- Grade 12 certificate
- Pure Mathematics
- Physical Science or Life Science
- Minimum average of 50 percent
Skills and Competencies
Dis-Chem looks for learners who demonstrate the following skills and attributes.
- Ability to read, write, and speak English and a second language
- Strong time management and ability to work under pressure
- High attention to detail
- Clear communication and listening skills
- Customer service focus
- Problem solving ability
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Conflict management skills
- Professional conduct and accountability
- Trustworthiness and honesty
- Basic computer and numerical skills
Work Environment and Expectations
Learners work in a regulated healthcare environment where accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance are critical. The role requires standing for extended periods, working with patients, and handling scheduled substances under supervision.
The learnership requires commitment to training, workplace discipline, and adherence to pharmacy laws and internal procedures.
Career Path After Completion
Learners who successfully complete the programme and register with the South African Pharmacy Council as Basic Pharmacist Assistants may be considered for permanent employment at Dis-Chem.
The qualification also creates entry into the broader pharmaceutical retail sector, with potential progression through further training and experience.
Who Should Apply
This learnership suits candidates who:
- Want to work in a pharmacy environment
- Are interested in healthcare and medicine dispensing
- Are comfortable with structured rules and legal compliance
- Want a long term career in pharmaceutical retail
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official Dis-Chem careers platform.
Apply Online for the Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership Programme 2026
