The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, is encouraging eligible job seekers living in Brisbane and the Gold Coast regions to submit an expression of interest to undertake training supported by the Queensland Government’s fully funded Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and become a qualified pharmacy assistant.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen, said that the intake commences on Monday 27 June 2022 and encouraged those interested to submit their application as soon as possible.
“Successful graduates will receive a SIR20116 Certificate II in Community Pharmacy and have the skills and knowledge to work within Queensland’s network of almost 1,200 community pharmacies and meet the needs of Queensland patients,” Mr. Owen said.
“So far, we’ve had more than 100 Queenslanders complete the course in the last 12 months,” Mr. Owen said, “Many course graduates are now working in community pharmacies across Queensland with 85% of the Gold Coast and 80% of the Brisbane previous course graduates successfully gaining employment.
“South-East and West Brisbane’s unemployment rates are 6.3%2 and 6.6%3 respectively, which is far higher than the state average of 4.5%1”, said Mr Owen.
“Through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, we are excited to be able to give residents the opportunity for upskilling, prospective employment and potential to join the respected pharmacy profession,” said Mr Owen.
“Course graduates report positive job satisfaction after commencing employment in community pharmacy, particularly around being able to support the local community and their healthcare needs.”
Dianne Grayson successfully completed the Brisbane course in October 2021 and secured employment in a community pharmacy after graduation.
“One morning, I heard a radio interview on ABC with Chris Owen, who spoke about a pharmacy assistant course,” said Ms. Grayson, “I know that Queenslanders view pharmacies as a vital part of the community.”
“I thought this would be a great career, helping people and working in the health industry, so I applied,” said Ms Grayson.
Dianne initially became unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was looking for a new role.
“Having my career taken away from me was very difficult to deal with and presented many challenges,” said Ms. Grayson.
“If you’re thinking of expressing interest – don’t wait! I am so grateful that I took a chance by applying for the course to start my career in community pharmacy. I love every aspect of my new role!”
“With only 14 places per course and a lot of interest in previous cohorts of the Program, Brisbane and Gold Coast places are filling quickly.
The course is a seven-week, COVID-Safe, face-to-face course. It incorporates 10-days of vocational placement in a community pharmacy where participants can put their learning into action and gain practical experience.
Interested Queenslanders are encouraged to complete their expression of interest as soon as possible via the website: www.guild.org.au/cws.
