The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, is proud to announce that Maryanne Lucas, a graduate from the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, has been nominated as a finalist for the Equity Student of the Year for the North Queensland region.
This Skilling Queenslanders for Work project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government. The Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative provides a fully subsidised SIR20116 – Certificate II in Community Pharmacy training to eligible Queenslanders. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland has a longstanding involvement with the program dating back to 2016.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work provides skills development, training and job opportunities to unemployed, disengaged or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.
Prior to Maryanne’s enrolling in the course, she was made redundant due to the impacts of COVID-19 where she struggled to find employment as she didn’t have the necessary qualifications. However, after completing the course she was offered two full-time employment opportunities – one with her placement pharmacy and the other at TerryWhite Chemmart Annandale. Maryanne worked there just shy of a year.
Following a recent chat with Maryanne, she now enjoys her employment at the Townsville Hospital as a dispensary technician in the pharmacy department, with the hospital funding her HLT37115: Certificate III in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support.
Maryanne is extremely excited to be a Finalist in the Queensland Training Awards Equity Student of the Year for the North Queensland region. She strongly advocates for these courses as they provide opportunities for those in regional communities, like herself. She encourages others to apply as not only has she gained valuable skills and qualifications but a newfound sense of confidence and positivity.
Maryanne emphasises her message to those who are further along in their career.
“If you can, take the base salary and the career change. Sure, it may be difficult but it gives you a new lease on life. I took a chance after my family’s encouragement. And the rest is history. I’m enjoying my newfound confidence and I’m able to face the everyday challenges of my career change. Persevere and keep learning!”
Maryanne thanks the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training for providing the funding for the program to be delivered in the Townsville region and to The Pharmacy Guild for facilitating a great training program to the participants.
The SQW program for Community Pharmacy is currently taking expressions of interest – check your eligibility here!
