The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, is encouraging eligible job seekers in and around Brisbane and the Gold Coast to become qualified pharmacy assistants through the Queensland Government’s fully subsidised Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen, said that successful program graduates are eligible to work within Queensland’s network of almost 1,200 community pharmacies.
“South East Brisbane’s unemployment rate is 6.3%2 and 6.6%3 in the West Brisbane region – far higher than the state average of 4.9%1”, said Mr Owen.
“I’m pleased to say that many participants from the course are now working in community pharmacies across Queensland.”
“Over 85% of participants from the previous Gold Coast program, held in March this year, have successfully gained employment.”
“We are excited to be able to give people the opportunity 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.”
With only 12 places per course, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, will deliver courses in Brisbane and the Gold Coast beginning on Monday 27 June 2022.
Successful graduates will receive a SIR20116 Certificate II in Community Pharmacy and have the skills and knowledge required to meet the needs of community pharmacy patients.
Mr. Owen said that many participants have already benefited from the program. Since graduating in 2021, Dianne Grayson has excelled. 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.
“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 community know that pharmacies were 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.
“I received a job offer on my last week of vocational placement and started the next week – I love every aspect of my new role!”
“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.”
“There has been a lot of interest in previous cohorts of the Program. So far, we’ve had more than 130 Queenslanders complete the course in the last 12 months,” Mr. Owen said.
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.
