DIS-CHEM PHARMACIES: DISPENSARY LEARNERSHIPS 2026 / 2027 APPLY NOW
JOB OVERVIEW
Company: Dis-Chem Pharmacies
Position: Dispensary Support Learner
Category: Learnerships
Programme: Basic Pharmacist Assistant Training
Employment Type: Fixed-term position during the initial learning period
Industry: Pharmaceutical and Healthcare
ABOUT DIS-CHEM PHARMACIES
Dis-Chem Pharmacies is a pharmacy retailer operating in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector. The company provides customers with access to medicines, healthcare products and pharmacy-related services. Its dispensary environment requires employees to work carefully, follow established procedures and maintain professional standards when handling medication and assisting patients.
Dis-Chem Pharmacies has opportunities available for Dispensary Support Learners for the 2026/2027 period. This opportunity is intended for candidates who meet the academic requirements and demonstrate the ability and commitment to complete the Basic Pharmacist Assistant learning programme The learnership aims to introduce successful candidates to the fundamental principles of pharmaceutical practice, medicine dispensing and the daily operations of a pharmacy dispensary. Learners will gain practical exposure to the pharmaceutical environment while developing the knowledge and skills required to perform dispensary-related duties responsibly.
Candidates will initially be employed in a fixed-term Dispensary Support position while working towards registration with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) as learner basic pharmacist assistants. The programme is designed to combine workplace learning with the development of the knowledge needed for further professional training Permanent employment may be offered once a learner has qualified as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant. This opportunity therefore provides eligible candidates with a pathway to develop their pharmaceutical knowledge and gain practical experience in a pharmacy setting.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Successful candidates will assist with the daily activities of the dispensary under the supervision and direction of the responsible pharmacist and dispensary management. Their duties will include, but will not be limited to, the following:
1. MEDICINE DISPENSING AND HANDLING
Assist with the sale of Schedule 1 medicines and scheduled substances in accordance with applicable legal requirements and company procedures. Support the compounding, manipulation and preparation of non-sterile medicines or scheduled substances according to approved formulas and standard operating procedures. Learn to interpret prescriptions accurately and professionally while working within the applicable legal and professional requirements of the South African Pharmacy Council.
Assist with the accurate picking, packing and labelling of medication. Develop an understanding of common medication dosages and important drug interactions as part of the learning process. Ensure that medication is checked for accuracy and signed off by a pharmacist before it is supplied, as required by the relevant procedures. Handle medicines carefully and follow the instructions provided by the responsible pharmacist.
2. STOCK MANAGEMENT AND DISPENSARY ORGANISATION
Assist with unpacking incoming stock and merchandising pharmaceutical products. Maintain the cleanliness and organisation of dispensary shelves and approved over-the-counter product areas. Help manage stock relating to Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 medicines and scheduled substances. Monitor medicine expiry dates and assist with maintaining appropriate stock rotation and shelf organisation. Report low-stock levels, out-of-stock items and stock discrepancies to the dispensary manager. Receive dispensary stock according to the company’s established standard operating procedures. Help maintain an orderly, clean and well-organised dispensary environment.
3. PATIENT SERVICE AND HEALTH INFORMATION
Assist with patient service activities and respond to telephone enquiries as directed. Follow up with patients regarding prescription tracking reports when requested by the dispensary manager. Assist with patient follow-up appointments and related administrative activities. Provide appropriate health information to individuals to support health awareness and promote better understanding of healthcare products and services. Maintain professional conduct when interacting with patients, customers and colleagues. Treat patient information responsibly and follow the procedures applicable to the dispensary environment.
4. MEDICAL SCHEME AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Assist with call-centre prescriptions and patient service telephone calls. Support medical scheme authorisation processes for chronic, HIV and AIDS, and oncology medication. Assist with routine dispensary administration as assigned by the dispensary manager. Follow instructions from the responsible pharmacist and other authorised supervisors. Complete assigned duties accurately and within the required timeframes.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Applicants interested in the Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership must meet the following minimum academic requirements:
Grade 12 (Matric) is required. Applicants must have completed Pure Mathematics. Applicants must also have completed either Physical Science or Life Science. Candidates must have achieved an average of at least 50%. Meeting these requirements is essential for consideration. Applicants should ensure that their academic records accurately reflect the required subjects and minimum average The programme is intended for candidates who are capable of completing the Basic Pharmacist Assistant learning course and developing the knowledge required for dispensary-related work.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Dis-Chem is seeking candidates who can demonstrate strong communication skills, attention to detail and a responsible approach to customer service.
Language and communication
Ability to read, write and speak English. Ability to read, write and speak at least one additional language. Good verbal and written communication skills. Effective listening skills and the ability to communicate professionally with customers, patients and colleagues.
Personal and professional qualities
Strong time-management and organisational skills. Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure. Excellent attention to detail when handling medicine, stock and administrative tasks. A customer-focused attitude and commitment to providing helpful service. Problem-solving skills and the ability to respond appropriately to workplace challenges. Ability to work effectively as part of a team. Conflict-management skills and the ability to maintain professional relationships. Accountability, honesty and trustworthiness. Professional conduct and a willingness to learn from experienced pharmacy personnel. Ability to follow instructions and comply with established procedures.
Computer and numerical skills
Applicants should have basic computer skills and numerical ability. These competencies are important for supporting stock management, handling prescription-related information, completing administrative duties and maintaining accurate records.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The successful candidates will work in a pharmacy dispensary environment and assist with daily pharmaceutical operations. The role involves handling and organising stock, supporting medicine-related processes, assisting patients and completing administrative tasks Learners will be expected to follow company policies, approved standard operating procedures and applicable pharmaceutical requirements. Accuracy, cleanliness, responsible medicine handling and professional customer service will be important aspects of the position.
The role also requires learners to work under the direction of the responsible pharmacist and dispensary manager. Candidates should be prepared to learn new procedures, accept guidance and complete duties assigned to them as part of their workplace training The position is offered on a fixed-term basis during the initial learning period. The supplied vacancy information does not specify the exact working hours, location, duration of the contract or salary package.
BENEFITS AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
The Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership offers candidates an opportunity to begin developing a career in the pharmaceutical sector.
Key opportunities associated with the programme include:
Practical workplace exposure: Learners will gain experience in a pharmacy dispensary and become familiar with its daily operations. Pharmaceutical knowledge: The programme is intended to develop an understanding of medicine handling, dispensing procedures, stock control and patient service. Professional development: Candidates will have an opportunity to develop communication, organisational, numerical and customer-service skills.
Learning towards professional registration: The programme supports the process of working towards registration with the SAPC as a learner basic pharmacist assistant. Potential permanent employment: Permanent employment may be offered once the learner has qualified as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant. Applicants should note that permanent employment is not guaranteed, and the original vacancy information does not specify a salary, stipend, medical aid, leave benefits or other additional employment benefits.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements should prepare to apply through the official Dis-Chem Pharmacies recruitment process.
Applicants should ensure that they can provide accurate information about their Grade 12 qualification, Pure Mathematics results, Physical Science or Life Science results, and overall academic average.
Before submitting an application, candidates should:
Confirm that they meet all the stated academic requirements. Prepare an updated CV containing accurate educational information and contact details. Ensure that their academic records are available to support their application, if requested. Review the official vacancy advertisement for the application link, closing date, vacancy location and any additional documentation requirements. Submit their application using the official application channel specified in the advertisement. The supplied vacancy information does not include a verified application URL, closing date, specific work location or detailed submission procedure. Applicants should consult the official Dis-Chem Pharmacies careers platform or the original vacancy announcement to confirm these details before applying.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO APPLICANTS
Applicants should ensure that all information submitted during the application process is accurate and complete. Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not automatically guarantee selection Candidates should also understand that the initial appointment is a fixed-term Dispensary Support position. Progression towards registration as a learner basic pharmacist assistant and the possibility of permanent employment depend on the relevant learning and qualification process.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR PHARMACEUTICAL CAREER
The Dis-Chem Pharmacies Dispensary Support Learnership for 2026/2027 is an opportunity for suitably qualified Grade 12 candidates who want to develop practical experience and pursue further learning in the pharmaceutical environment. Candidates who meet the subject and average requirements, communicate effectively, pay attention to detail and demonstrate honesty, accountability and a commitment to patient service are encouraged to review the official vacancy details and follow the prescribed application process.
If you are interested in pharmaceutical work and are prepared to learn, follow professional procedures and support the daily operations of a dispensary, this opportunity may provide a valuable starting point for your career development.