The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, is encouraging eligible job seekers in and around Brisbane to become qualified pharmacy assistants via the Queensland Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and work in Queensland's network of almost 1,200 community pharmacies.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen, said that the Fundamentals of Community Pharmacy course was fully subsidised for eligible participants through the Queensland Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program.
"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 South East Queensland."
"We are delighted that we can give people the opportunity to join the respected pharmacy profession."
Course graduates report positive job satisfaction after their career change, particularly around being able to support the local community and their healthcare needs.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, will deliver a course in Brisbane commencing on Tuesday 3 May 2022.
On successful completion of the course, participants will receive a SIR20116 Certificate II in Community Pharmacy and gain the skills and knowledge required to meet the needs of community pharmacy customers and patients.
"The Fundamentals of Community Pharmacy course has provided them with a unique opportunity to retrain and upskill to become a pharmacy assistant and help their local community."
Mr. Owen said that many participants have already benefited from the program.
Dianne Grayson has flourished since completing the course. Dianne became unemployed due to COVID-19 and she was looking for a new role. She graduated in 2021.
"Having my career taken away from me was very difficult to deal with and presented many challenges."
"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," said Ms. Grayson, "So I applied." "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 over 100 Queenslanders complete the course in the last 12 months," Mr. Owen said.
The next Brisbane cohort is from Tuesday 3 May 2022 to Friday 17 June 2022. The course is a seven-week, COVID-Safe, face-to-face course. The course incorporates 10-days of vocational placement in a community pharmacy where participants can put their learning into action and gain practical experience.
