The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, is encouraging eligible job seekers in and around the Gold Coast 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. This is the first time the course has been offered on the Gold Coast.
The Fundamentals of Community Pharmacy course is fully subsidised for eligible participants through the Queensland Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program. Following the delivery of seven Community Work Skills courses throughout 2021, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, will deliver a course on the Gold Coast commencing on Monday 7 March 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 Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen, said the fully-funded program offered an excellent opportunity for community members to join the respected pharmacy profession.
"We are delighted that we're able to give people a chance to participate in this Program and begin a new career path in community pharmacy," said Mr. Owen.
"I have heard many stories from participants who have endured the lockdowns and become unemployed because of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 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, gaining employment in the industry
"There has been a lot of interest in previous cohorts of the Program. So far, we've had over 150 Queenslanders complete the course in the last 12 months," Mr. Owen said.
The course is a seven-week, COVID-Safe, face-to-face course with the next cohort to take place from Monday 7 March to Friday 22 April 2022. The course incorporates 10-days of vocational placement in a community pharmacy where participants can put their learning into action and gain practical experience.
