The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, encourages eligible job seekers in and around Toowoomba 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. Course graduates enjoy the high prospect of employment in their new field, with participants from the previous Toowoomba based Community Work Skills course benefiting from a 70% employment outcome.
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 in Toowoomba 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 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.
"In late 2021, Toowoomba's youth unemployment rate was 7%1, and the general unemployment rate was 5.7%2– far higher than the state average of 4.9%1", said Mr Owen, "I'm pleased to say that graduates from the previous Toowoomba Community Work Skills course had a 70% employment outcome."
"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.
Michelle Clay is one of those participants who completed the Toowoomba program in 2021. Michelle said that she gained a lot of knowledge and skills that she's been able to put into good use. Michelle was offered a job after doing her placement and is very thankful.
Julie Strong was another participant who has flourished from the course. Julie has wanted to re-enter the workforce since June 2020 but hadn't successfully found a position where she could utilise her existing skills. In need of assistance, Julie worked with Designer Life and the Australian Government's Career Transition Assistance and came across a Community Work Skills course advertisement. She graduated in 2021.
"Anyone who is thinking of changing careers, please consider training to be a pharmacy assistant," said Julie, "it is such an important job that really focuses on caring for people and their health."
"I was fortunate enough to secure my dream full-time pharmacy assistant role at Discount Drug Store Graceville in Brisbane."
"I feel I have such big shoes to fill, but I am learning so much and really enjoy it," said Julie, "my favourite part of the role is interacting with customers and patients, many of whom have been coming to the pharmacy for many years."
"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 Toowoomba 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.
