Dis-Chem Pharmacies invites matriculants to apply for Dispensary Support Learnerships for 2026 in Randburg.
Introduction
Dis-Chem Pharmacies has opened applications for its Dispensary Support Learnership Programme for 2026, offering an entry-level opportunity for young South Africans who want to build a career in the pharmaceutical and healthcare environment. This learnership is designed to prepare learners for the Basic Pharmacist Assistant qualification while gaining structured, hands-on workplace experience in a retail pharmacy setting.
The programme is ideal for candidates who are passionate about healthcare, customer service, and professional growth within the pharmacy sector.
About Dis-Chem Pharmacies
Dis-Chem Pharmacies is one of South Africa’s leading pharmacy retail groups, known for providing accessible healthcare services, quality pharmaceutical products, and professional customer support. With stores across the country, Dis-Chem plays a significant role in community healthcare delivery and skills development.
Through structured learnerships, the company invests in developing future pharmacy professionals while maintaining strict compliance with regulatory and ethical standards.
About the Dispensary Support Learnership
The Dispensary Support Learnership is a fixed-term training opportunity aimed at learners who wish to complete the Basic Pharmacist Assistant course. During the programme, learners are employed as Dispensary Support staff while working toward registration with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) as learner basic pharmacist assistants.
Permanent employment is only considered once learners have successfully completed the qualification and are registered as Basic Pharmacist Assistants.
This learnership focuses on building both theoretical understanding and practical competence within a regulated pharmaceutical environment.
What the Learnership Will Teach You
The programme equips learners with foundational knowledge and skills related to pharmacy operations, medicine handling, and patient interaction.
Learning Areas Include
- Understanding pharmaceutical principles and dispensing environments
- Interpreting prescriptions under supervision
- Medication handling and legal compliance
- Stock control and dispensary hygiene standards
- Patient support and healthcare communication
The learnership promotes quality on-the-job learning while ensuring learners operate within approved Standard Operating Procedures.
Key Responsibilities During the Learnership
Learners will be trained and expected to perform duties under the supervision of a responsible pharmacist.
Core Duties
- Selling Schedule 1 medicines or scheduled substances
- Assisting with the preparation of non-sterile medicines according to approved formulas
- Supporting the unpacking, merchandising, and cleaning of dispensary and OTC stock
- Accurately picking, packing, labelling, and checking medication
- Ensuring all medication is checked and signed off by a pharmacist
- Managing stock cleanliness, shelf organisation, and expiry dates
- Assisting with patient follow-ups related to prescription tracking
- Supporting call centre scripts and patient service calls
- Providing basic health information to promote wellness
- Assisting with medical scheme authorisations for chronic, HIV, AIDS, and oncology medication
- Reporting low stock levels and stock discrepancies
- Receiving dispensary stock in line with company SOPs
Additional duties may be assigned by the Dispensary Manager as part of the learning process.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:
- Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics
- Physical Science or Life Science as a subject
- Minimum average of 50%
Meeting the academic requirements is essential due to the technical and regulated nature of pharmacy training.
Skills and Competencies
Successful learners are expected to demonstrate:
- Ability to read, write, and speak English and a second language
- Strong time management and ability to work under pressure
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Good communication and listening skills
- Customer-focused approach
- Problem-solving ability
- Teamwork and accountability
- Professional conduct, honesty, and trustworthiness
- Basic computer, numerical, and administrative skills
These competencies are critical for operating in a healthcare environment where accuracy and professionalism are essential.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Dis-Chem recruitment platform using the designated application option provided in the advert.
Apply Online for the Dis-Chem: Dispensary Support Learnership Programme 2026
Ensure that your CV is complete, accurate, and up to date before submitting your application.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 27 December 2025.
Conclusion
The Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership 2026 offers a structured and credible entry point into the pharmacy profession for motivated matriculants. By combining formal training with real-world pharmacy exposure, the programme prepares learners for registration as Basic Pharmacist Assistants and potential long-term careers within Dis-Chem Pharmacies.
Candidates who meet the academic requirements and are committed to professionalism, learning, and patient care are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
