Successful graduates will receive a SIR20116 Certificate II in Community Pharmacy and have an opportunity to work in Queensland’s network of almost 1,200 community pharmacies.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen, said the Fundamentals of Community Pharmacy course was fully subsidised for eligible participants through the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program.
“This is a fantastic initiative on offer by the Queensland Government that has been very popular right across the state,” said Mr. Owen.
“For no cost to the participants and a relatively modest investment of time, successful graduates finish with qualifications that equip them to become pharmacy assistants.
Mr. Owen said past course graduates reported increased job satisfaction after their commencement in community pharmacy, particularly around supporting the local community and their healthcare needs.
“We’re hearing stories across Australia of people re-entering the workforce for the first time in a long time, gaining new skills and qualifications and changing career paths altogether,” said Mr Owen.
“I’m pleased to say that many participants from past courses are now working in community pharmacies across Queensland.
“We are delighted that we can give people the opportunity to join the respected pharmacy profession.”
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, will deliver courses in Brisbane and Logan commencing on Monday, 22 August 2022.
Mr. Owen said that many participants have already benefited from the program.
“There has been a lot of interest in previous cohorts of the program. In just over a year, we’ve had over 100 Queenslanders complete the course,” Mr. Owen said.
The course is a seven-week, COVID-Safe, face-to-face course and incorporates 10-days of vocational placement in a community pharmacy where participants can put their learning into action and gain practical experience.
Interested participants are encouraged to complete their expression of interest soon as places are limited and sure to fill up fast. For more information about the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and eligibility criteria, visit www.guild.org.au/cws.