New year, new career: residents in Brisbane and Ipswich encouraged to consider becoming pharmacy assistants!

“Eligible job seekers in and around Brisbane and Ipswich have a great opportunity to start the new year becoming 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,” said Mr. Owen.

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 10 courses throughout 2022, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, will deliver a course in Brisbane and Ipswich commencing on Monday 16 January 2023.

Upon successfully completing 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 patients.

Mr. Owen said the fully-funded program offered an excellent opportunity for community members to join the respected pharmacy profession.

“This program is a great chance for beginning a new career in community pharmacy,” said Mr. Owen.

One example of a participant who has greatly benefited from the course is Ann Thiess. After being in the same role for almost 20 years, circumstances changed, and Ann was left looking for a new job.

“My girlfriend heard about the pharmacy assistant training on the radio and said it was Government funded. I have enjoyed the course and found it far more informative and in-depth than expected,” said Ann.

“I thrived at placement, knowing that I had found my passion and niche again. I have direction again, and my self-confidence has gone from strength to strength; I even got a permanent part-time job working 21 hours per week!

“Before starting this course, I had totally lost myself. This course changed my life and put me in control of my own life. I had no money, so without this course being Government funded, I wouldn't be where I am now. I'm loving my life! I am at peace, and I'm happy. I am eternally grateful,” said Ms Theiss.

The next cohort is from Monday 16 January 2023 to Friday 3 March 2023. The face-to-face course takes places across seven weeks 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 are sure to fill up fast.

For more information about the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and eligibility criteria, visit www.guild.org.au/cws.

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