The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch President Chris Owen reminded residents of Brisbane and Ipswich that expressions of interest to join latest round of the fully subsidised The Fundamentals of Community Pharmacy course would be closing in the coming weeks.
“I know it feels like ages away, but the deadline to sign up for this course is only weeks away, Thursday 12 January,” said Mr. Owen,
“I would hate for anyone to miss out on the opportunity to take part.”
“Those in and around Brisbane and Ipswich who are eligible 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 extensive network of more than 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. After the delivery of 11 courses throughout 2022, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, will deliver a course in Brisbane and Ipswich each commencing on Monday 16 January 2023.
Successful graduates of the course 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 an awesome opportunity for beginning a new career within community pharmacy,” said Mr. Owen.
Ann Thiess is one example of a participant who has greatly benefited from the course. 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 course is being offered from Monday 16 January 2023 to Friday 3 March 2023. The face-to-face course takes places across seven weeks and incorporates ten 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.
