Discover a Fresh Start in Pharmacy with Dis‑Chem’s 2026 Learnership
If you’re a South African student who just finished grade 12 and are looking for a real job that can turn into a career, this is for you. Dis‑Chem Pharmacies has opened a Dispensary Support Learnership for 2026 that gives you paid on‑the‑job training in a pharmacy. By the end of the program you will have a certificate that lets you work as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant – and you might even land a permanent job at a Dis‑Chem store.
Who is Dis‑Chem Pharmacies?
Dis‑Chem is one of the biggest pharmacy chains in South Africa. Since 1978, they have sold medicine, health products, beauty items and everyday supplies in shops all over the country. They also run clinics inside some stores and focus on making healthcare affordable for everyone.
What the Learnership Looks Like
The program is a fixed‑term contract that starts right away. You will learn everything you need to know about pharmacy work:
- How to handle prescription medicine safely
- Stock checking, labeling, and keeping the shelves organized
- Talking to customers about health questions
- Making sure medicines meet the rules of the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC)
- Checking expiry dates and managing new deliveries
You’ll work under a pharmacist’s guidance. When you finish the Basic Pharmacist Assistant course and get certified by SAPC, you could move on to a full‑time role.
Core Tasks You’ll Perform
- Selling over‑the‑counter (OTC) medicines and controlled drugs (Schedule 1)
- Helping to mix and prepare non‑sterile medicines, always with a supervisor’s eye
- Unpacking and setting out products in the pharmacy and the OTC aisle
- Reading prescriptions and making sure every detail is correct
- Picking, packing, labeling, and double‑checking medication before it goes to the customer
- Making sure a pharmacist signs off every prescription
- Managing stock levels, checking expiry dates, and keeping shelves tidy
- Following up with patients on their prescriptions and appointments
- Supporting scheme authorisation for chronic, HIV, AIDS or cancer drugs
- Handling phone calls from the call centre and answering health questions
- Promoting good health habits and giving accurate information
- Notifying the manager when items run low or are out of stock
- Receiving new stock according to company rules
These tasks will give you a clear view of how a pharmacy operates from front to back.
Minimum Requirements
If you can meet these, you’re a good fit:
- Finished Grade 12 (Matric) with at least a 50% average
- Studied Pure Mathematics and either Physical Science or Life Science
- Strong marks in those subjects
What You Need to Be Good At
- Speak and write well in English and a second language
- Keep track of your time and meet deadlines
- Work calmly when busy
- Pay attention to small details
- Listen well and explain things clearly
- Be friendly and helpful to customers
- Think on your feet to solve problems
- Work well with teammates and handle disagreements
- Own your responsibilities and behave professionally
- Show honesty and integrity at all times
- Basic computer use and simple math
Why This Learnership Is Worth Your Time
- You’ll earn an accredited pharmacy assistant certificate
- You’ll gain hands‑on experience in a real pharmacy setting
- Mentors and supervisors will guide you step by step
- It can open a career path in the health industry
- After you qualify, a permanent job is on the table
If you care about health and want to see a future in pharmacy, this is a solid first step.
Apply Today
The application process is simple: click the link for the location that suits you, fill out the form, and submit. Make sure you apply before the closing date.
| Location | Closing Date |
|---|---|
| Gandhi Square, Johannesburg | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Irene Link, Centurion | 5 Mar 2026 |
| Beacon Bay, East London | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Cape Road, Port Elizabeth | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Richards Bay, KwaZulu‑Natal | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Scottburgh, Umzinto North | 28 Feb 2026 |
| Potchefstroom, North West | 28 Feb 2026 |
Want to learn more or jump straight to the application? Visit the Dis‑Chem Pharmacies website and search for “Dispensary Support Learnership.”
Ready to apply? Click the appropriate link below for your chosen location.
- Johannesburg – Gandhi Square
- Centurion – Irene Link
- East London – Beacon Bay
- Port Elizabeth – Cape Road
- Richards Bay – KwaZulu‑Natal
- Umzinto North – Scottburgh
- Potchefstroom – North West
Take the first step toward a future in health care. The Dis‑Chem Dispensary Support Learnership 2026 could be the doorway you’ve been looking for. Good luck!
