Dis-Chem Pharmacies, one of South Africa’s largest pharmacy retail groups, is recruiting Dispensary Support learners for its 2026/2027 intake. If you have Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics and Physical Science or Life Science, you can train towards becoming a registered Basic Pharmacist Assistant while earning a salary. The Farramere store in Benoni is accepting applications until 12 August 2026, with several other stores in Gauteng and the Western Cape also recruiting.
About the Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership
Dis-Chem operates hundreds of retail pharmacies across Southern Africa and employs thousands of pharmacy professionals. Its Dispensary Support programme is a well-established pipeline into the pharmaceutical industry: learners join a working dispensary, complete the Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistant course, and register with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC).
You start in a fixed-term position as Dispensary Support and remain in that role until you are registered with the SAPC as a learner basic assistant. Once you qualify as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant, permanent employment may be offered. This is genuine quality on-the-job learning: you work under the direct supervision of qualified pharmacists in a real dispensary from day one, and the career ladder from Basic to Post-Basic Pharmacist Assistant is well defined in South Africa’s healthcare sector.
What You Will Learn
- The sale of Schedule 1 medicines under pharmacist supervision
- Compounding and preparation of non-sterile medicines according to approved procedures
- Accurate picking, packing, labelling and checking of medication
- Interpreting prescriptions professionally and within legal requirements
- Stock control of Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 medicines, including expiry date checks
- Patient support: script tracking, follow-up appointments and call-centre queries
- Assisting with medical scheme authorisations for chronic, HIV/AIDS and oncology medication
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens with a clear criminal and credit record (MIE screening applies)
- Grade 12 (Matric or Senior Certificate) with Pure Mathematics at 50 percent
- Life Science and/or Physical Science as a Grade 12 subject
- An overall academic average of at least 50 percent
- Ability to read, write and speak English plus a second language
- Good numerical and computer skills
Note: applicants who took Mathematical Literacy instead of Pure Mathematics do not meet the advertised requirement.
Required Documents
- Updated CV with current contact details
- Copy of your South African ID document
- Copy of your Grade 12 certificate
- Academic results clearly showing Pure Mathematics and Science marks
- Copies of any additional qualifications
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How to Apply
- Open the official Dis-Chem recruitment portal vacancy page
- Create an applicant profile or sign in
- Complete every section of the online application form
- Upload your CV and all supporting documents in clear, readable copies
- Submit before the closing date for your chosen store
Apply at Dis-Chem (Farramere – Benoni). Other stores currently recruiting include Irene Link in Centurion (closes 9 August 2026) and stores in Cape Town and Noordhoek – search the same portal for the branch nearest you.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership (Farramere, Benoni) is 12 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Healthcare is one of the few sectors in South Africa that keeps hiring through tough economic times. Pharmacist assistants are in demand at retail pharmacies, hospitals and clinics across the country, and the SAPC registration you earn through this learnership is a nationally recognised professional qualification, not just a certificate. For a matriculant with maths and science, this is a realistic path from Grade 12 to a professional healthcare career without needing university funding first. You earn while you learn, and the qualification stays with you for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to apply?
No. This is an entry-level learnership. Retail or FMCG experience is an advantage but not a requirement.
Do I need experience to apply?
No. This is an entry-level learnership. Retail or FMCG experience is an advantage but not a requirement.
How much will I earn?
Dis-Chem advertises a market-related salary for Dispensary Support learners. The exact amount is confirmed during the application process.
Is this learnership available outside Gauteng?
Yes. Dis-Chem recruits Dispensary Support learners at stores nationwide throughout the year. The current openings include Benoni, Centurion, Cape Town and Noordhoek, each with its own closing date.
Will I be permanently employed afterwards?
Permanent employment may be offered once you qualify and register as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant. It is not guaranteed at the start of the learnership.
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