Are you a young South African who’s passionate about healthcare, medicine, and helping others? The Dis-Chem Dispensary Learnership 2025 is the perfect opportunity to begin your journey toward a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical industry.
This learnership gives you the chance to study, train, and work in a professional pharmacy environment — all while earning a stipend and building valuable hands-on experience. Whether you dream of becoming a pharmacist assistant or simply want to gain recognized skills in healthcare retail, this programme is your starting point.
About Dis-Chem
Dis-Chem Pharmacies is one of South Africa’s largest and most trusted retail pharmacy groups, with hundreds of branches nationwide. Since its founding in 1978, the company has grown into a leader in health, wellness, and pharmaceutical care.
Dis-Chem’s reputation is built on three pillars:
- Quality service – providing professional healthcare and advice to millions of customers.
- Affordable prices – making medicine and wellness accessible to all South Africans.
- Community development – empowering local youth through training and employment.
As part of its mission to give back, Dis-Chem runs annual Learnership Programmes aimed at developing skilled pharmacy assistants and retail professionals.
Purpose of the Learnership
The Dis-Chem Dispensary Learnership 2025 is designed to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in pharmacy operations.
The programme allows you to:
- Learn how to assist qualified pharmacists with daily tasks.
- Understand how to handle, store, and dispense medication safely.
- Gain knowledge about medical products, prescriptions, and patient care.
- Develop strong customer service and administrative skills.
By the end of the learnership, you’ll have completed a Pharmacy Assistant qualification (NQF Level 2 or 3) accredited by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) — opening doors to full-time employment in the pharmaceutical industry.
Learnership Structure
The Dispensary Learnership runs for 12 months, during which learners split their time between classroom training and practical work experience in a Dis-Chem store.
Here’s what the programme typically includes:
- Classroom Learning
- Conducted by an accredited training provider.
- Covers theoretical modules such as basic anatomy, medical terminology, and pharmaceutical calculations.
- Learners study the legal and ethical framework of pharmacy practice.
- Workplace Experience
- Learners work under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist.
- Hands-on experience includes assisting with prescriptions, managing stock, and serving customers.
- Exposure to retail pharmacy operations and health product management.
This combination ensures that learners are fully prepared to enter the pharmaceutical field with confidence and practical experience.
key Responsibilities
As a Dis-Chem Dispensary Learner, your duties will include:
- Assisting pharmacists in dispensing medication accurately.
- Preparing and labeling medication according to prescriptions.
- Handling customer queries professionally and courteously.
- Maintaining stock levels and ensuring medicine is stored correctly.
- Keeping the dispensary area neat, clean, and organized.
- Ensuring compliance with pharmacy laws and safety procedures.
- Completing administrative tasks related to patient files and prescriptions.
Minimum Requirements
To apply for the Dis-Chem Dispensary Learnership 2025, you must meet the following basic criteria:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid ID document.
- Hold a Grade 12 / Matric certificate, with Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and English as subjects.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be currently unemployed and not registered for any other learnership or training programme.
- Have a strong interest in health, medicine, and customer service.
- Be willing to work retail hours, including weekends and public holidays.
- Be committed to completing the full 12-month programme.
Applicants with previous retail or customer service experience may be at an advantage, but it’s not a strict requirement.
Skills and Competencies
The Dis-Chem Learnership is designed to help you grow both personally and professionally. Throughout the programme, you will develop:
- Communication skills – speaking clearly and confidently with patients and colleagues.
- Attention to detail – ensuring medicine and dosage accuracy.
- Teamwork – working closely with pharmacists and other staff members.
- Ethical awareness – understanding patient confidentiality and medical ethics.
- Organizational skills – managing stock, prescriptions, and workflow efficiently.
- Problem-solving ability – finding solutions in fast-paced healthcare environments.
These skills not only prepare you for a future at Dis-Chem but also open opportunities across the broader healthcare and retail industries.
Stipend and Benefits
Dis-Chem learners receive a monthly stipend, which helps cover transport, meals, and personal expenses during the training period.
In addition, learners benefit from:
- Fully accredited training recognized by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC).
- Practical on-the-job experience in one of the country’s top pharmacy groups.
- Mentorship from professional pharmacists and healthcare experts.
- Employment opportunities upon successful completion of the programme.
Many previous learners have gone on to become permanent employees, pharmacy assistants, and even store managers within the Dis-Chem network.
How to Apply for the Dis-Chem Dispensary Learnership 2025
Applying for this learnership is a straightforward process — but it requires careful attention to detail.
Follow these steps:
- Prepare Your Documents
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate.
- Updated CV (Curriculum Vitae).
- Proof of address.
APPLY HERE
Tip: Ensure your CV highlights your passion for healthcare, attention to detail, and willingness to learn — these qualities make you stand out!
⏰ Application Deadlines
The Dis-Chem Dispensary Learnership 2025 typically opens between October and February each year, depending on store needs. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so it’s important to apply early before spaces fill up.
Remember: Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
💼 Why You Should Apply
This learnership is more than a job — it’s a stepping stone to a professional healthcare career. By joining Dis-Chem’s training programme, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to work in pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics across South Africa.
You’ll also become part of a company that values integrity, innovation, and service excellence. Dis-Chem believes in empowering the youth through education and employment, helping build a stronger and healthier nation.
🏁 Conclusion
The Dis-Chem Dispensary Learnership 2025 is your opportunity to build a meaningful career in one of South Africa’s most respected pharmacy brands. This 12-month programme combines theory, practice, and mentorship to help you grow into a confident, capable, and employable pharmacy professional.
If you are passionate about helping people, interested in healthcare, and eager to learn, this programme is your gateway to success.
With hard work, dedication, and the right attitude, you could soon find yourself working as a qualified Pharmacy Assistant — contributing to South Africa’s health and wellness every day.
Apply now, take the first step, and let Dis-Chem Pharmacies be the foundation for your future in the world of medicine and care.