Dis-Chem Pharmacies has opened applications for its Dispensary Support Learnership Programme 2026/2027, providing an opportunity for young South Africans who want to build a career in the pharmacy and pharmaceutical environment.
The programme is aimed at candidates who can complete the Basic Pharmacist Assistant learner course. Successful applicants are initially employed as Dispensary Support employees on a fixed-term basis while they work towards registration with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) as learner basic pharmacist assistants.
Opportunities are available at selected Dis-Chem stores in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
The advertised vacancies have different closing dates. Some positions close on 21 September 2026, while others remain open into October.
Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership 2026/2027 Overview
| Programme | Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership |
|---|---|
| Company | Dis-Chem Pharmacies |
| Programme | Dispensary Support / Basic Pharmacist Assistant Learnership |
| Industry | Pharmacy and Healthcare |
| Qualification Pathway | Basic Pharmacist Assistant |
| Minimum Education | Grade 12 |
| Mathematics | Pure Mathematics |
| Science | Physical Science or Life Science |
| Minimum Average | 50% |
| Locations | Gauteng and Western Cape |
| Employment | Fixed-term during learner period |
| Registration | South African Pharmacy Council |
| Closing Dates | 21 September to 3 October 2026, depending on vacancy |
| Application Method | Online |
About the Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership
The Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership is designed for candidates interested in gaining practical experience in a pharmacy environment.
Learners will work within the dispensary environment and receive workplace-based exposure to various activities associated with medicine handling, stock management, customer service and dispensing support.
Successful applicants are initially employed on a fixed-term basis as Dispensary Support employees.
The programme provides a pathway towards becoming a learner basic pharmacist assistant, subject to meeting the relevant requirements and registration processes.
According to the supplied programme information, learners who successfully qualify as Basic Pharmacist Assistants may be considered for permanent employment.
What Will You Learn?
The programme combines workplace exposure with the knowledge required for the Basic Pharmacist Assistant learning pathway.
Learners can gain experience in areas such as:
- Pharmacy and dispensary operations.
- Medicine handling procedures.
- Prescription interpretation.
- Medication picking and packing.
- Labelling of medicines.
- Dispensary stock control.
- Customer and patient service.
- Medicine expiry monitoring.
- Stock receiving and merchandising.
- Pharmacy administration.
- Medical scheme authorisation processes.
Learners will perform duties under the appropriate supervision and according to Dis-Chem’s procedures.
Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Responsibilities
The advertised responsibilities cover a range of pharmacy and customer-service activities.
Medicine and Dispensing Support
Learners may assist with:
- Selling Schedule 1 medicines or scheduled substances.
- Preparing and compounding non-sterile medicines according to approved formulas and Standard Operating Procedures.
- Interpreting prescriptions accurately.
- Picking, packing and labelling medication.
- Ensuring medication is checked and signed off by a pharmacist.
Stock Management
Learners may also be responsible for:
- Unpacking dispensary stock.
- Merchandising pharmacy stock.
- Cleaning dispensary and over-the-counter shelves.
- Monitoring medicine expiry dates.
- Assisting with stock control for Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 medicines.
- Reporting low-stock and out-of-stock items.
- Reporting stock discrepancies.
- Receiving dispensary stock according to company procedures.
Patient and Customer Support
The role can also involve:
- Following up with patients about prescription tracking and appointments.
- Assisting with patient-service telephone calls.
- Providing health-related information to customers.
- Assisting with medical scheme authorisations for chronic, HIV/AIDS and oncology medication.
Learners may also be required to perform other duties assigned by the Dispensary Manager.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following academic requirements:
- Grade 12.
- Pure Mathematics.
- Physical Science or Life Science.
- An average of at least 50%.
This means applicants should carefully check their Grade 12 subjects and marks before applying.
Pure Mathematics is specifically listed in the requirements, so candidates should not assume that Mathematical Literacy will meet the Mathematics requirement.
Fresh listings:
Skills and Competencies
In addition to the academic requirements, suitable applicants should have good interpersonal and workplace skills.
Candidates should be able to:
- Read, write and speak English.
- Communicate in a second language.
- Provide good customer service.
- Work effectively as part of a team.
- Manage their time effectively.
- Pay attention to detail.
- Solve problems.
- Work under pressure.
- Meet deadlines.
- Demonstrate accountability.
- Maintain professional and ethical conduct.
Computer literacy and numerical skills are also important for the role.
Available Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnerships
Several Dis-Chem opportunities have been advertised in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Kyalami Corner – Midrand, Gauteng
Position: Dispensary Support
Closing Date: 21 September 2026
Apply for Kyalami Corner Dispensary Support
Raslouw – Centurion, Gauteng
Position: Dispensary Support
Closing Date: 21 September 2026
Apply for Raslouw Dispensary Support
Vorna Valley – Midrand, Gauteng
Position: Dispensary Support
Closing Date: 21 September 2026
Apply for Vorna Valley Dispensary Support
Weskus – Vredenburg, Western Cape
Position: Dispensary Support
Closing Date: 3 October 2026
Apply for Weskus Dispensary Support
Adelphi Centre – Cape Town, Western Cape
Position: Dispensary Support Learnership
Apply for Adelphi Centre Dispensary Support Learnership
Kenilworth – Cape Town, Western Cape
Position: Dispensary Support Learnership
Apply for Kenilworth Dispensary Support Learnership
Long Beach Mall – Noordhoek, Western Cape
Position: Dispensary Support Learnership
Apply for Long Beach Mall Dispensary Support Learnership
Applicants should check the individual vacancy for its applicable closing date before submitting an application.
How to Apply for Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnerships 2026/2027
Applications must be completed online for the specific Dis-Chem vacancy.
Before applying, candidates should:
- Confirm that they have Grade 12.
- Check that Pure Mathematics was completed.
- Confirm that they have Physical Science or Life Science.
- Ensure their average meets the 50% minimum.
- Prepare an updated CV and relevant information.
- Select the correct Dis-Chem vacancy.
- Complete the online application accurately.
- Submit the application before the applicable closing date.
Do not apply for a vacancy simply because it is located nearby. Check the specific requirements and closing date for the position you select.
What Happens After the Learnership?
The programme is intended to help successful learners progress through the Basic Pharmacist Assistant learning pathway.
Learners are initially employed as Dispensary Support employees while they work towards the required learner registration and training.
Once the relevant training and qualification requirements have been successfully completed, candidates can progress towards working as Basic Pharmacist Assistants.
The supplied programme information also indicates that permanent employment may be offered to learners who successfully qualify. This should not be understood as a guaranteed permanent appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with Grade 12?
Yes. Grade 12 is listed as the minimum educational requirement.
Do I need Pure Mathematics?
Yes. The supplied requirements specifically state that applicants must have completed Pure Mathematics.
Can I apply with Life Science?
Yes. Applicants must have either Physical Science or Life Science, together with Pure Mathematics.
What average do I need?
Applicants must have achieved an average of at least 50%.
Where are the opportunities available?
The advertised opportunities are in Gauteng and the Western Cape, including Midrand, Centurion, Vredenburg, Cape Town and Noordhoek.
Is this a pharmacist learnership?
No. The programme is a pathway towards becoming a Basic Pharmacist Assistant. It is not a qualification to become a pharmacist.
Will learners be registered with the SAPC?
Successful applicants are employed as Dispensary Support employees while working towards registration with the South African Pharmacy Council as learner basic pharmacist assistants, subject to the applicable requirements.
Is permanent employment guaranteed?
No. The supplied information states that permanent employment may be offered after successful qualification. It should therefore not be treated as guaranteed employment.
When do applications close?
The closing date depends on the vacancy. Some listed positions close on 21 September 2026, while the Weskus opportunity closes on 3 October 2026. Applicants should check the individual vacancy before applying.
Is a stipend amount provided?
The supplied information does not state a specific stipend amount. Applicants should rely on the individual vacancy information for confirmed remuneration details.
Dis-Chem Learnership Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, make sure you have:
- Grade 12.
- Pure Mathematics.
- Physical Science or Life Science.
- At least a 50% average.
- Updated CV.
- Correct contact details.
- Relevant academic information.
- Selected the correct Dis-Chem vacancy.
- Checked the closing date for that vacancy.
Why Consider a Dispensary Support Learnership?
The pharmacy environment requires people who can work accurately, communicate professionally and follow established procedures.
A Dispensary Support learnership can provide practical exposure to pharmacy operations while helping eligible learners work towards the Basic Pharmacist Assistant pathway.
The opportunity may be particularly relevant to Grade 12 school leavers who have the required Mathematics and Science subjects and want to enter the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector.
Candidates should, however, understand that selection is not guaranteed and that successful completion of the learning and registration requirements is necessary for progression.
Conclusion
The Dis-Chem Dispensary Support Learnership Programme 2026/2027 offers Grade 12 candidates an opportunity to gain workplace experience in the pharmacy environment while pursuing the Basic Pharmacist Assistant learning pathway.
Applicants need Pure Mathematics, Physical Science or Life Science, and an average of at least 50%. Opportunities are available at selected Dis-Chem locations in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Because the vacancies have different closing dates, applicants should select their preferred location carefully and complete the online application before the deadline shown for that specific position.
For candidates who meet the academic requirements and are interested in pharmacy, medicine and customer-facing healthcare services, this programme provides a structured route into the dispensary environment.