Dis-Chem Learnership: Pharmacist Assistant Training 2026

The Dis-Chem Pharmacies Dispensary Support learnership is one of the most sought-after training opportunities in South Africa for 2026. 

It offers young people a way to start a career in pharmacy without prior work experience. 

Learners train on the job while working toward the Basic Pharmacist Assistant qualification, registered with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC). 

What Is the Dis-Chem Pharmacist Assistant Learnership?

The Dis-Chem Dispensary Support learnership is a structured programme that trains learners to become Basic Pharmacist Assistants. 

Participants work in real pharmacy environments under the supervision of registered pharmacists. 

The learnership combines structured theoretical learning with practical, workplace-based experience across authorised Dis-Chem branches. 

On successful completion and SAPC registration, learners may be considered for permanent employment.

Who Can Apply for the Dis-Chem Learnership in 2026?

To qualify, applicants must meet all minimum criteria, including:

1. Be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
2. Hold a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate with the required subjects.
3. Be willing to work in a pharmacy setting and complete the full training.
4. Be able to attend all required learnership sessions and workplace placements.

No prior pharmacy experience is required, which makes this learnership suitable for school leavers and first-time applicants.

What Qualifications and Subjects Are Required?

Dis-Chem requires learners to have completed Grade 12 with specific subjects.

These typically include:

• Pure Mathematics
• Physical Science or Life Science
• A minimum average of 50% across Matric subjects.

Strong grades in these subjects help learners cope with pharmacy systems, numeracy, and professionalism expected in pharmaceutical environments.

What Are the Main Duties of a Learner Pharmacist Assistant?

During the learnership, you will be trained to:

• Assist with selling Schedule 1 medicines under pharmacist supervision.
• Help prepare and label medications according to approved procedures.
• Interpret prescriptions and ensure accuracy when packing medication.
• Unpack and merchandise stock, monitor expiry dates, and manage inventory.
• Maintain dispensary cleanliness and organisation.
• Support patient follow-ups, scheme authorisations, and basic healthcare information.

These tasks give you valuable real-world experience in pharmacy operations and patient service.

How Do You Apply for the Learnership?

Applications are submitted online through the official Dis-Chem Careers platform. 

You will need to create a profile, complete the application form, and upload required documents, such as:

• Certified copy of your South African ID document.
• Certified copy of your Matric certificate with subject results.
• Updated CV.
• Motivation letter explaining your interest in pharmacy training.

Make sure all details are accurate, and your documents are clear. Incomplete applications are usually rejected.

When Do Applications Open and Close?

For the 2026 intake, Dis-Chem learnership applications opened in early 2026 with closing dates that vary by store location, typically between January and February 2026. 

Some sites have closing dates like 23 January or 20 February 2026, depending on the Dis-Chem branch offering the learnership.

Applicants should check the official Dis-Chem careers page regularly and submit their applications well before the listed deadlines to avoid exclusion.

How Does the Selection Process Work?

After the closing date, Dis-Chem screens all applications to confirm that the minimum requirements are met. 

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to complete assessments or interviews to evaluate communication skills, motivation, and basic competencies. 

Final steps include document verification and assessment results before a formal offer is made.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection due to high competition.

What Happens After You Are Accepted?

Successful applicants sign a fixed-term learnership contract and begin structured training at their assigned Dis-Chem pharmacy. 

Learners receive a monthly stipend and mentorship from qualified pharmacists. 

The learnership runs for a defined period aligned with the SAPC qualification framework. 

On completion and registration as Basic Pharmacist Assistants, learners may be considered for permanent positions, though employment is not guaranteed.