Pharmacy Assistant: Learner Basic – Unicare Bassonia (Apply Now)
Clicks Group Limited
Introduction
If you have ever envisioned yourself in a role where you can make a meaningful contribution to people’s health and quality of life, then the Unicare Learnership Programme presents an outstanding opportunity. This initiative is designed specifically for individuals who wish to build a solid foundation in the healthcare and pharmaceutical environment while obtaining a nationally recognised qualification.
Unicare, a division of the Clicks Group Limited, is committed to developing competent, compassionate, and skilled healthcare professionals. The organisation prides itself on providing exceptional patient care and ensuring that communities have convenient access to quality pharmaceutical services. As part of this dedication, the company offers a structured learnership pathway aimed at guiding aspiring Pharmacy Assistants through an accredited and comprehensive training programme.
The Pharmacy Assistant: Learner Basic role is an entry point for individuals who are eager to learn, passionate about healthcare, and motivated to progress within the pharmacy profession. This position allows you to work under the supervision of qualified professionals while receiving both theoretical education and hands-on practical experience. The learnership is designed to equip you with the essential competencies required to operate effectively within a pharmacy setting, adhere to professional standards, and support customers with empathy and accuracy.
This programme is ideal for those who want to earn a qualification while gaining workplace exposure, thereby building a career pathway that can lead to advanced pharmacy assistant roles or further studies in pharmaceutical fields. Becoming part of this learnership means stepping into an environment centred on continuous improvement, patient-centred service, and professional excellence.
Learnership Overview & Objectives
The Unicare Learnership Programme combines structured theoretical learning with practical experience. It integrates both academic coursework and real-world tasks performed in a registered Unicare Pharmacy under approved supervision. The programme consists of two core qualifications:
- National Certificate: Pharmacy Assistance (NQF Level – Learner Basic)
- Further Education and Training Certificate: Pharmacist Assistance (Learner Post Basic)
The programme is registered with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) and must be completed according to professional regulatory requirements.
During the programme, learners are expected to:
- Complete Theoretical Learning
You will be required to undertake formal studies through the accredited Pharmacy Healthcare Academy. These modules cover foundational pharmaceutical knowledge including:
The role of pharmacy in healthcare
Medicine scheduling
Legislation governing pharmaceutical practice
Medical terminology
Basic human physiology
Stock control principles
Dispensing procedures (within scope)
- Participate in Practical Workplace Training
Under the supervision of a registered Pharmacist or approved tutor, you will gain practical experience in:
Customer service interactions
Medicine preparation under supervision
Stock receiving, rotation, packing, and inventory management
Managing prescriptions
Handling patient queries
Managing over-the-counter (OTC) requests
Learning to work according to Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP)
- Meet Learnership Requirements
To successfully complete the programme, you must:
Attend all training sessions and workshops
Submit assessments and pass competency evaluations
Compile and submit a complete Portfolio of Evidence (POE) that demonstrates your practical competence
Fulfil the obligations specified in the Learnership Training Contract
Uphold standards of ethics, legal compliance, and patient confidentiality
By the end of the programme, learners should have acquired sufficient knowledge and skills to function effectively within the legal scope of practice as outlined by the SAPC.
Duties & Responsibilities
As a Pharmacy Assistant (Learner Basic), your core responsibilities include:
- Learning and Development
Engage fully with the training curriculum offered by the Pharmacy Healthcare Academy.
Demonstrate continuous improvement and understanding of pharmaceutical terminology, stock management, and basic dispensing principles.
Complete formative and summative assessments as required by the training institution.
- Support to the Healthcare Team
Assist the Pharmacy team in providing efficient and professional service to customers.
Work alongside experienced Pharmacists and Assistants to learn the operational workflow of the pharmacy.
Help maintain a welcoming and supportive environment for patients, ensuring their needs are addressed with respect and sensitivity.
- Customer Care and Service Delivery
Provide outstanding customer service by engaging with customers in a courteous, patient, and helpful manner.
Handle customer questions and direct them appropriately according to the limits of your scope of practice.
Support the dispensing process by preparing relevant materials, organising scripts, and ensuring accurate information capture (under supervision).
- Stock Management and Housekeeping
Assist with stock receiving, unpacking, replenishment, and rotation to ensure proper maintenance of pharmacy inventory.
Ensure medicines are stored safely and according to regulatory requirements.
Maintain cleanliness and orderliness within the dispensary and OTC areas.
- Compliance and Good Pharmacy Practice
Adhere strictly to the SAPC regulations and ethical guidelines.
Maintain high levels of accuracy and attention to detail to ensure safe handling of medicines.
Follow instructions from supervisors and remain supportive, professional, and committed to the pharmacy’s objectives.
Desired Experience & Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for this learnership, applicants must meet the following essential educational requirements:
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Completion of Grade 12 (Matric)
A minimum of 50% in Mathematics OR 60% in Mathematical Literacy
At least 50% in English
A Pass in Life Science (Biology) or Physical Science
These subjects ensure that learners have the foundational literacy, numeracy, and scientific understanding required for pharmacy-related tasks.
Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge Requirements
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
Core Skills
Strong customer service orientation
Excellent communication abilities
Teamwork and collaboration skills
High degree of integrity and ethical awareness
Accuracy and attention to detail
Strong numeracy and literacy
Basic computer literacy
Essential Competencies
These competencies reflect your ability to perform effectively within the pharmacy environment:
Adhering to Principles and Values
Working with People
Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
Following Instructions and Procedures
Planning and Organising
Relating and Networking
These behavioural qualities are critical for maintaining professionalism, reliability, and quality service delivery.
Employment Equity & Youth Development
Unicare is deeply committed to supporting South Africa’s broader transformation and youth empowerment objectives. Preference will be granted to individuals who:
Satisfy the company’s Employment Equity (EE) goals
Align with the national priorities to create opportunities for unemployed youth
Are willing to demonstrate commitment, diligence, and dedication to the learnership
Work-Back Agreement
Successful applicants will be required to enter into a work-back agreement. This means:
After completing the learnership and qualifying, you will be required to work for Unicare as a Qualified Pharmacist Assistant.
The duration of the work-back period will be equal to the length of the learnership, at minimum.
This agreement ensures that learners contribute their newly acquired skills to the organisation and gain additional workplace experience post-qualification.
Final Note
Only applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements will be contacted for further steps in the selection process.
This Learnership Programme is an exceptional opportunity for individuals looking to build a long-term career in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector. If you are passionate, determined, and committed to learning, this programme will offer the platform, structure, and mentorship needed to help you grow into a certified, competent, and confident Pharmacy Assistant.