The Grenfell community is set to benefit from an innovative course delivered virtually through the TAFE NSW Grenfell Connected Learning Centre (CLC) next month.

The nationally recognised Certificate III in Community Pharmacy focuses on developing skilled pharmacy assistants for an industry that is expected to see increased growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the extra demand placed on pharmacies.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Community Pharmacy and Floristry Robyn Turnham said it was exciting to bring this learning opportunity to the Grenfell community along with other regional communities across the state.

“Although the Certificate III in Community Pharmacy has been delivered virtually at Connected Learning Centres in Western NSW for many years, we have now developed a state-wide model that can be rolled out to all 18 Connected Learning Centre locations in NSW,” Ms Turnham said.

“Students will learn in a virtual environment alongside their regional peers from other parts of NSW, with various support services available to them and access to state-of-the-art technology at their local TAFE NSW Connected Learning Centre.

“Research tells us that in all Connected Learning Centre locations there is at least one pharmacy, so students have the potential to undertake work placement or even gain local employment.”

Certificate III in Community Pharmacy graduate Monique Breed completed the course through the TAFE NSW Grenfell CLC and is now working as a Pharmacy Assistant at a local pharmacy in Grenfell.

“I reached out to a local pharmacy to see if I could complete the practical components of the course at the pharmacy and it led to employment, Ms Breed said.

“I loved learning at the TAFE NSW Grenfell CLC as it was very convenient and I could access the facilities when I needed to. I learnt practical skills such as how to read and understand pharmaceutical terminology and labelling, discuss over the counter medications and products with customers, restock product shelves and set up visual merchandising displays.

“I would encourage others to study at their local TAFE NSW Connected Learning Centre because the facilities are so fantastic, staff and teachers are very friendly and helpful and the skills you learn can certainly lead to employment.”

The Certificate III in Community Pharmacy will be offered part-time for 28 weeks commencing in early October.

If you’d like to find out more about enrolling in the course or any other TAFE NSW course, call 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist