TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Kate Baxter, has encouraged local job seekers to consider a career in the pharmacy industry.

According to Australian Government research, the employment job growth in the pharmacy industry across the country has been strong over the past five years and is expected to continue to grow over the next five years, with approximately 13,000 new job openings.

TAFE NSW research also suggests that the health, wellbeing and community services sector is forecast to have the largest employment increase at 4% in comparison to other industries between 2018 and 2021. Growth in the industry will be driven by an ageing population and demand for services in remote areas across the New England and West region.

Ms Baxter said that the TAFE NSW Connected Learning Centre in Quirindi is now offering courses in community pharmacy to cater to this demand.

“Year 12 Quirindi High School student, Josh Redgrove is taking advantage of this growing industry in a predominately female dominated area by undertaking a school-based traineeship at Quirindi Pharmacy and Emporium and studying at TAFE NSW.

“By studying a Certificate II in Community Pharmacy at TAFE NSW while Josh is still at school, it will enable him to have a qualification when he finishes school and provides a clear pathway to further study for a career in pharmacy.

“Josh is the perfect example of someone wanting to get qualified faster to be in a career he loves,” Ms Baxter said.

Josh said he initially worked casually at the Quirindi Pharmacy, which led to him being offered a school based traineeship.

“Studying at TAFE NSW has allowed me to broaden my skills in customer service, develop an understanding of products to meet customer needs, questions to ask customers and WHS procedures that I can use in my role at the pharmacy.

“Once I finish school, I plan on studying a Certificate III in Community Pharmacy, a Certificate IV in Retail Management and a Bachelor in Business Management at TAFE NSW which will set me up with the skills to manage a pharmacy,” Josh said.

TAFE NSW has a range of courses available for Semester 1 enrolment at the TAFE NSW Quirindi Connected Learning Centre. Visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information.

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media Officer, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515.