Netcare Learning Programme 2026: Basic Pharmacist Assistant Learnership in South Africa
The Netcare Learning Programme 2026 offers unemployed youth a valuable opportunity to enter South Africa’s healthcare sector through a structured Basic Pharmacist Assistant Learnership.
If you have completed Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science and are passionate about healthcare, this programme can open the door to a regulated and respected career path in pharmacy support services.
About Netcare
Netcare is one of South Africa’s leading private healthcare providers. The group operates:
- Private hospitals
- Day clinics
- Emergency medical services
- Specialised healthcare facilities
With a strong focus on patient-centred care, modern technology, and professional healthcare standards, Netcare plays a major role in strengthening healthcare delivery across the country.
For learners, this means gaining practical workplace exposure in a professional hospital pharmacy environment.
Learnership Overview: Basic Pharmacist Assistant 2026
The Basic Pharmacist Assistant Learnership is designed to provide:
- Hands-on hospital pharmacy experience
- Supervised training under a registered pharmacist
- Exposure to medication dispensing systems
- Stock control and pharmaceutical administration skills
Upon successful completion, learners may register with the:
- South African Pharmacy Council
Registration with SAPC allows you to work legally as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant in South Africa.
This qualification positions you for long-term employment in:
Opportunities & Resources:
- Private hospitals
- Retail pharmacies
- Clinic pharmacies
- Public healthcare facilities
What Does a Basic Pharmacist Assistant Do?
During the programme, the learner works under the supervision of a registered pharmacist and assists in:
- Dispensing medication
- Supporting pharmaceutical services
- Ensuring safe and ethical stock control
- Serving patients responsibly and professionally
The role is essential in ensuring that medication is dispensed safely, accurately, and in line with medical and legal requirements.
Key Work Outputs and Responsibilities
1. Stock Control and Inventory Management
Learners will participate in:
- Full and cyclical stock-taking
- Procurement processes
- Ethical stock control
- Managing designated stock areas
- Processing stock for internal departments
- Supporting inter-clinic sales
Proper stock management ensures that hospitals avoid shortages and prevent medication wastage.
2. Medication Dispensing Support
Under pharmacist supervision, learners will:
- Assist in all aspects of medication dispensing
- Pick and package medicine accurately
- Capture dispensed items on patient accounts
- Apply medical aid TTO (To Take Out) rules
- Capture prescriptions and patient profiles on the Unisolve system
- Assist with monthly chronic medicine recalls
Accuracy is critical in this role. Attention to detail and accountability are key qualities for success.
3. Administrative and Compliance Duties
Learners are also expected to:
- Ensure compliance with regulations set by the SAPC
- Follow up on outstanding patient medication
- Conduct housekeeping duties in the pharmacy
- Complete related administrative tasks
- Perform duties assigned by the Pharmacy Manager or supervising Pharmacist
This ensures professional standards are maintained at all times.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the Netcare Basic Pharmacist Assistant Learnership 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Academic Requirements
- Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate
- Core Mathematics
- Physical Science
- Life Science
Science subjects are compulsory because pharmacy work involves medication calculations and understanding pharmaceutical principles.
Age Requirement
- Must be under 35 years old
Employment Status
- Must be unemployed at the time of application
Why This Learnership Is a Strong Career Move
If you are building a career-focused education website, this type of opportunity aligns strongly with:
- High-demand healthcare careers
- Regulated professional pathways
- Recognised industry qualifications
- Structured workplace training
Healthcare remains one of South Africa’s most stable employment sectors. A pharmacist assistant qualification can lead to:
- Permanent employment
- Further studies (Post-Basic Pharmacist Assistant)
- Long-term career progression in pharmacy
Learning Programme Career Growth After Completion
After completing the Basic Pharmacist Assistant Learnership and registering with SAPC, you can:
- Work as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant
- Gain experience and progress to Post-Basic level
- Specialise in hospital pharmacy systems
- Transition into pharmaceutical supply chain roles
With additional qualifications, some professionals later pursue:
- Pharmacy studies
- Healthcare administration
- Clinical support roles
Important Skills for Success
If you plan to apply, develop the following competencies:
- Strong attention to detail
- Good numerical skills
- Ability to follow strict procedures
- Professional communication
- Ethical responsibility
- Basic computer literacy
Hospital pharmacies operate under strict regulatory frameworks. Compliance and accuracy are non-negotiable.
How to Apply for the Netcare Learnership 2026
How to Apply
NB. Use the links given below to Apply
Location: Netcare Sunninghill Hospital, Sandton
Closing date: 23 Februaty 2026
Apply Online for the Netcare Pharmacist Assistant Learnership
Location: Netcare Kingsway, Amanzimtoti
Closing date: 23 Februaty 2026
Apply Online for the Netcare Pharmacist Assistant Learnership
Location: Netcare Park Lane Hospital, Johannesburg
Closing date: 19 Februaty 2026
Apply Online for the Netcare Pharmacist Assistant Learnership
Location: Netcare Garden City Hospital, Johannesburg
Closing date: 17 Februaty 2026
Apply Online for the Netcare Pharmacist Assistant Learnership
Location: Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital, Cape Town
Closing date: 17 Februaty 2026
Apply Online for the Netcare Pharmacist Assistant Learnership
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a paid learnership?
Most healthcare learnerships include a monthly stipend. The exact amount is usually confirmed in the official advertisement.
Will I be permanently employed after completion?
Permanent employment is not guaranteed, but successful learners often improve their chances of employment within hospital pharmacy environments.
Can I apply if I did Mathematical Literacy?
The requirement specifies Core Mathematics. Applicants with Mathematical Literacy may not qualify unless otherwise stated in the official post.
Can I apply if I am older than 35?
The programme specifies under 35 years. Age criteria must be respected.
Final Thoughts
The Netcare Basic Pharmacist Assistant Learnership 2026 is a practical, career-building opportunity for unemployed youth with a strong academic foundation in Mathematics and Science.
It offers:
- Recognised professional registration
- Real hospital experience
- Entry into a regulated healthcare profession
- Structured career development
If you are serious about building a career in pharmacy support services, this programme is worth applying for early and preparing thoroughly.
