DisChem Pharmaceutical
Dis-Chem Pharmacies is one of South Africa’s leading pharmacy groups, with over 200 stores across Southern Africa and a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. Dis-Chem offers a range of career opportunities, including internships, learnerships, and entry-level roles in retail pharmacy, dispensary support, administration, IT, and customer service. The most prominent early-career programme is the Dispensary Support Learnership, which provides both theoretical and practical training for those aiming to become Basic Pharmacist Assistants.
This programme combines on-the-job learning at Dis-Chem stores with formal coursework accredited by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC). Successful learners are eligible for permanent employment as Basic Pharmacist Assistants after registration with the SAPC.
An internship or career at Dis-Chem offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one of South Africa’s leading retail pharmacies while contributing to meaningful initiatives that promote health, wellness, and customer satisfaction. With diverse roles spanning pharmacy, retail, IT, finance, HR, marketing, logistics, and more, Dis-Chem is an attractive destination for students, graduates, and professionals passionate about healthcare and retail.
Popular Internship and Career Roles at Dis-Chem
1. Pharmacy and Healthcare
- Pharmacy Intern : Gains hands-on experience in dispensing medications, providing patient counseling, and managing inventory.
- Pharmacist Assistant Trainee : Learns to assist pharmacists with prescriptions, stock management, and customer service.
- Healthcare Advisor Trainee : Provides advice on over-the-counter medications, supplements, and wellness products.
2. Retail Operations
- Retail Intern : Assists in store management, inventory control, and customer service.
- Store Manager Trainee : Learns to oversee daily store operations, manage staff, and drive sales performance.
- Visual Merchandiser Trainee : Assists in designing product displays to enhance the shopping experience.
3. Supply Chain and Logistics
- Supply Chain Intern : Supports initiatives related to procurement, inventory management, and logistics processes.
- Warehouse Assistant Trainee : Learns to coordinate warehousing operations, including receiving, storing, and dispatching goods.
- Logistics Coordinator Trainee : Gains experience in managing transportation, warehousing, and distribution of healthcare products.
4. Information Technology (IT)
- IT Support Intern : Provides technical assistance and resolves hardware/software issues related to retail systems and office IT infrastructure.
- Systems Analyst Trainee : Learns to manage databases and ensure the smooth operation of IT systems used in retail operations.
- Data Analyst Trainee : Works on analyzing data related to customer behavior, sales trends, and operational efficiency.
5. Marketing and Sales
- Marketing Intern : Supports brand campaigns, market research, and promotional activities for Dis-Chem’s products and services.
- Sales Associate Trainee : Learns to promote and sell healthcare products, beauty items, and wellness services.
Salaries and Stipends for Dis-Chem Internships and Careers
1. Internship Stipends
Interns at Dis-Chem typically receive a monthly stipend to cover basic expenses. Below are general ranges:
Internship Stipends : ZAR 5,000 – ZAR 10,000 per month
Exact amounts depend on the department, location, and level of education (e.g., undergraduate vs. postgraduate).
2. Entry-Level Salaries
For full-time positions after completing an internship or degree:
- Pharmacist : ZAR 30,000 – ZAR 50,000 per month
- Pharmacist Assistant : ZAR 15,000 – ZAR 25,000 per month
- Retail Manager : ZAR 20,000 – ZAR 35,000 per month
- IT Specialist : ZAR 25,000 – ZAR 40,000 per month
- Finance Assistant : ZAR 18,000 – ZAR 30,000 per month
- HR Assistant : ZAR 18,000 – ZAR 28,000 per month
- Sales Representative : ZAR 15,000 – ZAR 25,000 per month (plus performance-based incentives)
3. Benefits for Full-Time Employees
In addition to salaries, full-time employees may receive benefits such as:
- Medical aid
- Pension contributions
- Employee discounts on Dis-Chem products
- Professional development opportunities
- Performance bonuses
Requirements for Dis-Chem Internships and Careers
Educational Qualifications
Internships :
Enrolled in or recently completed a relevant degree or diploma program (e.g., pharmacy, business, IT, finance). Strong academic performance is preferred.
Full-Time Roles :
A bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field is typically required. Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., advanced pharmacy certification, IT certification) may be advantageous for specialized roles.
How to Apply for Dis-Chem Internships and Careers
There are several ways to apply for internships and full-time roles at Dis-Chem:
1. Official Website
- Visit the official website of Dis-Chem : www.dischem.co.za .
- Navigate to the “Careers” or “Job Opportunities” section to view current internship and job openings.
- Create an account, upload your CV/resume, and apply directly to the positions that match your qualifications.