A local pharmacist who exclusively hires TAFE NSW graduates has urged jobseekers to gain a TAFE NSW qualification in a bid to “get the edge” in a competitive jobs market.

With an unemployment rate in Casino of 9.2%[i] in comparison to the New South Wales state average of 3.9%[ii], local job seekers need to equip themselves with skills and industry contacts in order to succeed in finding a career path right for them.

Josephine Close did just that by getting qualified with TAFE NSW Lismore in a Certificate II and a Certificate III in Community Pharmacy. Ms Close has now secured an apprenticeship with local chemist, McDonalds Pharmacy Casino.

John Black, owner of McDonalds Pharmacy, said he always hired from TAFE NSW. “A pre-requisite for working at the pharmacy is graduating from TAFE NSW. That gives me the confidence to employ staff.

“Josephine is a great employee, she provides excellent service to our customers.”

Ms Close, who identifies as ATSI, lives in the small town of Mallanganee and said she was very lucky to have secured full-time employment.

“There are a lot of people without jobs and I am happy to have found one that I love.

“Supportive doesn’t even cut it to say about my TAFE NSW teacher, Janelle Morrissey, she is amazing. It’s great to know you have support from your education facility and your workplace when you are completing an apprenticeship. Everyone is here to help me finish and that is so encouraging,” Ms Close said.

“Every day is different in pharmacy because you are dealing with people all day long. I provide advice on what medicines are best and I get guidance from other staff members all the time. I love to learn because I like to be able to be confident in my answers to customers.”

Employment in pharmacy is expected to increase by almost 10%[iii] over the next three years in NSW and Ms Close chose to capitalise on that at the right time.

The Certificate II in Community Pharmacy can also be studied online, when and where it suits students, via TAFE Digital.

For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au