The Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Sigma Launch Retail Training Program

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Sigma Retail have formed a strategic alliance to jointly deliver a national learning and development program for Sigma’s branded pharmacies (Amcal, Amcal Max and Guardian) along with selected independent pharmacies aligned to the Sigma Embrace Program.

The 2008 Sigma Retail Training Program will include retail, health and personal development training modules. It will be delivered via a “face to face” platform, with attendees having access to on-line units.

Mr Elmo DeAlwis, CEO and Managing Director of Sigma Pharmaceuticals sees the Retail Training Program as offering significant added value to Sigma’s Amcal, Amcal Max, Guardian brands and independent Embrace customers. “The objective of this alliance is to build on Sigma’s current retail

training programs by incorporating key health and professional topics. These programs will be further enhanced with the additional expertise of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia,” he said.

The 2008 Sigma Retail Training Program provides a broader blended learning and development experience specifically designed to meet the needs of pharmacy teams experiencing unparalleled industry change.

In 2008, Guild and Sigma facilitators will unite to deliver 140 classroom style sessions to an anticipated audience of 10,000 to 15,000 participants across metropolitan and regional centres throughout Australia.

Mr Kos Sclavos, President of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia said the Guild was keen to be involved and delighted that Sigma is supportive of Guild Training. “All pharmacy team members will benefit from this initiative, from the Owner/Pharmacist through to the next generation of new employees. The

Pharmacy Guild is excited at the prospect of being able to deliver quality training to a significant number of pharmacy teams in 2008.”

In 2008, the Guild will deliver face to face sessions including S2 & S3 training for pharmacy assistants, essential for pharmacies to regain QCPP Accreditation. This will complement the Retail Training programs Sigma already offers Amcal, Amcal Max and Guardian members.

Young Pharmacist Skills Program

In addition to the S2/S3 training another significant initiative being launched will be Sigma’s Young Pharmacists Skills Training Program.

Young pharmacists employed from within these pharmacies will be invited to participate in this national program via a series of classroom style sessions facilitated by industry experts. On-line modules will also be progressively released.

Mr DeAlwis said the program assists in filling the void of broad based business training that can currently exist in the development of young pharmacists. “Areas being considered include sale and purchase of a pharmacy, rent negotiation, financial evaluation of a business, avenues for profit growth, profit and lossanalysis, retail topics, legal considerations and maximising the relationship with Sigma as the wholesale, generic, OTC and retail brand partner.” he said.