Pharmacy Technician Training Program Launches in SC
Healthcare operators can now leverage a new four-week training pipeline to fill open technician roles.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Jobs — General
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Goodwill Industries and CVS Health launched a four-week pharmacy technician training program in the Upstate and Midlands regions. The initiative aims to bolster the regional healthcare workforce by preparing participants for licensure through classroom instruction and on-site pharmacy externships.
Why it matters
The program addresses chronic hiring needs driven by South Carolina's population growth. With the state requiring 620 new pharmacy technicians annually, this model offers a pipeline for businesses facing talent shortages in specialized healthcare roles.
South Carolina currently employs over 7,000 pharmacy technicians, with state employment projected to grow by nearly 18 percent through 2030. The industry requires 620 annual openings to keep pace with demand, a threshold this training partnership aims to support.
The players
Goodwill Industries
A nonprofit organization focused on workforce development and job training services.
CVS Health
A national healthcare company that operates pharmacy and retail clinic chains.
The details
The program runs over four weeks with classes held Monday through Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Participants gain experience through an on-site externship at local CVS Pharmacy locations, completing the requirements necessary to obtain a state-recognized pharmacy technician license.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: Two inaugural cohorts launched the training program.
Through 2030: Projected employment growth period for state pharmacy technicians.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the labor supply pattern established by the projected 18 percent growth in South Carolina pharmacy technician employment through 2030. It marks a shift toward private-nonprofit partnerships as a primary method for securing specialized staffing in the healthcare sector.
Operators in healthcare should assess whether similar workforce partnerships can bridge their own recruiting gaps. Tracking annual licensure requirements in the state remains a critical metric for businesses planning for long-term growth and talent retention.
The takeaway
This program highlights the utility of targeted evening training to secure consistent talent pools in high-demand fields. Owners should monitor local workforce development trends to identify similar opportunities for creating custom pipelines before staffing shortages impact operational capacity.
Further reading
For additional context on regional hiring trends, see the Jobs — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Greenville Business Magazine.
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