Goodwill and CVS Launch Pharmacy Technician Program

A new four-week training course aims to address South Carolina’s growing demand for pharmacy technicians.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Jobs — General

Amber medicine vials and a pill counting spatula sit on a stainless-steel tray on a clean white laboratory workbench.
Goodwill Industries and CVS Health launched a pharmacy technician training program in South Carolina to address state workforce shortages. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Goodwill Industries and CVS Health have launched a new pharmacy technician training program in South Carolina. The initiative seeks to meet local workforce needs resulting from population growth.

Why it matters

The collaboration directly addresses a rising need for health care staff as the state faces a requirement for approximately 620 new pharmacy technician openings annually.

The program requires a four-week commitment with classes meeting three evenings per week. South Carolina currently supports over 7,000 active pharmacy technician roles.

The players

Goodwill Industries

A nonprofit organization that provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs.

CVS Health

A prominent American health care company that owns a pharmacy chain, a pharmacy benefits manager, and health insurance provider Aetna.

The details

Participants in the Upstate and Midlands regions undergo a comprehensive training process that includes an on-site externship at a local CVS Pharmacy. Upon completion of the four-week course, graduates earn a state pharmacy technician license.

Timeline

  1. October 19, 2026: Two inaugural training cohorts launched.

  2. Through 2030: Period for the projected 18 percent growth in employment.

Market Landscape

This partnership mirrors broader trends where retailers collaborate with vocational trainers to secure labor in high-demand health sectors. By streamlining the path to licensure, the program positions CVS to capture talent early in a competitive regional job market.

Residents in the Upstate and Midlands can access a direct pathway to a licensed health care career through this evening training program. Graduates will be eligible to fill local vacancies, potentially improving access to pharmacy services in their immediate area.

The takeaway

Workforce development programs provide a critical bridge for individuals seeking to enter the health care industry. Those interested in such training should look for similar collaborations between large retail chains and local community service organizations.

Further reading

Find more career development updates in South Carolina Jobs — General.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Greenville Business Magazine.

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