Goodwill and CVS Health Join Forces to Launch Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) and CVS Health have joined forces to unveil an innovative, high-impact Pharmacy Technician Training program designed to empower job seekers and address essential health care workforce needs across South Carolina.

By combining GIUMSC’s community-centered career development expertise with CVS Health’s industry leadership, this collaboration expands access to career exploration and skill-building for South Carolinians interested in high-demand health care roles, all within four weeks. As part of the curriculum, participants will complete an on-site externship at a local CVS Pharmacy, gaining invaluable real-world experience and graduating with their pharmacy technician license.

Two inaugural cohorts launched simultaneously on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, serving participants in both the Upstate and Midlands regions. Classes will meet three evenings per week – Monday through Wednesday, from 6 to 9 p.m. – providing a flexible, accessible schedule for working adults, career changers, and aspiring health care professionals.

According to long-term occupational projections from state labor market insights and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Carolina employs over 7,000 pharmacy technicians, with projected state employment growth expected to reach up to nearly 18 percent through 2030 - significantly outpacing the national average. To keep pace with an expanding and aging population, the state requires approximately 620 annual job openings for qualified pharmacy technicians each year. This new program directly bridges that gap by training and placing licensed technicians into local health systems and retail operations.

“At Goodwill, our goal is to build strong career pathways that create lasting financial stability for individuals and families across South Carolina,” said Monique McDaniels, vice president of community and workforce development for GIUMSC. “Collaborating with an industry powerhouse like CVS Health allows us to meet critical health care hiring needs while opening immediate doors for career seekers right here in the Upstate and Midlands.”