Retail Learnership 2026 at Pepkor Lifestyle Retail

ByRainbow Time

LEARNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY: WHOLESALE & RETAIL SETA FUNDED LEARNERSHIP (RETAIL SECTOR).

Pepkor Lifestyle Retail invites applications from unemployed youth interested in gaining workplace experience through a 12-month Wholesale & Retail SETA funded learnership programme designed to prepare candidates for careers in the retail sector across multiple national store brands.

Position: Wholesale & Retail SETA Funded Learnership
Location: All 9 Provinces, South Africa
Programme Type: Learnership (Entry Level)
Duration: 12 Months
Industry: Retail Operations
Stipend: Not Specified
Closing Date: 16 May 2026

The programme provides structured workplace exposure combined with theoretical learning aligned with Wholesale & Retail SETA standards and introduces participants to customer service, merchandising, stock control support, and transactional retail environments within leading furniture and electronics retail stores.

Programme Purpose
  • Provide entry-level workplace experience in the retail sector
  • Develop customer service and communication skills
  • Strengthen numeracy skills used in retail environments
  • Introduce merchandising and store presentation standards
  • Improve understanding of wholesale and retail operations
  • Prepare candidates for future employment opportunities
  • Support youth participation in structured skills development programmes
  • Build confidence within professional workplace environments
  • Develop teamwork and accountability skills
  • Strengthen readiness for customer-facing retail roles
Retail Brands Included in the Programme

Learners may receive placement exposure within the following Pepkor Lifestyle Retail brands depending on availability:

  • HiFi Corporation
  • Incredible Connection
  • Bradlows
  • Sleepmasters
  • Russells
  • Rochester

Exposure across multiple retail environments provides insight into electronics, furniture, bedding, and homeware sales support operations.

Learning Areas Covered During the Learnership

Participants gain structured exposure to the following workplace training areas:

  • Assisting customers on the shop floor
  • Providing product-related support information
  • Supporting customer service activities
  • Participating in merchandising and display maintenance
  • Arranging promotional stock displays
  • Maintaining shelf presentation standards
  • Supporting stock replenishment processes
  • Recording transactions on POS systems
  • Processing payments under supervision
  • Supporting account opening procedures
  • Maintaining store cleanliness standards
  • Understanding retail sales documentation procedures
  • Learning English communication fundamentals
  • Strengthening numeracy fundamentals
  • Supporting stock loss control awareness
  • Participating in inventory observation activities
  • Understanding wholesale and retail environments
  • Supporting store operational activities
  • Observing complaint handling procedures
  • Participating in teamwork-based store support duties
Skills Developed During the Programme

Participants gain exposure to critical workplace competencies such as:

  • Customer service confidence
  • Communication improvement
  • Retail operations awareness
  • Merchandising fundamentals
  • Stock handling support skills
  • POS transaction familiarity
  • Teamwork participation skills
  • Time management development
  • Problem-solving exposure
  • Workplace professionalism
  • Adaptability within retail environments
  • Sales support awareness
  • Accountability in store environments
  • Attention to detail in operational tasks
  • Understanding workplace compliance expectations
Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Grade 12 (Matric) qualification
  • South African citizen
  • Valid South African ID document
  • No criminal record
  • Ability to communicate in English
  • Willingness to participate in a 12-month programme
  • Interest in retail sector employment
  • Availability for workplace-based training
Personal Attributes Required

Suitable candidates should demonstrate the following qualities:

  • Positive “can-do” attitude
  • Strong willingness to learn
  • Customer service orientation
  • Motivation to build a retail career
  • Ability to work in team environments
  • Good communication behaviour
  • Adaptability within changing store environments
  • Reliability and punctuality
  • Professional conduct in workplace settings
  • Responsibility when handling store equipment
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving mindset
Duties and Responsibilities During Store Placement

Learners will participate in supervised workplace activities including:

  • Assisting customers with product enquiries
  • Supporting merchandising display preparation
  • Maintaining store presentation standards
  • Supporting stock replenishment
  • Participating in promotional campaign activities
  • Assisting with transaction processing support
  • Observing account opening procedures
  • Supporting inventory monitoring activities
  • Maintaining housekeeping standards
  • Participating in team-based operational support
  • Supporting supervisors with store-related tasks
  • Learning stock loss prevention awareness procedures
  • Observing compliance with store operational guidelines
Documents Required for Application

Applicants must prepare the following certified documentation:

  • Updated CV
  • Certified copy of South African ID (not older than 3 months)
  • Certified copy of Matric certificate
  • Certified copies of tertiary qualifications (if applicable)
  • Certified academic transcripts (if applicable)
  • Certified medical confirmation of disability (if applicable)

Complete documentation improves consideration during placement selection.

Opportunities for Candidates Living With Disabilities

Applications are encouraged from candidates living with disabilities:

  • Inclusive participation supported
  • Equal opportunity selection applied
  • Certified medical confirmation required
  • Workplace exposure structured according to programme guidelines
Training Structure

The learnership combines theoretical learning with workplace exposure:

  • Structured retail training aligned with W&R SETA standards
  • Store-based supervised practical experience
  • Participation in scheduled learning sessions
  • Exposure to customer service environments
  • Participation in merchandising activities
  • Introduction to POS transaction procedures
  • Workplace mentorship support
  • Continuous learning progress monitoring
Benefits of Participating in the Programme

Participation offers valuable workplace development opportunities:

  • Exposure to national retail brands
  • Practical customer service experience
  • Understanding retail store operations
  • Merchandising support experience
  • Stock handling awareness
  • Improved employability readiness
  • Strengthened communication skills
  • Development of workplace discipline
  • Team participation experience
  • Foundation for future retail careers
Workplace Expectations During the Programme

Selected learners will be expected to:

  • Maintain professional conduct at all times
  • Follow store operational procedures
  • Participate in scheduled training sessions
  • Demonstrate reliability and punctuality
  • Respect customers and supervisors
  • Support team-based store activities
  • Maintain confidentiality of workplace information
  • Represent retail brand standards positively
Selection Process Information

Important considerations during the recruitment process:

  • Applications screened according to eligibility criteria
  • Document verification required before placement
  • Shortlisted candidates contacted when opportunities become available
  • Placement dependent on store availability
  • Programme participation subject to compliance requirements
  • Submission of documents does not guarantee placement
Career Opportunities After Completion

Successful completion improves readiness for roles such as:

  • Retail sales assistant
  • Customer service assistant
  • Merchandising assistant
  • Store operations support assistant
  • Stock support assistant

The programme provides a strong foundation for long-term participation in the retail sector workforce.

Important Notes
  • Correspondence conducted only with shortlisted candidates
  • Placement dependent on operational store availability
  • Pepkor Lifestyle Retail reserves the right not to make an appointment
  • Late applications may not be considered
  • Early submission recommended
Closing Date: 16 May 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the Pepkor Lifestyle Retail Wholesale & Retail SETA Funded Learnership 2026 can apply by preparing the required documents and submitting an online application before the closing date.

Apply Here: Wholesale & Retail SETA Funded Learnership