Clicks Group: Youth Employment Programme 2026

ByRainbow Time

Clicks invites unemployed young South Africans to apply for the Youth Employment Programme 2026, offering an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience and earn a nationally recognised qualification. The programme is designed to equip young people with practical retail skills through structured classroom learning and hands-on training in one of South Africa’s leading health and beauty retail companies. Successful participants will complete an NQF Level 2 Checkout Operator occupational qualification while developing the knowledge and experience needed to begin a career in the retail industry.

Applications are currently open for several Youth Employment Programme opportunities across different provinces, including Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Western Cape, and Durban. Each opportunity is offered on a fixed-term contract and is aimed at unemployed youth who are eager to build a career in the retail industry.

Programme Details
  • Position: Youth Employment Programme (NQF Level 2 Checkout Operator)
  • Duration: Fixed-Term Contract
  • Stipend: Not specified
  • Location: Durban, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Western Cape
  • Job Type: Youth Employment Programme / Learnership (Fixed-Term Contract)

This programme combines classroom learning with practical workplace experience, allowing participants to gain valuable knowledge while working in a real retail environment. Successful candidates who complete the programme will receive an NQF Level 2 Checkout Operator occupational qualification, improving future employment prospects within the retail sector.

About the Clicks Youth Employment Programme

The Clicks Youth Employment Programme is designed to provide unemployed matriculants with meaningful work experience and industry-related training. Many young South Africans struggle to find employment because they lack workplace experience. This programme helps bridge that gap by offering structured learning and hands-on training inside Clicks retail stores.

Participants will spend time learning retail operations through classroom-based training while also completing practical tasks under the guidance of experienced store staff. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience helps participants develop the skills required to work confidently in a retail environment.

The programme focuses on preparing young people for checkout operator roles while exposing them to various aspects of customer service and store operations.

Available Programme Locations

Applications are currently open for the following locations:

Youth Employment Programme – Durban
  • Listing Reference: click_025588
  • Location: Durban
  • Industry: FMCG and Supply Management
  • Job Category: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain
  • Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract
  • Employment Equity Position: Yes
  • Closing Date: 1 August 2026
Youth Employment Programme – Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga
  • Listing Reference: click_025565
  • Location: Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga
  • Industry: FMCG and Supply Management
  • Job Category: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain
  • Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract
  • Employment Equity Position: Yes
  • Closing Date: 8 July 2026
Youth Employment Programme – Gauteng
  • Listing Reference: click_025557
  • Location: Gauteng
  • Industry: FMCG and Supply Management
  • Job Category: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain
  • Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract
  • Employment Equity Position: Yes
  • Closing Date: 8 July 2026
Youth Employment Programme – Western Cape
  • Listing Reference: click_025549
  • Location: Western Cape
  • Industry: FMCG and Supply Management
  • Job Category: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain
  • Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract
  • Employment Equity Position: Yes
  • Closing Date: 7 July 2026
Programme Benefits

The Clicks Youth Employment Programme offers more than just workplace exposure. It provides participants with an opportunity to build practical skills that can improve long-term employability.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Practical retail work experience
  • Classroom-based learning
  • On-the-job training
  • Exposure to one of South Africa’s leading retail companies
  • Customer service experience
  • Retail operations training
  • Development of communication skills
  • Teamwork experience
  • Nationally recognised NQF Level 2 Checkout Operator occupational qualification upon successful completion

The programme is suitable for young people who are interested in retail careers and would like to gain experience in customer service, cashier duties and general store operations.

What Participants Will Learn

Successful applicants will receive structured training covering important areas of retail operations. During the programme, participants will develop knowledge and practical experience in:

  • Customer service principles
  • Operating checkout tills
  • Cash handling procedures
  • Retail store standards
  • Product knowledge
  • Professional workplace behaviour
  • Communication with customers
  • Teamwork within a retail environment
  • Health and safety procedures
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Maintaining excellent customer experiences

The workplace learning component allows participants to apply classroom knowledge in real-life retail situations.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum requirements before applying:

  • Must be a South African citizen.
  • Must be between 18 and 29 years old.
  • Must have successfully passed Matric (Grade 12).
  • Must currently be unemployed.
  • Must possess good communication skills.
  • Must have strong interpersonal skills.
  • Must be able to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Must be willing to learn and develop new skills.
  • Must not currently be registered on any Learnership or Skills Programme.

Only applicants who meet all the listed requirements should submit applications.

Skills and Personal Attributes

Although previous work experience is not required, successful candidates should demonstrate qualities that contribute to success in a retail environment.

Preferred attributes include:

  • Positive attitude
  • Professional behaviour
  • Strong customer service orientation
  • Reliability
  • Honesty and integrity
  • Good listening skills
  • Ability to communicate clearly
  • Willingness to follow instructions
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Flexibility
  • Eagerness to learn
  • Strong work ethic
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to work with different people

These qualities are valuable in helping participants complete the programme successfully.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for unemployed young South Africans who have completed Matric and are looking for their first workplace experience.

The programme may be suitable for individuals who:

  • Recently completed Grade 12.
  • Have been struggling to secure employment due to limited experience.
  • Want to start a career in retail.
  • Enjoy working with customers.
  • Are interested in learning new skills.
  • Are committed to personal and professional development.
  • Want to earn a recognised occupational qualification.

Applicants from the listed provinces are encouraged to submit applications before the relevant closing dates.

Why Retail Experience Matters

Retail remains one of South Africa’s largest employment sectors, offering opportunities in customer service, merchandising, sales, stock control, store management and administration.

Workplace experience gained through structured employment programmes can significantly improve future job prospects. Employers often value candidates who have practical exposure to customer service environments and understand professional workplace expectations.

Completing a recognised occupational qualification also strengthens a candidate’s CV and demonstrates commitment to learning and career development.

Application Closing Dates

Applicants should take note of the different closing dates for each programme:

  • Western Cape: 7 July 2026
  • Gauteng: 8 July 2026
  • Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga: 8 July 2026
  • Durban: 1 August 2026

Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.

Application Tips

Before applying, ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete. Prepare the necessary supporting documents in advance and make sure contact details remain active throughout the recruitment process.

Applicants should regularly monitor email inboxes and phone messages after submitting an application, as shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessments or interviews.

Only applications that meet the programme requirements are likely to progress through the selection process.

Start Building a Retail Career

The Clicks Youth Employment Programme presents an excellent opportunity for unemployed youth to gain valuable workplace experience while earning a recognised occupational qualification. The combination of practical store training and classroom learning provides participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to begin a career in South Africa’s retail industry.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible before the relevant closing dates to avoid missing this opportunity.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the Clicks careers website before the relevant closing date for the preferred location.

Search for the relevant Youth Employment Programme using the listing reference or location.

Apply Here: Youth Employment Programme