Meta Description:
Apply for the Visual Merchandiser Learnership 2026 in South Africa. 12-month retail and merchandising training with Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa. Closing 31 March 2026.
The Visual Merchandiser Learnership 2026 is now open for applications across selected regions in South Africa. Offered by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), this 12-month structured programme is designed to equip unemployed youth with practical retail, merchandising, and sales support skills.
If you are between 18 and 35 years old, have completed Grade 12, and want hands-on exposure in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, this opportunity could help you gain recognised workplace experience and improve your employability.
Programme Overview
- Company: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA)
- Reference Number: CCB260216-2
- Programme Duration: 12 months
- Closing Date: 31 March 2026
- Location: Countrywide (selected regions)
Available Areas
- Pietermaritzburg
- Marianhill
- Newcastle
- Stanger
- Durban
- Vryheid
The learnership requires participants to complete a minimum of 120 credits to qualify successfully.
What Is the Purpose of This Learnership?
The Visual Merchandiser Learnership is designed to develop:
- Practical merchandising skills
- Commercial and retail awareness
- Customer service techniques
- Order-taking and stock management processes
- In-store execution standards
Learners will gain real workplace experience in retail outlets within assigned geographical areas. The role reports directly to the Account Developer and involves close coordination with sales teams.
This is not classroom-only training. It combines structured learning with practical, on-the-job exposure in real store environments.
Key Responsibilities: What You Will Actually Do
In-Store Execution and Merchandising
During the 12 months, learners will:
- Execute daily call schedules across assigned retail outlets
- Implement brand merchandising standards
- Ensure correct product placement and display execution
- Maintain stock rotation and product availability
- Complete execution scorecards and iRED surveys
- Support customers with order placement via the MyCCBA platform
- Assist with in-store promotional activities
- Provide relief support where necessary
The focus is on ensuring products are visible, correctly displayed, and available to customers. This develops attention to detail, discipline, and customer engagement skills.
Work Environment and Professional Exposure
This learnership provides structured exposure to a real sales and retail environment. Learners will interact with:
- Sales Team Members for daily coordination
- Sales Account Developers for performance feedback
- Retail customers and store managers
- Consumers to understand buying behaviour
This level of interaction helps build communication skills, teamwork, accountability, and commercial awareness — all highly valued in retail and FMCG sectors.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Grade 12 with Mathematics or Maths Literacy (minimum 40%)
- Grade 12 with English and a second language (minimum 40%)
- South African citizen
- Between 18 and 35 years old
- Unemployed at the time of appointment
- Available to work six days a week
- Employment Equity candidate
- No criminal record
- No adverse credit record
- Willing to undergo criminal, ID, and qualification verification
- Not currently studying full-time
- Not enrolled in another learnership
- Must not have completed the same qualification previously
Advantageous but Not Mandatory
- Valid Driver’s Licence
- Post-matric qualification in Sales or Marketing
A driver’s licence can be particularly helpful where travel between stores is required.
What Qualification Will You Receive?
Successful learners who complete all required components and achieve the minimum 120 credits will receive a nationally recognised qualification aligned with retail and merchandising standards.
This qualification strengthens your CV and improves your chances of securing future employment in:
- Sales
- Merchandising
- Retail supervision
- Account support roles
- FMCG operations
What You Will Gain from This Programme
This learnership offers more than a certificate. Participants gain:
- 12 months of structured workplace exposure
- Retail execution and merchandising experience
- Customer service and sales support skills
- Practical FMCG industry insight
- Improved confidence in professional environments
For many young job seekers, this type of structured training serves as an entry point into long-term retail or sales careers.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Detailed CV
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified copy of any additional qualification (if applicable)
- Copy of Driver’s Licence (if available)
Applications missing required documents may not be considered. Ensure all copies are clear and properly certified before submission.
Important Notes Before You Apply
- Management may apply additional shortlisting criteria.
- Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
- Ensure your CV clearly outlines your contact details.
- Double-check your documents before uploading.
Merchandiser Learnership Accuracy and completeness can influence your chances of being shortlisted.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the official recruitment portal:
https://ccba.erecruit.co/candidateapp/Jobs/View/CCB260216-2
Closing Date: 31 March 2026
Apply Merchandiser Learnership early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Why This Merchandiser Learnership Matters in 2026
Retail and FMCG sectors remain significant employers in South Africa. However, employers increasingly look for candidates with both formal education and practical workplace exposure.
This programme helps bridge that gap.
By combining structured training with real store execution, the Visual Merchandiser Learnership provides practical, measurable experience that can strengthen your employment prospects in a competitive job market.
If you meet the requirements and are committed to completing a 12-month structured Merchandiser Learnership programme, this opportunity may be a strong stepping stone into retail and sales careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this learnership paid?
Learnerships in South Africa typically include a stipend. Details about stipend amounts are usually provided during the recruitment process.
2. Can I apply if I am currently studying?
No. Applicants must not be enrolled in full-time studies or another learnership at the time of appointment.
3. Do I need previous retail experience?
No prior experience is required. This Merchandiser Learnership programme is designed for unemployed youth with Grade 12.
4. Is a driver’s licence compulsory?
It is not mandatory but can be advantageous, especially where travel between stores is necessary.
5. What happens after the 12 months?
Completion improves your employability in retail Merchandiser Learnership and FMCG environments. Permanent employment is not guaranteed, but the experience and qualification significantly strengthen your CV.
Final Advice for Applicants
Before submitting your application:
- Update your CV professionally
- Ensure your contact number and email address are correct
- Prepare certified documents in advance
- Apply before the deadline
The Visual Merchandiser Learnership 2026 offers structured training, practical exposure, and recognised certification within a nationally operating beverage company.
If you are ready to gain real retail experience and develop commercial skills, submit your application before 31 March 2026.
