Clicks Group is offering a Youth Employment Programme in Pretoria for unemployed youth aged 18–29. Participants receive classroom training and practical retail experience, leading to an NQF Level 2 Checkout Operator qualification. Apply by 5 March 2026.
South Africa’s youth unemployment challenge continues to demand structured, skills-based interventions that combine education with workplace exposure. In response, Clicks Group has launched its 2026 Youth Employment Programme in Pretoria, Gauteng, offering unemployed young people a pathway into the retail and health sector.
With applications closing on 5 March 2026, this fixed-term opportunity provides both theoretical learning and practical in-store experience, culminating in a nationally recognized NQF Level 2 Checkout Operator qualification.
About Clicks Group
Clicks Group is one of South Africa’s leading health and beauty retail chains, operating across the country with a strong footprint in pharmacy, personal care, and FMCG retail. The organization has long invested in youth development initiatives designed to build employability skills and support economic inclusion.
The Youth Employment Programme reflects Clicks’ broader commitment to skills development, employment equity, and workforce transformation.
Programme Overview
The Youth Employment Programme is structured as a blended learning experience, combining:
- Classroom-based theoretical instruction
- Practical, on-the-job training within a retail store
Participants will gain exposure to daily retail operations, customer service practices, point-of-sale systems, and stock management processes.
Upon successful completion, learners will receive an NQF Level 2 Checkout Operator occupational qualification, providing formal recognition of skills acquired during the programme.
Industry Exposure: FMCG and Retail
The programme falls within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Supply Management sector. Retail environments demand efficiency, customer engagement, and operational precision. Through structured placement in a Clicks retail store, participants will develop competencies such as:
- Operating point-of-sale systems
- Processing transactions accurately
- Delivering customer service
- Handling cash and electronic payments
- Understanding store procedures and compliance requirements
- Working collaboratively within a team
This practical immersion enhances job readiness and strengthens employability in the broader retail and wholesale sector.
Who Should Apply?
The Youth Employment Programme is specifically targeted at unemployed young South Africans who meet the following criteria:
- South African citizen
- Aged between 18 and 29 years
- Must have passed matric
- Currently unemployed
- Not registered on any other learnership or skills programme
Additionally, applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills
- Positive interpersonal abilities
- Teamwork orientation
- Willingness to learn and grow
The programme is listed as an Employment Equity (EE) position, aligning with national transformation and inclusion objectives.
Skills Development and Career Pathways
The NQF Level 2 Checkout Operator qualification provides participants with a foundational occupational credential recognized within the retail sector.
Graduates of the programme may pursue career paths such as:
- Retail sales assistant
- Checkout operator
- Store support roles
- Entry-level positions in supply chain and store operations
Beyond technical skills, learners develop soft skills essential for long-term employment success, including punctuality, customer engagement, teamwork, and workplace professionalism.
Why This Programme Matters
Youth employment programmes play a critical role in bridging the gap between formal education and the workplace. Many young people possess matric qualifications but lack practical experience. By integrating classroom instruction with hands-on retail exposure, Clicks addresses this gap directly.
Participants benefit from:
- Structured workplace exposure
- Accredited qualification
- Practical retail competencies
- Enhanced CV credibility
- Greater employability within FMCG and retail industries
For many, this programme may serve as a stepping stone toward permanent employment opportunities within retail or related sectors.
Location and Contract Details
- Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
- Industry: FMCG & Supply Management
- Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract
- Application Deadline: 5 March 2026
- Listing Reference: click_023986
Applicants are encouraged to apply before the closing date to ensure consideration.
Broader Economic Impact
Retail remains one of South Africa’s largest employment sectors. By equipping young people with foundational retail skills, Clicks contributes to workforce development and local economic resilience.
Programmes such as this also support national goals related to skills development, youth empowerment, and economic participation. Through accredited qualifications and practical training, unemployed youth gain tools to enter and navigate the formal economy.
Final Thoughts
The Clicks Youth Employment Programme 2026 offers a structured and practical pathway for unemployed youth in Pretoria seeking to build foundational retail skills and secure an accredited qualification.
For young South Africans aged 18–29 who have completed matric and are eager to gain workplace experience, this programme represents a meaningful opportunity to begin a professional journey within one of the country’s leading retail groups.
Interested applicants should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and submit their applications before 5 March 2026 to be considered for this development-focused initiative.
APPLY HERE
