Pepkor Lifestyle is recruiting graduates and TVET students for its 2026 W&R SETA-funded Graduate Programme in Sandton, Gauteng. The programme offers structured workplace experience in business, HR, finance, IT, logistics, and more.
Pepkor Lifestyle Launches W&R SETA-Funded Graduate Programme for Young South Africans
Pepkor Lifestyle has officially opened applications for its 2026 Graduate Programme, offering unemployed graduates and TVET students an opportunity to gain structured workplace experience within one of South Africa’s largest wholesale and retail groups.
The programme, funded through the Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&R SETA), is based in Sandton, Gauteng, and aims to equip young professionals with practical industry exposure, workplace training, and career development opportunities across multiple business disciplines.
Pepkor Lifestyle is seeking ambitious, passionate, and career-driven individuals who are eager to contribute to the company’s growth journey while building valuable professional experience within the retail sector.
Programme Designed to Develop Future Professionals
The Graduate Programme is structured to help young graduates transition from academic studies into practical workplace environments.
Participants will receive:
- Structured workplace experience
- Exposure to retail and corporate operations
- Professional mentorship and support
- Career development opportunities
- Access to experienced industry professionals
The programme is intended to develop high-performing graduates who can contribute fresh ideas, innovation, and talent to the organisation while strengthening their own career prospects.
Pepkor Lifestyle stated that graduates will work closely with professionals across various business functions and gain exposure to operational processes within the retail industry.
Opportunities Available Across Multiple Fields
The company is recruiting graduates and TVET learners from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
Qualifications Accepted
| Qualification Area | Eligible Fields |
|---|---|
| Business & Management | Business Management, Business Administration |
| Human Resources | HR Management, Industrial Psychology |
| Law & Risk | BCom Law, Risk Management |
| Finance | BCom Financial Management |
| Information Technology | Software Engineering, Information Systems, Business IT |
| Logistics | Logistics and Supply Chain Management |
| Project Management | IT Project Administration, Project Management |
| TVET Programmes | N6 qualifications from TVET Colleges |
The programme therefore offers opportunities for graduates from both universities and TVET institutions.
12-Month and 18-Month Workplace Experience Opportunities
Pepkor Lifestyle noted that:
- Degree and diploma graduates will participate in a 12-month programme
- TVET graduates requiring workplace exposure will complete an 18-month practical programme
This work-integrated learning structure is particularly important for TVET graduates who often require practical experience to complete their qualifications.
The programme therefore serves both as a graduate development initiative and a pathway for experiential learning completion.
Graduates Will Receive Structured Workplace Exposure
Participants in the programme will gain hands-on exposure through various workplace activities and operational experiences.
According to Pepkor Lifestyle, graduates may:
- Attend onboarding and induction programmes
- Work under the supervision of senior professionals
- Conduct research on industry trends and innovations
- Visit stores and different company locations
- Participate in presentations and evaluations
- Support projects and operational objectives
- Contribute to departmental functions
The programme aims to provide practical learning rather than purely theoretical exposure, helping candidates develop confidence and workplace readiness.
Retail Industry Experience Can Open Long-Term Career Opportunities
South Africa’s retail industry remains one of the country’s largest employment sectors and offers career opportunities across operations, finance, HR, logistics, administration, technology, and customer service.
By participating in the programme, graduates gain exposure to:
- Retail operations
- Corporate business functions
- Supply chain environments
- IT systems and innovation
- Financial and HR processes
- Project coordination
This type of experience can significantly strengthen employability and provide a foundation for future career growth.
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Skills and Competencies Pepkor Lifestyle Is Looking For
Pepkor Lifestyle highlighted several key qualities required for success within the programme.
Desired competencies include:
- Ability to learn quickly
- Adaptability and resilience
- Initiative and problem-solving ability
- Critical thinking and decision-making
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Relationship-building skills
- Strong work ethic
- Communication and presentation skills
- Customer service orientation
These attributes are highly valued in modern retail and corporate environments where flexibility and operational efficiency are essential.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
To qualify for the programme, candidates must meet several important requirements.
Applicant Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a South African citizen |
| ID Document | Valid South African ID required |
| Employment Status | Must be unemployed |
| Age Requirement | Must be under 32 years old |
| Qualification | Relevant qualification from accredited institution |
| Disability Inclusion | Candidates with and without disabilities may apply |
The programme is specifically designed to support unemployed graduates seeking workplace experience and career development opportunities.
Documents Required for Applications
Applicants are required to submit several supporting documents as part of the recruitment process.
Required Documents
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Updated CV | Mandatory |
| Certified ID Copy | Not older than 3 months |
| Certified Qualifications | Not older than 3 months |
| Academic Transcript | Latest tertiary results |
Pepkor Lifestyle noted that candidates who successfully submit all required documentation will receive first consideration during the selection process.
Internship and Programme Details
Programme Information
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Pepkor Lifestyle |
| Programme Type | Graduate Programme |
| Funding | W&R SETA Funded |
| Location | Sandton, Gauteng |
| Employment Type | Internship |
| Duration | 12 Months / 18 Months |
| Closing Date | 30 June 2026 |
| Division | Pepkor Lifestyle Corporate – Group HR |
The programme provides graduates with access to structured learning and workplace development within a large retail organisation.
Why Graduate Programmes Matter in South Africa
Graduate programmes remain important tools for addressing youth unemployment and workplace readiness challenges in South Africa.
Many graduates struggle to secure employment due to limited practical experience, despite having academic qualifications.
Structured programmes such as the Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme help bridge this gap by providing:
- Workplace exposure
- Industry knowledge
- Professional networking
- Skills development
- Mentorship opportunities
- Real-world operational experience
For TVET graduates especially, work-integrated learning opportunities are critical for qualification completion and future employment readiness.
Final Thoughts
The Pepkor Lifestyle W&R SETA-funded Graduate Programme presents an exciting opportunity for young South Africans looking to gain valuable workplace experience within the retail and corporate sectors.
With opportunities across business, HR, finance, logistics, law, and IT fields, the programme offers meaningful career-building exposure supported by experienced professionals and structured learning.
For unemployed graduates and TVET learners eager to develop practical skills and strengthen their future career prospects, the programme could become an important stepping stone toward long-term professional success.
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