Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa is offering the Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership 2026 for young South Africans seeking practical experience in sales, merchandising, and customer service. The 12-month programme provides structured workplace learning in various locations across South Africa.

Introduction

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa has opened applications for its Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership 2026, offering young South Africans an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience in the fast-moving consumer goods industry.

The programme is designed to equip unemployed youth with commercial knowledge, merchandising expertise, and customer service skills required in the retail and sales environment. Through structured learning and practical exposure, participants will develop an understanding of in-store execution, product visibility, promotional support, and customer engagement.

The learnership is currently available in several South African locations, including Oudtshoorn, Dysselsdorp, Emondlo, Vryheid, and Ermelo, with applications closing on 25 May 2026.

About Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa is one of the leading beverage manufacturers and distributors in the region. The company forms part of the broader Coca-Cola system and supplies a wide range of beverages to retailers, wholesalers, and consumers across South Africa.

The organisation plays a significant role in youth development and skills training through various internship, graduate, and learnership programmes aimed at improving employability and workplace readiness among young people.

The Visual Merchandiser Learnership reflects the company’s commitment to developing future talent in the commercial and retail sector while creating pathways into long-term employment opportunities.

Purpose of the Learnership Programme

The Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership has been structured to provide practical, work-based learning within the commercial sales and marketing environment.

Participants are trained to understand customer servicing, merchandising standards, order-taking processes, and retail execution strategies that support business growth and product visibility.

The programme combines theoretical learning with workplace exposure, enabling learners to gain practical industry experience while working alongside experienced professionals in the sales and merchandising field.

The role reports directly to the Account Developer, ensuring learners receive mentorship, coaching, and guidance throughout the programme.

Key Responsibilities of Learners

Participants in the learnership programme will be expected to contribute to various merchandising and customer service activities across assigned retail outlets.

One of the main responsibilities involves executing daily call schedules at designated bronze and tin outlets. Learners must ensure that store visits align with planned merchandising and customer engagement objectives.

They will also be responsible for implementing visual merchandising standards according to company brand guidelines. This includes arranging displays, rotating stock, and ensuring products are positioned for maximum visibility and accessibility.

Maintaining product quality and availability is another important aspect of the role. Learners are required to ensure that shelves remain adequately stocked while adhering to RED execution standards and completing iRED surveys where necessary.

The programme also introduces learners to digital customer support systems such as the MyCCBA platform. Participants assist customers with placing orders and understanding how to use the platform effectively.

In addition, learners may support promotional campaigns and marketing activities aimed at increasing brand awareness and sales performance in retail stores.

The role may also require learners to provide relief support in various operational areas as directed by management.

Workplace Learning and Skills Development

The Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa learnership is designed to provide participants with valuable practical exposure to the retail sales and merchandising environment.

Learners interact with various stakeholders, including sales team members, account developers, and customers. These interactions help develop communication skills, teamwork, and customer relationship management capabilities.

By working directly in retail environments, participants gain hands-on experience in merchandising execution, stock management, customer service, and commercial operations.

The programme also helps learners understand consumer behaviour and purchasing trends, knowledge that is essential in the modern sales and marketing industry.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for the Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership 2026, applicants must meet several minimum requirements.

Candidates must have completed Grade 12 with either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, achieving at least 40 percent. They must also have passed English and a second language at a minimum of 40 percent.

Applicants must be South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 35.

The company requires candidates to be unemployed at the time of appointment and not currently enrolled in another learnership programme or full-time studies. Applicants must also not have previously completed the same qualification or learnership at another organisation.

A clean criminal and credit record is essential, and shortlisted candidates may undergo criminal, qualification, and identity verification checks.

Although not compulsory, possessing a valid driver’s licence is considered advantageous, particularly where travel between stores may be required.

Candidates with post-matric qualifications in Sales and Marketing may have an added advantage during the selection process.

Learnership Duration and Qualification

The programme runs for 12 months and forms part of a nationally recognised qualification pathway.

Learners are required to obtain a minimum of 120 credits to successfully complete the qualification. Throughout the programme, participants receive structured workplace learning combined with practical operational exposure.

The learnership is designed to enhance employability by providing both technical knowledge and workplace experience relevant to the retail and commercial sales industry.

Required Application Documents

Interested applicants who meet the programme requirements are expected to submit several supporting documents during the application process.

These include:

• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
• Certified copy of the matric certificate
• Certified copy of any additional qualifications
• Copy of a driver’s licence, where applicable

The company has indicated that management reserves the right to apply additional criteria during the shortlisting process.

Available Locations

The Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership is currently available in multiple locations across South Africa, including:

• Oudtshoorn and Dysselsdorp in the Western Cape
• Emondlo and Vryheid
• Ermelo

These placements provide learners with the opportunity to gain retail experience within their local communities while contributing to one of the country’s leading beverage brands.

Conclusion

The Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership 2026 presents an important opportunity for unemployed youth seeking entry into the retail, sales, and marketing industry.

By combining practical workplace experience with structured learning, the programme equips participants with valuable commercial skills that can support future career growth in merchandising, customer service, and sales operations.

For young South Africans looking to gain industry exposure, build workplace confidence, and improve long-term employability, this learnership offers a strong foundation within a recognised and established organisation.

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