Pepkor Lifestyle is offering an exciting opportunity for unemployed South African graduates and TVET students through its W&R SETA-funded Graduate Programme 2026. This programme is designed to provide valuable workplace experience, professional development, and practical exposure within one of South Africa’s leading retail groups.
The programme aims to help young graduates bridge the gap between academic studies and the workplace while gaining hands-on experience in a professional corporate environment.
Successful candidates will join Pepkor Lifestyle’s Corporate Group Human Resources division in Sandton, Gauteng, where they will receive structured training and mentorship from experienced professionals.
Programme Overview
Pepkor Lifestyle is committed to developing future professionals through workplace learning opportunities that prepare graduates for long-term career success.
Programme Details
- Company: Pepkor Lifestyle
- Programme: Graduate Programme – Degree, Diploma and TVET
- Funding: Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&R SETA)
- Division: Pepkor Lifestyle Corporate – Group Human Resources
- Industry: Retail
- Functional Area: General Business
- Programme Type: Internship
- Location: Sandton, Gauteng
- Duration:
- Graduates: 12 Months
- TVET Graduates: 18 Months Work Integrated Learning Programme
Fields of Study Accepted
Pepkor Lifestyle is seeking graduates and diploma holders from various disciplines.
Applicants with qualifications in the following fields are encouraged to apply:
Business and Management
- Business Management
- Business Administration
These qualifications provide a strong foundation for understanding business operations, leadership, and organisational processes.
Human Resources and Industrial Psychology
- Human Resource Management
- Industrial Psychology
Graduates in these fields will gain practical exposure to talent management, recruitment, employee relations, and organisational development.
Legal and Risk Management
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- BCom Law
- BCom Risk Management
These qualifications are ideal for candidates interested in compliance, governance, legal administration, and risk management within the retail environment.
Finance
- BCom Financial Management
Finance graduates will gain exposure to financial processes, reporting, budgeting, and business operations.
Information Technology and Software Development
- BSc Software Engineering
- BCom Software Engineering
Technology graduates can gain valuable experience within retail systems, digital transformation projects, and business technology initiatives.
Logistics and Supply Chain
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management N6
This field provides opportunities to learn about inventory management, procurement, distribution, and supply chain operations.
Project Management and Information Systems
- IT Project Administration
- Project Management
- IT Information Systems
- Business Information Technology N6
Graduates will gain exposure to project coordination, systems management, and business technology processes.
TVET Graduate Opportunities
TVET College graduates who require workplace experience to complete their qualifications are encouraged to apply.
Successful TVET candidates will participate in an 18-month Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme, allowing them to gain the practical experience often required to obtain their final qualifications.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for the programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
General Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Possess a valid South African ID document
- Be unemployed
- Be younger than 32 years of age
- Hold a qualification from an accredited institution
Education Requirements
Applicants must have completed:
- A Degree
- A Diploma
- Or a relevant TVET N6 qualification
Employment Equity
Pepkor Lifestyle welcomes applications from:
- Candidates with disabilities
- Candidates without disabilities
The company is committed to creating an inclusive workplace environment.
Skills and Competencies Required
Pepkor Lifestyle is looking for motivated graduates who demonstrate strong personal and professional qualities.
Successful candidates should possess:
Adaptability
The ability to learn quickly and adjust to changing workplace environments.
Critical Thinking
Graduates should be able to analyse information, identify problems, and make sound decisions.
Communication Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for workplace success.
Teamwork
Applicants should be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
Professionalism
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Initiative
- Accountability
- Strong work ethic
- Professional conduct
Customer Focus
Understanding customer needs and contributing to positive customer experiences is an important aspect of the retail industry.
What the Programme Offers
The Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme provides a structured learning experience designed to support professional growth.
Workplace Experience
Graduates will gain hands-on exposure to real business operations and corporate processes.
Mentorship and Support
Participants will work alongside experienced professionals who will provide guidance, coaching, and development support throughout the programme.
Professional Development
Graduates will have access to learning opportunities that help develop technical and workplace skills.
Career Exposure
Participants will gain insight into different business functions and potential career pathways within the retail sector.
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will participate in various activities designed to enhance their workplace readiness.
Responsibilities may include:
- Attending onboarding and induction programmes
- Participating in business meetings
- Supporting projects under supervision
- Conducting research and analysing business trends
- Assisting with departmental activities
- Learning company systems and processes
- Contributing to business improvement initiatives
Workplace Exposure
One of the major benefits of the programme is the opportunity to gain practical workplace exposure.
Graduates may be required to:
- Visit various business locations
- Observe different operational functions
- Participate in projects
- Deliver presentations
- Work with cross-functional teams
This exposure helps participants understand how large retail organisations operate and prepares them for future employment opportunities.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID (not older than three months)
- Certified copies of qualifications (not older than three months)
- Certified academic transcript or tertiary results (not older than three months)
Applicants should ensure that all documents are clear, legible, and uploaded correctly.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their applications online through the official Pepkor Lifestyle recruitment platform.
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are attached before submitting their application.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 30 June 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid last-minute issues.
Why You Should Apply
Graduate programmes remain one of the best ways for young professionals to gain valuable work experience after completing their studies.
This programme offers:
- Structured workplace training
- Exposure to a leading retail organisation
- Professional mentorship
- Career development opportunities
- Practical industry experience
- Improved employability
For graduates struggling to gain workplace experience, this opportunity can serve as an important stepping stone toward a successful career.
Conclusion
The Pepkor Lifestyle W&R SETA Graduate Programme 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for unemployed graduates and TVET students to gain meaningful workplace experience within South Africa’s retail sector. With opportunities available across business, HR, finance, law, IT, logistics, and project management fields, the programme offers valuable professional development and practical exposure that can significantly strengthen future career prospects.
Qualified applicants should prepare their documents and submit their applications before the deadline to take advantage of this career-building opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme?
South African unemployed graduates and TVET students under the age of 32 who meet the qualification requirements may apply.
How long is the programme?
Graduates will participate in a 12-month programme, while TVET students requiring workplace exposure will complete an 18-month Work Integrated Learning Programme.
Where is the programme located?
The programme is based in Sandton, Gauteng.
Does the programme accept TVET graduates?
Yes. TVET graduates requiring practical workplace training are encouraged to apply.
Which qualifications are accepted?
Qualifications in business, HR, industrial psychology, law, risk management, finance, software engineering, logistics, supply chain, project management, and information systems are accepted.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted before 30 June 2026.
