Pepkor Lifestyle is inviting unemployed South African graduates to apply for its Internship Programme and Wholesale and Retail SETA-funded Work Integrated Learning Programme 2026. The initiative offers young professionals an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience while developing valuable skills in one of the country’s leading wholesale and retail organisations.
Based in Sandton, the programme runs for 12 to 18 months and is designed to prepare graduates for successful careers through structured learning, mentorship, and real-world industry exposure.
Programme Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Pepkor Lifestyle |
| Programme | Internship Programme / Work Integrated Learning Programme |
| Funding | Wholesale and Retail SETA |
| Location | Sandton, South Africa |
| Duration | 12 to 18 Months |
| Closing Date | 30 June 2026 |
| Target Group | Unemployed South African Graduates |
About the Pepkor Lifestyle Internship Programme
The Pepkor Lifestyle Internship Programme is aimed at young, motivated graduates who are eager to build professional experience in a dynamic retail environment.
Participants will work alongside experienced professionals while gaining practical knowledge that complements their academic qualifications. The programme also provides opportunities to develop workplace skills, expand professional networks, and prepare for long-term career growth.
What the Programme Offers
Successful interns can expect:
- Structured workplace training
- Professional mentorship and guidance
- Exposure to real business operations
- Opportunities to work on meaningful projects
- Career development support
- Experience within one of South Africa’s largest wholesale and retail groups
- Workplace learning aligned with Wholesale and Retail SETA standards
The programme is designed to help graduates transition from academic study into the professional world.
Available Internship Opportunities
Graduate Programme: Group Human Resources
Pepkor Lifestyle is seeking graduates with qualifications in:
- Business Management
- Business Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Industrial Psychology
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Bachelor of Commerce in Law
- BCom Risk Management
- BCom Financial Management
- BSc or BCom Software Engineering
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (N6)
- IT Project Administration
- Project Management
- IT Information Systems
- Business Information Technology (N6)
Graduate Internship: Retail Division
Graduates with qualifications in the following fields are encouraged to apply:
- Marketing Management
- Business Management
- Business Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Industrial Psychology
- Digital Marketing
- Marketing
- Ecommerce
- IT Project Administration
- Project Management
- IT Information Systems
- Business Information Technology
TVET and Higher Education Graduates
Graduates from TVET Colleges and Higher Education and Training institutions will participate in an 18-month practical training programme.
The additional workplace exposure helps strengthen qualifications and improves future employability by providing hands-on industry experience.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the programme, applicants must:
- Hold a relevant qualification from an accredited university or tertiary institution
- Be unemployed
- Be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID
- Be under the age of 32
- Meet the qualification requirements for the selected internship
Both candidates with disabilities and those without disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for graduates interested in careers within:
- Human Resources
- Business Administration
- Business Management
- Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Ecommerce
- Industrial Psychology
- Finance
- Risk Management
- Software Engineering
- Logistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Information Technology
- Project Management
- Law
Applicants who are eager to learn and build experience in a professional retail environment are strongly encouraged to submit their applications.
Required Documents
Before applying, candidates should prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Academic record or statement of results
- Proof of disability (where applicable)
- Any additional documents requested during the online application process
Ensuring that documents are complete and clearly certified can improve the application process.
Benefits of Joining Pepkor Lifestyle
Participating in the programme offers several long-term advantages, including:
- Practical workplace experience
- Exposure to retail and corporate operations
- Professional mentorship
- Improved employability
- Skills development aligned with industry standards
- Opportunities to build valuable professional relationships
- A stronger CV for future employment opportunities
The experience gained can help graduates compete more effectively in the job market.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their applications online through the official Pepkor Lifestyle recruitment platform.
Before applying:
- Update your CV with your latest qualifications and skills.
- Ensure all supporting documents are certified.
- Verify that your contact details are accurate.
- Upload all required documents correctly.
- Complete the online application before the deadline.
Application Deadline
The closing date for the Pepkor Lifestyle Internships 2026 is 30 June 2026.
Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered, so early submission is recommended.
Why This Internship Is Worth Considering
For many graduates, finding employment without prior experience can be challenging. The Pepkor Lifestyle Internship Programme addresses this by combining structured learning with practical workplace exposure, giving participants the opportunity to develop skills that employers value.
Working within a leading retail organisation also provides insight into business operations while helping graduates build confidence and professional competence.
Final Thoughts
The Pepkor Lifestyle Internships 2026 provide an excellent opportunity for unemployed South African graduates to gain practical experience in business, retail, human resources, marketing, IT, finance, and related fields. Through the Wholesale and Retail SETA-funded programme, participants can strengthen their qualifications while developing the skills needed for long-term career success.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are ready to begin your professional journey, be sure to submit your application before 30 June 2026.





