Young South Africans looking to gain valuable workplace experience now have an exciting opportunity to join the Coca-Cola Visual Merchandiser Learnership 2026.
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa is recruiting unemployed youth for its 12-month Visual Merchandiser Learnership Programme. The programme combines practical workplace exposure with structured learning, allowing participants to develop skills in sales, merchandising, customer service, and retail operations.
Successful learners will work closely with experienced sales teams while gaining hands-on knowledge of how one of South Africa’s leading beverage companies manages product visibility and customer relationships.
What Is the Coca-Cola Visual Merchandiser Learnership?
The Visual Merchandiser Learnership is a structured work-based learning programme designed to equip learners with practical and theoretical skills required in the commercial sales and merchandising environment.
Throughout the programme, learners will receive exposure to:
- Customer service practices
- Sales support activities
- Visual merchandising standards
- Product availability management
- Retail execution strategies
- Brand visibility initiatives
- Order-taking support processes
The programme is ideal for individuals interested in building a future career in sales, marketing, merchandising, or retail management.
Learnership Overview
| Programme Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa |
| Programme | Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser |
| Reference Number | CCB260604-5 |
| Category | Commercial – Sales and Marketing |
| Programme Type | Learnership |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Location | George |
| Credits | 120 Credits |
Purpose of the Programme
The primary goal of the learnership is to develop learners who can effectively support sales and merchandising activities within retail environments.
Participants will gain practical experience in ensuring products are visible, available, and presented according to company standards.
This experience helps learners understand how merchandising contributes to customer satisfaction, brand awareness, and overall business performance.
What Will Learners Do?
During the programme, successful candidates will perform various merchandising and customer support duties.
Key Responsibilities
Learners will:
- Execute daily call schedules across assigned retail outlets
- Implement visual merchandising standards
- Maintain product displays according to brand guidelines
- Ensure stock rotation procedures are followed
- Monitor product quality and availability
- Improve in-store product visibility
- Complete iRED surveys and reporting activities
- Assist customers with placing orders through the MyCCBA platform
- Support promotional and marketing activities
- Provide operational support when required by management
These responsibilities provide valuable practical experience that mirrors real workplace expectations.
Workplace Exposure and Learning Opportunities
One of the biggest advantages of this programme is the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals.
Learners will regularly interact with:
Sales Team Members
Working closely with sales teams allows learners to develop communication, teamwork, and customer engagement skills.
Sales Account Developers
Learners will receive coaching, guidance, and performance feedback from Sales Account Developers throughout the programme.
Consumers and Customers
Exposure to customer interactions helps learners understand consumer behaviour and retail sales trends.
This practical experience can be highly valuable when applying for future employment opportunities.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements before applying:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be unemployed
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Must have Grade 12
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy with a minimum of 40%
- English and a second language with a minimum of 40%
- Must be available to work six days per week
- Must not be enrolled in another learnership programme
- Must not be studying full-time
- Must not have previously completed the same qualification or learnership
Meeting all minimum requirements is essential for consideration.
Additional Advantages
Although not compulsory, the following may strengthen an application:
- Valid driver’s licence
- Post-matric qualification in Sales and Marketing
- Previous exposure to retail environments
- Strong communication skills
- Interest in sales and customer service
A driver’s licence may be particularly beneficial as the role can involve travel between different retail outlets.
Important Screening Requirements
Applicants must be willing to undergo verification checks as part of the recruitment process.
These include:
- Criminal record checks
- Identity verification
- Qualification verification
Applicants should also have no adverse credit record.
Required Documents
Before applying, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Detailed and updated CV
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified copy of qualifications (if applicable)
- Copy of driver’s licence (if available)
Submitting complete documentation can help avoid delays during the selection process.
Why This Learnership Is Worth Applying For
Many employers prefer candidates who already have workplace exposure. This learnership helps bridge the gap between education and employment.
Benefits include:
- Practical workplace experience
- Exposure to a leading multinational brand
- Development of customer service skills
- Sales and merchandising training
- Improved employability
- Industry-recognised learning experience
- Opportunity to build a professional network
For unemployed youth looking to enter the commercial sector, this programme offers a valuable starting point.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their applications online through the official Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa careers platform.
Ensure all supporting documents are uploaded correctly before completing the application process.
Applications should be submitted as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
Closing Date
Applications close on 11 June 2026.
Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline, as late submissions may not be considered.
Final Thoughts
The Coca-Cola Visual Merchandiser Learnership 2026 provides a valuable opportunity for unemployed South African youth to gain practical experience in sales, merchandising, and customer service.
With 12 months of structured workplace learning, exposure to retail operations, and the opportunity to develop industry-relevant skills, this programme can serve as an excellent foundation for a future career in the commercial sector.
If you meet the requirements and are ready to build your experience with one of South Africa’s leading beverage companies, this learnership is worth considering.
