Company: Pepkor
Industry: Wholesale and Retail
Job Category: Graduate Internships
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Contract Type: 12–18 Months Internship Programme
Remuneration: Market-Related Monthly Stipend
EE Position: Yes
Closing Date: 31 July 2025
Introduction
Pepkor, one of South Africa’s largest and most reputable wholesale and retail groups, invites passionate and vibrant graduates to apply for their 2025 Graduate Internship Programme. Headquartered in Cape Town, Pepkor Lifestyle is known for empowering communities and building careers by developing internal talent and fostering innovation in retail.
This internship programme is tailor-made to create opportunities for dynamic young South Africans who are eager to start a meaningful career within a high-performance retail environment. The 12–18-month structured internship provides an excellent platform for graduates to gain real-world experience while actively contributing to the business’s continued success.
Job Description:
The Pepkor Graduate Internship Programme is designed to provide young graduates with hands-on exposure in various key departments. Selected interns will be integrated into teams and will play vital support roles while learning critical industry skills, tools, and systems that will prepare them for long-term employment within the retail sector.
Graduates will participate in structured learning and on-the-job training focused on functional excellence and business integration. The internships will be spread across different fields, ensuring a well-rounded experience and the development of technical and soft skills.
The available internship opportunities are:
- Store Planner Graduate Internship
Applicants must hold a relevant tertiary qualification in:
• Commerce
• Finance
• Accounting
• Statistics - Training and Development Administrator Graduate Internship
Applicants must hold a degree/BTech/Advanced Diploma in:
• Human Resource Management
• Office Administration
Interns will be exposed to real business challenges, work on live projects, and collaborate with diverse teams that impact the daily operations of one of the country’s top retail players.
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is a recent graduate who has completed a relevant tertiary qualification and is passionate about building a career in retail. This individual must be driven, curious, and committed to continuous learning and development.
Key expectations include:
- Willingness to adapt to new environments
- Enthusiasm for the retail industry
- Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset
- A collaborative approach to teamwork
- Proactive and self-motivated attitude
Candidates must also be South African citizens with no more than one year of formal work experience post-graduation.
Role Responsibility:
As a graduate intern at Pepkor, you will:
- Participate in strategic planning sessions and team meetings
- Assist senior staff with data collection, research, and analysis
- Gain experience in retail planning, inventory management, and customer trend analysis (for store planning)
- Support the Human Capital team in onboarding, training logistics, employee development planning, and administrative support (for HR-focused internship)
- Prepare reports and assist with performance tracking
- Participate in cross-functional projects and shadow various roles
- Attend workshops, training sessions, and coaching opportunities
You will be expected to display initiative and gradually take on more responsibility as the internship progresses.
Skills and Attributes:
Successful applicants should bring or demonstrate the potential to develop the following key skills and characteristics:
- Communication Skills
• Strong verbal and written communication in English
• Confidence to present findings and ideas in team meetings - Interpersonal Skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments
• Professional attitude and strong work ethic - Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking
• Attention to detail in data handling and report generation
• Analytical thinking, especially for finance and planning roles - Organisational and Planning Abilities
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Structured and logical approach to daily work - Adaptability and Learning Mindset
• Open to constructive feedback
• Eagerness to learn from both success and failure - Digital Literacy
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Exposure to planning tools or HR systems is an advantage
SEE ALSO: West Coast TVET College Boilermaker Apprenticeships 2025 (x 20 Positions)
Position Summary
The Pepkor Graduate Internship Programme offers a golden opportunity for talented graduates to step into the world of retail and fast-track their careers with one of South Africa’s most trusted employers. Interns will not only gain valuable work experience but also build a professional network and develop market-relevant skills that are in demand.
By joining this programme, you will gain access to:
- Mentorship by industry professionals
- Structured development and training
- Exposure to critical retail systems and operations
- A supportive and inclusive workplace
- Potential long-term career opportunities within Pepkor
The programme focuses on creating long-term career value while addressing the skills gap among South African youth. As a result, it places a strong emphasis on Employment Equity, with preference given to candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
If you’re a graduate with a passion for people, numbers, and purpose-driven work, this internship could be your stepping stone to a rewarding career in the fast-paced world of retail.
How to Apply
To apply, visit the official Pepkor Careers portal and upload the following documents:
- A detailed CV
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and qualifications
- A motivational cover letter (optional but recommended)
Ensure all documentation is current (not older than 3 months) and clearly indicate the internship opportunity you’re applying for.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 31 July 2025. Late applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for assessments and interviews.
Start your professional journey with Pepkor and gain the skills and confidence to thrive in South Africa’s dynamic retail industry.