The Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) is offering an exciting opportunity for young unemployed South Africans through the Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership 2026. This programme is designed to provide structured, work-based learning that equips participants with the practical skills and commercial knowledge required to succeed in the sales and merchandising environment.
The learnership focuses on developing the ability to service customers, grow product volume, facilitate the order taking process, and implement merchandising standards for direct and indirect customers within a designated geographical area. Successful candidates will gain real-world experience working with one of the most recognised beverage companies in the world.
This opportunity is ideal for young people who want to start a career in sales, marketing, retail merchandising, and customer service. Through this programme, learners will receive training, mentorship, and exposure to professional business operations.
The closing date for applications is 31 March 2026, and interested candidates who meet the requirements should apply before the deadline.
Programme Overview
The Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership is a structured programme that combines workplace experience with formal learning. The programme aims to develop learners who understand retail execution, customer engagement, product visibility, and merchandising strategies in the fast-moving consumer goods industry.
Participants will work closely with the Sales Team Members and Account Developer, who will provide guidance, training, and feedback throughout the programme. Learners will also interact with customers and consumers to better understand purchasing behaviour and consumer preferences.
The programme runs for 12 months, and learners must complete a qualification that requires a minimum of 120 credits to successfully graduate from the programme.
This experience will help learners gain the skills required to work in sales operations, retail merchandising, brand promotion, and customer service roles.
The Table Below Summarises the key details of the opportunities
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership |
| Company Organisation | Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa |
| Location | Country Wide, South Africa |
| Closing Date | 31 March 2026 |
| Reference Number | CCB260121-3 |
| Contract Type | Learnership Programme |
| Industry | Commercial – Sales and Marketing |
| Target Group | Unemployed South African Youth |
Why this Learnerships or Vacancy Matters
This learnership matters because it provides young South Africans with the opportunity to gain workplace experience in the competitive fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. Many graduates and matriculants struggle to enter the job market due to a lack of practical experience. Programmes like this bridge that gap by providing hands-on training within a professional environment.
Participants will learn how retail merchandising works in practice, including how products are displayed, how orders are managed, how sales volumes are increased, and how customer relationships are built. These skills are highly valuable in industries such as retail, distribution, brand management, and sales.
Working with a major company like Coca-Cola also provides strong exposure to professional systems, processes, and industry standards. Completing this programme can open doors to future opportunities in sales, marketing, retail management, and brand development.
Responsibilities
Learners participating in the programme will be responsible for supporting retail merchandising and sales execution activities. Their duties will include:
In-Store Execution and Merchandising
- Execute daily call schedules across assigned bronze and tin outlets.
- Implement visual merchandising standards and in-store displays according to brand guidelines.
- Ensure proper stock rotation and product availability.
- Maintain product quality and visibility in line with execution scorecard standards.
- Complete the iRED survey as required.
Customer Support
- Support and educate customers on placing orders through the MyCCBA platform.
- Assist customers with ordering processes and product queries.
- Work closely with sales teams to support customer needs.
Promotional Activities
- Assist with the implementation of promotional campaigns.
- Help increase brand visibility through effective merchandising.
- Support in-store promotional activities when required.
Operational Support
- Provide relief support where necessary as directed by the line manager.
- Work collaboratively with team members to ensure operational efficiency.
- Maintain professional conduct when interacting with customers and colleagues.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Grade 12 with Maths or Maths Literacy (minimum pass rate 40%)
- Grade 12 Communication with English and a second language (minimum pass rate 40%)
- Must be a South African Citizen
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Must be unemployed at the time of appointment
- Must be available to work six days a week
- Must be an Employment Equity candidate
- Must have no criminal record or adverse credit record
- Must consent to criminal, ID, and qualification verification checks
- Must not be enrolled in any current learnership or full-time studies
- Must not have previously completed the same learnership or qualification
A Driver’s Licence will be advantageous because the role may require travel between different stores.
A post matric qualification in Sales and Marketing will also be advantageous but is not compulsory.
Useful Links
Company: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
Programme: Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership
Reference Number: CCB260121-3
Closing Date: 31 March 2026
Benefits of the programme
The Coca-Cola learnership programme offers several benefits to successful applicants. Firstly, learners gain structured workplace training within a professional sales and merchandising environment. Secondly, participants receive industry exposure that can significantly improve their employability.
Other benefits include:
- Practical retail and sales experience
- Exposure to customer relationship management
- Training in merchandising and brand visibility
- Understanding of commercial operations in the FMCG sector
- Opportunity to obtain a recognised qualification
- Professional mentorship from experienced sales teams
Completing this programme can significantly strengthen a candidate’s CV and help open future career opportunities within the retail, marketing, and sales industries.
Application Process
Interested applicants who meet the above specifications should submit the following documents:
- Detailed CV
- Certified copy of matric certificate
- Certified copy of qualification
- Copy of Driver’s Licence (if available)
The advert contains minimum requirements listed, and management reserves the right to use additional or relevant information as criteria for shortlisting candidates.
Applicants who meet the employee specifications should apply before the closing date of 31 March 2026.
Location:
Randfontein, Tshepisong, Kaalfontien, Ivory Park, Yeoville, Eden Park, Thokoza