Pepkor Opens W&R SETA Funded Learnerships Across South Africa for 2026
Pepkor Learnership 2026 applications are now open, offering 12 months of retail training and workplace experience across all provinces in South Africa.
Pepkor Lifestyle, supported by the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority, has opened applications for its 2026 Retail Learnership Programme, targeting unemployed youth across the country.
The programme will run nationwide and provide participants with practical experience in retail environments linked to major brands within the Pepkor group.
Highlights
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Retail Learnership (W&R SETA Funded) |
| Company | Pepkor Lifestyle |
| Location | Nationwide (All provinces) |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Entry Level | Matric required |
| Closing Date | 16 May 2026 |
Retail Sector Remains a Key Employer
Retail continues to play a major role in South Africa’s labour market, offering opportunities for individuals with limited work experience.
According to Statistics South Africa Quarterly Labour Force Survey (2023), the wholesale and retail sector is one of the largest employers in the country, particularly for young workers entering the workforce.
The sector requires a steady pipeline of employees who can support store operations, customer service, and sales activities.
“Wholesale and retail trade remains one of the key contributors to employment in South Africa,” the survey indicates.
This demand has led to increased use of learnership programmes to prepare candidates for entry-level roles.
Pepkor’s Role in Retail Skills Development
Pepkor Lifestyle operates multiple retail brands across South Africa, including HiFi Corporation, Incredible Connection, Bradlows, and Russells.
Through its learnership programme, the company aims to develop young people who can contribute to store operations while gaining practical experience.
The programme is funded through the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority, which supports skills development within the retail sector.
Participants are placed in retail environments where they gain exposure to real customer interactions, sales processes, and store systems.
What Participants Gain from the Programme
The learnership focuses on building practical retail skills that are directly applicable in the workplace.
Participants will gain experience in customer service, merchandising, stock management, and sales processes. They will also learn how to operate point-of-sale systems and understand how retail environments function on a day-to-day basis.
This hands-on exposure helps participants develop confidence and workplace readiness, which are critical for securing employment in the sector.
Using Learnerships to Enter into Retail Careers
Learnership programmes are widely used as entry pathways into the retail industry, particularly for young people with limited work experience.
According to the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority Sector Skills Plan 2023-2028, workplace-based training is essential for developing practical skills required in retail environments.
These programmes combine theoretical learning with on-the-job experience, allowing participants to build competencies while working.
For many learners, this serves as a stepping stone into permanent roles within retail organisations.
How to Apply
Applications for the Pepkor Retail Learnership Programme 2026 are open until 16 May 2026.
Apply for Pepkor Retail Learnership Programme 2026
The programme is available to South African youth with a Matric certificate who are willing to work in retail environments.
Full application details and submission instructions are available through Pepkor’s official recruitment platform.
