Coca-Cola Visual Merchandiser Learnership 2026: Nationwide Opportunity for Unemployed Youth
Introduction
For many young South Africans, finding a first opportunity to gain workplace experience can be difficult. Employers often look for candidates who already understand how businesses operate, particularly in industries such as retail, sales, and marketing.
Learnership programmes help bridge this gap by combining practical work experience with structured training. One such opportunity is the Visual Merchandiser Learnership offered by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa.
This programme is designed for unemployed youth who want to develop commercial and retail skills while gaining hands-on experience in real store environments. Participants will work closely with sales teams and learn how merchandising strategies influence product visibility, customer engagement, and sales growth.
Programme Overview
The Visual Merchandiser Learnership provides structured, work-based learning that equips participants with the practical skills required in the commercial sales and marketing environment.
During the programme, learners will be placed in a designated geographical area where they will support merchandising activities and customer engagement. The programme focuses on helping learners understand how product presentation, order management, and retail execution contribute to business success.
Participants will work under the supervision of an Account Developer, who will provide guidance, training, and feedback throughout the learning period.
The learnership runs for a period of 12 months and requires learners to complete a qualification that includes a minimum of 120 credits.
What the Programme Offers
Participants in the programme will gain exposure to various aspects of retail merchandising and customer service within the beverage industry.
The learnership provides:
Structured workplace training within the commercial sales environment
Practical experience working with retail outlets
Mentorship and guidance from experienced sales professionals
Exposure to customer engagement and merchandising strategies
Skills development aligned with industry standards
These experiences help learners understand how sales teams operate while building practical knowledge that can strengthen future career opportunities.
Fields or Departments Involved
The learnership is based within the commercial sales and marketing environment of the organisation.
Participants will interact with several key groups during the programme, including:
Sales team members who collaborate on daily operational activities
Sales Account Developers who provide training and performance guidance
Consumers whose behaviour and preferences influence sales strategies
This interaction allows learners to understand both internal business processes and customer engagement within the retail market.
Duties and Responsibilities
Learners participating in the programme will assist with a range of merchandising and in-store activities.
In-Store Execution and Merchandising
Participants will focus on maintaining strong product visibility and brand standards within retail environments.
Key responsibilities include:
Executing daily call schedules for assigned retail outlets
Implementing visual merchandising standards and product displays
Ensuring proper stock rotation and product placement in stores
Monitoring product availability and quality in line with company standards
Completing merchandising scorecards and surveys such as the iRED survey
Customer Engagement and Support
Learners will also assist customers with ordering processes and promotional activities.
Responsibilities may include:
Educating customers on how to place orders using the MyCCBA platform
Supporting promotional campaigns and in-store marketing activities
Assisting with sales support tasks as directed by supervisors
Providing relief support when required by management
These activities help learners develop practical sales and customer service skills.
Requirements and Eligibility
Applicants who wish to participate in the learnership must meet specific requirements.
Candidates must:
Have completed Grade 12 with Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy with at least 40 percent
Have passed English and a second language in Grade 12 with at least 40 percent
Be South African citizens
Be between the ages of 18 and 35
Be available to work six days per week
Have no criminal record or negative credit history
Be willing to undergo criminal, identity, and qualification verification
Be unemployed at the time of appointment
Not currently be enrolled in another learnership or full-time studies
Not have previously completed the same qualification or learnership elsewhere
A driver’s licence can be advantageous, especially if travel between different retail outlets is required.
A post-Matric qualification in Sales and Marketing may also be beneficial.
Application Process
Applicants who meet the requirements should prepare the necessary documents before applying.
Typically, candidates will need to submit:
A detailed and updated CV
A certified copy of their Matric certificate
Certified copies of any additional qualifications
A copy of their driver’s licence if available
Management may use additional criteria during the shortlisting process, depending on operational requirements.
The closing date for applications is 31 March 2026.
Important Notes
This learnership opportunity is available across multiple locations in South Africa. Candidates should be willing to work within their assigned geographical areas and participate in retail activities as part of the training programme.
Because the programme requires participants to complete a qualification worth at least 120 credits, learners must remain committed throughout the full duration of the programme.
The experience gained during this learnership can provide valuable exposure to the sales and merchandising industry.
Conclusion
The Visual Merchandiser Learnership at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa offers unemployed youth an opportunity to gain practical retail and sales experience while completing a recognised qualification.
Through hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to real business operations, participants can build important skills that are valuable in the commercial sector.
For young job seekers interested in sales, marketing, and retail operations, this programme provides a meaningful starting point toward future career opportunities.
FAQs
What is the Coca-Cola Visual Merchandiser Learnership?
It is a structured workplace training programme designed to help unemployed youth gain practical experience in sales, marketing, and retail merchandising.
How long does the learnership last?
The programme runs for 12 months and includes training toward a qualification worth at least 120 credits.
Is previous work experience required?
No previous work experience is required, but candidates must meet the educational and eligibility requirements.
Do applicants need a driver’s licence?
A driver’s licence is not mandatory but may be advantageous if travel between stores is required.
Who can apply for the programme?
South African citizens between 18 and 35 years old who are unemployed and meet the educational requirements are eligible to apply.
