Pick n Pay UIF Skills Learnership Programme 2026 / 2027: Applications Open for Unemployed South Africans With Grade 12
Pick n Pay UIF Skills Learnership Programme 2026 / 2027: Applications Open for Unemployed South Africans With Grade 12
Pick n Pay is offering unemployed South Africans an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience through its UIF Skills Programme 2026. The six-month training programme is designed to help participants develop valuable retail skills while receiving a monthly stipend of R2,000.
If you have completed Grade 12, are between 18 and 40 years old, and are looking for an opportunity to enter the retail industry, this programme could be an important step towards building your career.
The Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme combines online learning with hands-on experience inside Pick n Pay stores. Participants will receive guidance from experienced store mentors while learning how different areas of the retail business operate.
The programme offers four career development streams, including butchery, bakery, general retail operations, and health and beauty.
Pick n Pay UIF Skills Learnership Programme 2026 / 2027
- Company: Pick n Pay
- Programme: UIF Skills Programme – Pick n Pay Hypermarkets
- Reference Number: JR105826
- Location: South Africa
- Industry: Retail and Customer Service
- Programme Duration: 6 Months
- Monthly Stipend: R2,000
- Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 (Matric)
- Age Requirement: 18–40 years
- Employment Status: Currently unemployed
- Training Model: Online learning and practical in-store training
- Application Method: Online through the Pick n Pay Careers Portal
- Closing Date: Not specified in the official advertisement
About the Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme
Finding employment without previous work experience can be challenging, particularly for young people who have recently completed Matric.
The Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme aims to address this challenge by providing participants with practical workplace training and exposure to everyday retail operations.
Throughout the six-month programme, learners will develop skills that can help prepare them for employment opportunities in supermarkets, hypermarkets, food production departments and other customer-facing businesses.
Training combines structured online learning with practical activities inside Pick n Pay stores.
Participants will also benefit from workplace coaching and ongoing development support.
Available Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme Career Streams
Applicants can pursue one of four career development pathways, depending on their interests and suitability.
1. MasterCut – Butchery Skills Programme
The MasterCut programme is designed for individuals interested in the meat industry and food preparation.
Participants will gain exposure to butchery operations while developing practical skills under the guidance of experienced employees.
Skills and experience include:
- Specialist butchery skills
- Practical training inside Pick n Pay stores
- Exposure to professional food retail environments
- Understanding of everyday butchery operations
- Workplace experience that can support future opportunities in the food industry
This stream may suit applicants who enjoy practical work and are interested in developing specialised food preparation skills.
2. FreshRize – Bakery Skills Programme
The FreshRize programme focuses on developing bakery and food preparation skills.
Learners will gain practical experience working in a retail bakery environment while learning from established bakery teams.
Skills and experience include:
- Bakery production skills
- Food preparation experience
- Customer service skills
- Exposure to bakery operations
- Practical workplace training
This opportunity may appeal to individuals who enjoy baking and want to explore careers in food production.
3. All Rounders – Retail Operations Programme
The All Rounders programme introduces participants to different areas of retail store operations.
It is suitable for applicants who want to develop broad workplace skills rather than specialise immediately in one department.
Skills and experience include:
- Customer service
- Product merchandising
- Frontline retail operations
- Exposure to different store departments
- Teamwork and communication skills
This training can provide valuable experience for individuals interested in customer service and general retail careers.
4. Health & Beauty Heroes – Health and Beauty Programme
The Health & Beauty Heroes programme focuses on helping learners develop knowledge of products sold in health and beauty departments.
Participants will learn how to engage with customers while gaining practical retail experience.
Skills and experience include:
- Health and beauty product knowledge
- Customer engagement
- Sales and communication skills
- Product merchandising
- Practical retail workplace experience
This career stream may suit individuals interested in personal care products, customer service and retail sales.
Minimum Requirements for Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme 2026
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 40 years old.
- Have completed Grade 12 (Matric).
- Be currently unemployed.
- Have an interest in food, retail or customer service.
- Be willing to work retail trading hours.
- Be available to work weekends and public holidays.
- Have good communication skills.
- Be able to work effectively with other people.
- Be committed to completing the full six-month development programme.
Previous retail work experience is not listed as a compulsory requirement for this opportunity.
Applicants should also be prepared to participate in both online learning and practical training.
What Will Participants Gain?
The Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme provides more than classroom-based training.
Successful applicants will have an opportunity to learn directly from experienced employees while developing skills relevant to the retail industry.
Programme benefits include:
- Six months of structured learning and workplace development
- Practical experience inside Pick n Pay stores
- Coaching from experienced store mentors
- Improved communication and customer service skills
- Knowledge of retail store operations
- Exposure to professional workplace environments
- Ongoing learning and development support
- Skills that may improve future employment prospects
Although the programme can help participants become better prepared for the workplace, completing it does not guarantee permanent employment.
Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme Monthly Stipend
Successful participants will receive a stipend of R2,000 per month during the six-month programme.
This amounts to a potential R12,000 over the full programme, provided the stipend is paid for all six months.
The stipend is intended to support participants during their training period and should not be confused with a permanent employment salary.
Documents Required to Apply
Before starting the online application process, applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of a South African identity document
- Certified copy of a Matric certificate
- Copies of additional qualifications, where applicable
Make sure that all documents are clear, readable and contain accurate information.
Applicants should also confirm that their telephone numbers and email addresses are correct because these details may be used for recruitment communication.
How to Apply for Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme 2026
Applications must be submitted online through the official Pick n Pay recruitment website.
Follow these application steps:
- Visit the official Pick n Pay Careers Portal.
- Open the UIF Skills Programme – Pick n Pay Hypermarkets vacancy.
- Confirm that the job reference number is JR105826.
- Read the requirements and programme information carefully.
- Select the Apply option.
- Sign in to your Workday account or create an account if required.
- Complete the online application with your personal and educational information.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Review your application to ensure that the information is correct.
- Submit your application and retain any confirmation you receive.
Applicants are encouraged to use the official recruitment platform and avoid paying anyone who promises to secure a placement.
