Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa announces a 2026 learnership for unemployed visual merchandisers.
Finding a meaningful opportunity to begin your career can be challenging, especially for young people who are eager to gain practical work experience but may not yet have a professional background. Fortunately, learnership programmes are designed to bridge this gap by combining real workplace exposure with structured learning. One such exciting opportunity is the Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership offered by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA).
This programme provides unemployed South African youth with the chance to develop practical skills in merchandising, sales support, and customer service while working within one of the country’s most recognised beverage companies. The learnership is open to applicants across South Africa and is aimed at individuals who are motivated, eager to learn, and ready to start building a career in the commercial and retail sector.
About the Learnership Opportunity
The Visual Merchandiser Learnership is a structured, work-based training programme designed to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Over the course of 12 months, successful learners will gain valuable experience working in real retail environments where they will support sales activities, improve product visibility, and help ensure that stores present products in an attractive and organized way.
The programme falls within the Commercial – Sales and Marketing category and focuses heavily on helping learners understand how products are marketed, displayed, and sold in retail outlets. Through hands-on exposure, learners will learn how effective merchandising strategies influence consumer behaviour and drive product sales.
Participants will work closely with the sales team and will report directly to an Account Developer, who will provide guidance, mentorship, and support throughout the programme. This professional supervision ensures that learners not only gain experience but also receive feedback that helps them grow and improve in their roles.
Learning Through Real Workplace Experience
One of the key strengths of this learnership is that it focuses on practical experience in real retail environments. Learners will spend much of their time visiting stores within their assigned geographical areas and ensuring that Coca-Cola products are well presented and easily accessible to customers.
By working directly with retail outlets, learners will develop an understanding of how the retail supply chain functions, how orders are placed, and how merchandising standards are maintained. This exposure provides valuable insight into the broader sales and marketing process.
Learners will also collaborate with sales team members daily. This teamwork helps participants understand how different roles within the company work together to achieve sales targets and maintain strong relationships with customers.
Key Responsibilities and Daily Activities
During the programme, learners will perform a range of responsibilities that contribute to the success of Coca-Cola products in retail stores. These tasks are designed to help participants build practical skills while supporting the company’s commercial operations.
One of the main duties will be executing daily store visits, also known as call schedules. Learners will visit various retail outlets, particularly smaller stores classified as bronze and tin outlets, to ensure that merchandising activities are completed according to company standards.
Visual merchandising will play a major role in the learner’s responsibilities. Participants will ensure that product displays follow brand guidelines and are arranged in ways that attract customers. This includes organizing shelves, ensuring products are visible, and maintaining neat and appealing displays.
Stock rotation is another important task. Learners will monitor product dates and ensure older stock is placed at the front so it sells first. This helps maintain product quality and reduces waste, which is critical for maintaining strong relationships with retailers and customers.
Product availability and visibility will also be a focus area. Learners will ensure that shelves are properly stocked and that Coca-Cola beverages are displayed prominently. These actions help increase brand visibility and encourage customers to choose Coca-Cola products.
In addition, learners will assist with promotional campaigns and marketing initiatives that take place in stores. These promotions are designed to attract customers and boost sales during special campaigns or seasonal periods.
Working With Technology and Customers
Modern retail operations rely heavily on digital tools, and learners will gain exposure to these systems as part of their training. One such platform is MyCCBA, which allows customers to place product orders online.
Learners will assist store owners and managers in understanding how to use this platform effectively. By guiding customers through the ordering process, learners help ensure that retailers can easily maintain stock levels and continue selling Coca-Cola products without interruptions.
Interacting with consumers and store owners will also be an important aspect of the role. Through these interactions, learners will develop communication skills and gain valuable insights into consumer preferences, buying habits, and market trends.
Skills and Personal Development
This learnership is designed not only to teach technical merchandising skills but also to help participants develop important professional qualities. Learners will build strong communication abilities as they interact with team members, customers, and retail staff.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this learnership opportunity, applicants must meet several basic requirements. Candidates must have successfully completed Grade 12, including either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy with a minimum pass mark of 40 percent.
Programme Duration and Qualification
The Visual Merchandiser Learnership runs for a period of 12 months. During this time, learners must complete coursework and practical assessments in order to achieve a qualification that requires 120 credits.
By the end of the programme, learners will have gained valuable experience in retail merchandising, sales support, and customer service. These skills can open doors to future employment opportunities within the retail, marketing, and sales industries.
Application Process
Interested applicants who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit the following documents as part of their application:
- A detailed and updated CV
- A certified copy of their Matric certificate
- Certified copies of any additional qualifications
Applications will be reviewed according to the minimum requirements listed, although management may also consider additional relevant information when selecting candidates for shortlisting.
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