Young South Africans looking for a real entry point into the retail industry now have a powerful opportunity to gain accredited workplace experience through the PEPKOR Lifestyle W&R SETA funded Learnership Programme 2026.
This 12-month learnership programme is designed to help unemployed youth develop practical retail skills while working inside major national retail brands such as HiFi Corporation, Incredible Connection, Bradlows, Sleepmasters, Russells and Rochester. Even better, the programme is available across all 9 provinces, giving applicants nationwide access to structured workplace exposure.
If you are serious about entering the world of retail, customer service, sales operations or store management, this opportunity could become your stepping stone.
Quick Overview
Programme: Pepkor Lifestyle Wholesale & Retail SETA Learnership Programme
Duration: 12 months
Closing Date: 16 May 2026
Salary: R5 500 Per Month
Location: Johannesburg (programme coordinated) with placements across all provinces
Minimum Requirement: Matric (Senior Certificate)
Sector: Wholesale and Retail
Stipend: Provided (W&R SETA aligned learnership support)
Eligibility: South African youth with or without disability
Retail Brands Included:
- HiFi Corporation
- Incredible Connection
- Bradlows
- Sleepmasters
- Russells
- Rochester
What Is the W&R SETA Learnership Programme?
A W&R SETA learnership is a nationally recognised workplace training programme combining:
- classroom learning
- practical store experience
- retail systems exposure
- customer engagement training
Participants gain both theoretical knowledge and real workplace experience, making them more competitive in the job market.
This Pepkor Lifestyle learnership focuses specifically on retail operations training inside live store environments.
What You Will Learn During the 12-Month Programme
Participants will gain structured training in core retail competencies that employers actively look for.
Key learning areas include:
Customer Service Skills
You will learn how to:
- assist customers professionally
- understand customer needs
- resolve customer concerns
- improve store experience standards
Customer service experience is one of the most valuable employability skills in retail.
Sales Floor Operations
Participants gain exposure to:
- merchandising techniques
- product display standards
- promotional layouts
- store presentation strategies
These are essential skills for roles such as:
- Sales Assistant
- Retail Associate
- Store Consultant
Retail Mathematics Fundamentals
Retail requires strong numerical confidence. Training includes:
- price calculations
- stock tracking basics
- discount interpretation
- transaction accuracy
Point-of-Sale (POS) System Training
Participants will learn:
- processing payments
- recording transactions
- handling customer purchases
- maintaining transaction accuracy
POS experience improves employability significantly across retail chains nationwide.
Understanding the Wholesale and Retail Environment
You will gain insight into:
- store operations structure
- supply chain basics
- customer flow management
- product lifecycle inside retail stores
This prepares learners for future supervisory roles.
Account Opening Procedures
Participants will learn how retail credit accounts operate, including:
- assisting customers with applications
- verifying documentation
- understanding compliance requirements
This experience is valuable inside furniture and electronics retail environments.
Stock Control and Loss Prevention
Retail stores depend heavily on inventory accuracy.
You will learn:
- stock handling procedures
- shrinkage prevention methods
- stockroom management basics
- inventory responsibility protocols
These are essential operational retail skills.
Who Should Apply?
Pepkor Lifestyle is looking for candidates with strong personal motivation and a willingness to learn.
Ideal applicants should demonstrate:
- a positive attitude
- strong customer orientation
- willingness to work with people
- adaptability
- enthusiasm for retail careers
Even if you do not yet have work experience, this programme is designed to help you build your foundation.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the Pepkor Lifestyle W&R SETA Learnership Programme 2026, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be in possession of a Matric certificate
- Have no criminal record
- Be fluent in English
- Be willing to participate in a 12-month learnership programme
- Be motivated to work in retail environments
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Documents Required When Applying
Prepare the following certified documents before submitting your application:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified Matric certificate
- Certified tertiary transcripts (if applicable)
- Doctor’s certificate confirming disability (if applicable)
Certified documents must not be older than three months.
Candidates who submit complete documentation receive priority consideration.
Where the Learnership Will Take Place
Although coordination happens in Johannesburg, placements are available in all nine provinces through Pepkor Lifestyle retail stores.
This allows applicants from across South Africa to participate.
How to Apply
To apply successfully:
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Step 2: Ensure certification is recent
Step 3: Submit a professional CV
Step 4: Apply before the deadline
APPLY FOR THE PEPKOR LIFESTYLE W&R SETA FUNDED LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE