Coca-Cola Beverages SA Visual Merchandiser Learnerships 2026

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa has opened applications for its Visual Merchandiser Learnerships for 2026, offering unemployed young South Africans an opportunity to gain structured workplace experience in sales and merchandising. The learnership is available countrywide, targets candidates aged 18 to 35, and closes on 31 March 2026.

The programme affects unemployed matriculants and post-matric youth seeking entry into the commercial and sales environment. It matters now as youth unemployment remains high and learnerships continue to be one of the few formal pathways into large private sector employers.

According to the company, the learnership forms part of its commercial development pipeline and runs for a period of 12 months.

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What the Coca-Cola Visual Merchandiser Learnership Is

The Visual Merchandiser Learnership is a formal learnership programme, not a short course or internship. It combines structured theoretical learning with practical, work-based experience in retail and customer environments.

Participants are placed in designated geographical areas and work under the supervision of an Account Developer. The programme focuses on building commercial awareness, customer servicing skills, and merchandising execution aligned with Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa standards.

The opportunity requires learners to complete a minimum of 120 credits over the 12 months to qualify.

Who the Learnership Is For

The opportunity is aimed at unemployed South African youth who meet the company’s minimum criteria and who are not currently enrolled in any studies or learnership programmes.

Eligible applicants must meet the following conditions:

• South African citizen
• Aged between 18 and 35
• Unemployed at the time of appointment
• Grade 12 with Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy with a minimum 40 percent pass
• English and a second language were passed at the Grade 12 level
• Employment Equity candidate
• No criminal record or adverse credit record
• Willing to work six days a week

A valid driver’s licence is listed as advantageous and may be required depending on store allocations.

Applicants who have previously completed the same qualification or learnership at another organisation are not eligible.

What Learners Will Do During the Programme

Learners will be exposed to daily in-store operations and sales support activities across assigned retail outlets. The role focuses on execution rather than office-based work.

Key responsibilities include:

• Executing daily call schedules at assigned retail outlets
• Implementing visual merchandising standards and brand displays
• Managing stock rotation and ensuring product quality and availability
• Supporting order placement through the MyCCBA platform
• Assisting with promotional activities and in-store campaigns
• Completing execution scorecards and iRED surveys
• Providing relief support where required

The role involves direct interaction with store owners, consumers, and sales teams.

Skills and Workplace Exposure Offered

According to Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, the learnership is designed to build both technical and soft skills relevant to the commercial environment.

Learners gain exposure to:

• Retail merchandising systems
• Sales processes and customer servicing
• Brand execution and compliance standards
• Consumer behaviour and buying patterns
• Workplace communication and reporting

The programme is structured to prepare learners for potential future opportunities in sales, merchandising, and related commercial roles.

What This Means for Gauteng Residents

For unemployed youth in Gauteng, the programme provides access to a national private sector programme without requiring relocation to a specific province. Placement is countrywide, meaning eligible applicants from Gauteng can be considered alongside candidates from other provinces.

Gauteng continues to record one of the highest concentrations of unemployed youth with matric qualifications. Programmes like this offer workplace exposure in large retail environments where Gauteng learners are already familiar with local store networks.

While placement is not guaranteed in a specific city, the programme increases access to structured work experience in the commercial sector.

Application Requirements and Documents

Applicants who meet the minimum criteria must prepare the following documents:

• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Certified copy of matric certificate
• Certified copy of post-matric qualification if applicable
• Copy of driver’s licence if available

All documents must be valid and verifiable. The company has stated that background checks will be conducted, including criminal, ID, and qualification verification.

Management reserves the right to apply additional shortlisting criteria where necessary.

Employment Equity and Recruitment Policy

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa states that its recruitment process supports employment equity and diversity in line with national legislation.

According to the company, appointments are made based on merit, qualifications, and suitability for the role. The company does not accept applications submitted through recruitment agencies and will not be responsible for unsolicited CVs forwarded by third parties.

Closing Date and Key Details

• Programme type: Learnership
• Duration: 12 months
• Credits required: Minimum 120
• Location: Countrywide
• Company: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
• Closing date: 31 March 2026

Late applications will not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a learnership or an internship
This is a learnership. It includes structured learning and leads to a formal qualification.

Can students apply
No. Applicants must be unemployed and not enrolled in any full-time studies or learnerships.

Is the programme available in Gauteng?
Yes. The programme is countrywide and includes Gauteng placements where available.

Is a driver’s licence compulsory?
A driver’s licence is advantageous and may be required depending on store allocation.

Will learners be employed after completion
Completion of the learnership does not guarantee permanent employment.

What Happens Next

Applications will be assessed after the closing date. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessments or verification processes. Successful applicants will be placed on the 12-month programme according to operational requirements.

Applicants who do not receive feedback after the selection period should assume their application was unsuccessful.