Finding meaningful work experience can be challenging for many young South Africans, especially those who have recently completed matric or obtained a post-school qualification. Fortunately, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has opened applications for its Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Programme, offering a valuable opportunity for unemployed youth to gain practical workplace experience while developing skills that are highly sought after in the retail and sales industries.
This 12-month learnership programme is designed to provide structured, work-based learning that equips participants with the commercial knowledge and practical skills required to succeed in a customer-focused environment. The programme combines theoretical learning with hands-on workplace experience, allowing learners to build confidence and develop professional competencies that can enhance their future career prospects.
About the Learnership
The Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Programme is offered by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, one of the country’s leading beverage manufacturers and distributors. The learnership is aimed at unemployed individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 who are eager to gain experience in sales, merchandising, and customer service.
The successful candidates will be based in George and will report directly to the Account Developer. Throughout the programme, learners will work closely with sales teams, customers, and retail partners to ensure that Coca-Cola products are displayed effectively and remain visible, available, and attractive to consumers.
The learnership runs over a period of 12 months and forms part of a nationally recognized qualification that requires learners to obtain a minimum of 120 credits to qualify successfully.
What Does a Visual Merchandiser Do?
Visual merchandising plays an important role in retail sales. A Visual Merchandiser is responsible for ensuring that products are displayed in a way that attracts customers and encourages purchases.
Within this learnership, participants will be responsible for supporting retail outlets by implementing merchandising standards, maintaining product displays, and ensuring that Coca-Cola products remain visible and accessible to customers.
Learners will gain exposure to various aspects of retail operations and learn how merchandising contributes to overall business performance and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
During the programme, learners will be expected to perform a range of duties designed to build practical workplace experience.
These responsibilities include:
Executing Daily Call Schedules
Learners will visit assigned retail outlets according to planned schedules and ensure that merchandising activities are completed effectively.
Maintaining Product Displays
Participants will implement visual merchandising standards and ensure that products are displayed according to Coca-Cola brand guidelines.
Stock Rotation
An important responsibility involves rotating stock correctly to ensure product freshness and reduce wastage.
Product Visibility and Availability
Learners will ensure that Coca-Cola products are always available and prominently displayed within stores to maximize sales opportunities.
Supporting Customers
Participants will assist customers with placing orders through the MyCCBA digital ordering platform and provide guidance when necessary.
Promotional Activities
Learners will help implement promotional campaigns and in-store marketing initiatives aimed at increasing brand visibility and customer engagement.
Performance Monitoring
The programme also involves monitoring merchandising standards and completing surveys such as the iRED survey to measure execution effectiveness.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants interested in this opportunity must meet the following requirements:
- Grade 12 (Matric) with Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy passed at a minimum of 40%.
- English and a second language passed at a minimum of 40%.
- South African citizenship.
- Between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Unemployed at the time of appointment.
- Available to work six days per week.
- No criminal record.
- No adverse credit record.
- Willingness to undergo criminal, identity, and qualification verification checks.
- Not currently enrolled in another learnership programme.
- Not registered for full-time studies.
- Must not have previously completed the same qualification or learnership through another employer.
Although not compulsory, a valid driver’s licence will be advantageous, particularly where travel between retail outlets is required.
Additionally, candidates with a post-matric qualification in Sales and Marketing may have an added advantage during the selection process.
Skills You Can Develop
One of the biggest advantages of participating in this learnership is the opportunity to develop valuable workplace skills that can improve employability.
Some of the skills learners can expect to gain include:
- Customer service skills
- Communication skills
- Sales fundamentals
- Merchandising techniques
- Retail operations knowledge
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Time management
- Digital ordering system experience
- Professional workplace conduct
These skills are transferable across many industries and can support future career growth.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documentation before submitting their application:
- Updated and detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of Matric Certificate
- Certified copy of any additional qualification
- Copy of Driver’s Licence (if applicable)
Ensuring that all documents are complete and up to date can improve the chances of being considered during the shortlisting process.
Why This Learnership Matters
South Africa’s competitive job market means that many employers prefer candidates with practical work experience. Learnerships help bridge the gap between education and employment by providing real-world workplace exposure.
Working with a globally recognized company such as Coca-Cola allows learners to gain experience within a professional business environment while building industry-relevant skills.
The programme can also serve as a stepping stone toward future opportunities in:
- Sales
- Retail Management
- Merchandising
- Customer Service
- Marketing
- Account Development
- Business Development
Even after completing the learnership, the experience gained can strengthen a candidate’s CV and improve future employment prospects.
Final Thoughts
The Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Programme is an excellent opportunity for unemployed youth seeking valuable workplace experience. With a structured learning environment, practical training, and exposure to one of South Africa’s most recognized brands, the programme offers participants the chance to develop skills that can support long-term career growth.
If you meet the minimum requirements and have an interest in sales, merchandising, retail operations, or customer service, this learnership is worth considering. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents and submit their applications before the closing date of 11 June 2026.
Opportunities like these provide more than just training—they offer a pathway toward future employment and professional development.
This version is optimized for a job-information blog article and is long enough to help reduce thin-content concerns while remaining useful to readers.