Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa has opened an exciting Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership opportunity in South Africa for 2026. This programme is designed for young, unemployed individuals who want to build a career in sales, marketing, merchandising, and retail execution within one of the world’s most recognised beverage networks.

If you are passionate about retail displays, customer interaction, and brand visibility in stores, this learnership offers a structured entry point into the commercial world.

📌 Learnership Overview

Job Title: Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser
Company: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBA)
Job Type: Learnership (12 months)
Location: George, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Closing Date: 11 June 2026
Reference Number: CCB260604-5
Qualification Outcome: 120 credits (National Learnership Programme)

This is a work-based learning programme that combines classroom training with real in-store retail experience.

🎯 Purpose of the Learnership

The main goal of this programme is to develop learners into capable commercial and merchandising professionals who can:

Drive product visibility in retail stores
Support sales teams in daily operations
Execute merchandising standards
Improve customer satisfaction and product availability
Understand consumer buying behaviour

In simple terms, you will learn how brands like Coca-Cola ensure their products stand out and sell effectively in stores.

🧠 Key Responsibilities

As a learner visual merchandiser, your daily duties will include real retail execution tasks such as:

🛒 In-Store Execution & Merchandising

Visiting assigned retail outlets daily (scheduled routes)
Setting up and maintaining product displays
Ensuring shelves are fully stocked and visually appealing
Rotating stock to maintain freshness and quality standards
Applying brand guidelines for product placement

📊 Sales Support Activities

Assisting customers with order placement using digital platforms like MyCCBA
Supporting promotional campaigns in stores
Helping improve product visibility to boost sales performance

📋 Reporting & Monitoring

Completing in-store execution surveys (iRED)
Tracking merchandising performance against company standards
Providing feedback to supervisors and account developers

🤝 Customer & Team Interaction

Working closely with sales representatives and account developers
Building relationships with store managers and retailers
Learning from consumer behaviour and feedback

🧩 Skills You Will Gain

This learnership is not just a job—it is a career-building programme. By the end of the 12 months, you will develop:

💼 Commercial Skills

Retail sales understanding
Product positioning strategies
Customer engagement techniques

📦 Merchandising Skills

Planogram execution
Stock rotation systems
Brand display management

📊 Business Skills

Basic sales reporting
Field execution monitoring
Performance tracking

🧍 Soft Skills

Communication and teamwork
Time management
Problem-solving in retail environments

📚 Minimum Requirements

To qualify for this learnership, applicants must meet the following criteria:

🎓 Education

Grade 12 (Matric) with:
- Maths or Maths Literacy (minimum 40%)
- English + another language (minimum 40%)

👤 Personal Requirements

South African citizen
Age between 18 and 35
Currently unemployed
Not enrolled in another learnership or full-time studies
No prior completion of the same learnership

🚗 Advantageous

Valid driver’s licence (useful for store travel)

⚖️ Compliance Requirements

No criminal or adverse credit record
Must agree to background verification checks

📄 Duration & Qualification

Duration: 12 months
Credits: Minimum 120 credits required
Outcome: National qualification in merchandising/sales-related field
Training Model: Combination of classroom + workplace training

This structure ensures learners gain both theoretical knowledge and practical field experience.

🌍 Why This Learnership Matters

Retail and merchandising are critical parts of South Africa’s FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) industry. Companies like CCBA rely heavily on well-trained merchandisers to ensure products are:

Visible on shelves
Available in the right locations
Properly rotated and fresh
Presented according to brand standards

This means successful learners often gain access to long-term careers in sales, retail management, or distribution networks.

🚀 Career Opportunities After Completion

After completing this learnership, you may qualify for roles such as:

Sales Representative
Merchandiser
Account Assistant
Retail Execution Officer
Field Sales Assistant
Trade Marketing Assistant

Many learners use this programme as a stepping stone into permanent roles within CCBA or other FMCG companies.

📌 Documents Required for Application

Applicants must submit:

Updated CV
Certified copy of Matric certificate
Certified copy of any additional qualifications
Copy of driver’s licence (if available)

Make sure all documents are clear and certified to improve your chances of shortlisting.

🧭 Tips to Improve Your Chances

Here are practical tips to stand out:

✔️ 1. Highlight Retail Interest

Mention any experience in:

Shops
Spaza stores
Sales
Customer service

✔️ 2. Show Reliability

Employers value:

Punctuality
Discipline
Ability to work 6 days a week

✔️ 3. Keep Your CV Simple and Clear

Focus on:

Education
Skills
Volunteer or informal work experience

✔️ 4. Be Ready for Field Work

This is not an office job—you will be working in stores daily.

📢 Final Thoughts

The Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa is a strong opportunity for young South Africans looking to enter the retail and sales industry.

It offers: