Start your retail career with the Pepkor Lifestyle Group Retail Learnership 2026. The W&R SETA funded programme offers 12 months of retail training and workplace experience across South Africa.
Young South Africans who want to start a career in retail now have an exciting opportunity to gain practical workplace experience. The Pepkor Lifestyle Group Retail Learnership funded by W&R SETA is currently open for applications, offering a structured 12-month learning programme designed to prepare participants for real jobs in the retail industry.
This opportunity is based in Johannesburg, but the programme will run in retail stores across all nine provinces in South Africa. The learnership is aimed at motivated young people who want to develop retail skills while gaining real workplace exposure.
Applications opened on 28 March 2026 and will close on 16 May 2026.
About the Pepkor Lifestyle Group Retail Learnership
The Pepkor Lifestyle Group Retail Learnership is a Wholesale & Retail SETA funded programme designed to equip participants with the essential skills needed to work in modern retail environments.
Pepkor Lifestyle operates several well-known retail brands across the country, including:
- HiFi Corporation
- Incredible Connection
- Bradlows
- Sleepmasters
- Russells
- Rochester
Successful applicants will be placed within these stores where they will gain hands-on training while learning how the retail sector operates.
The programme is supported by the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&R SETA), which focuses on developing skills and improving employment opportunities in the wholesale and retail sector.
For many participants, this learnership acts as a first step into the job market, helping them develop practical workplace skills and professional experience.
What You Will Learn During the 12-Month Learnership
The Pepkor Lifestyle Group Retail Learnership combines theoretical learning with real store experience. Participants will rotate through various responsibilities in retail stores to understand how the industry works.
During the programme, learners will gain exposure to the following areas:
1. Customer Service on the Shop Floor
Learners will assist customers, answer questions, and help shoppers find products. This experience helps build strong communication and service skills that are essential in retail careers.
2. Marketing and Merchandising
Participants will learn how to arrange product displays, maintain shelves, and promote items effectively in stores. Visual merchandising is a critical part of retail success.
3. Point-of-Sale (POS) Operations
Learners will be trained to record transactions and process payments using the store’s POS system, gaining experience in handling sales accurately and efficiently.
4. Understanding the Retail Environment
Participants will develop a broader understanding of how retail businesses operate, including store management processes, product categories, and sales strategies.
5. Opening New Customer Accounts
Learners will assist customers who wish to open retail accounts, learning about customer verification, documentation, and credit procedures.
6. Stock Management and Loss Control
Retail employees play a major role in protecting company assets. The programme teaches learners how to monitor stock levels and reduce losses within stores.
7. Basic Academic Skills
The programme also covers essential English language and mathematics fundamentals, ensuring learners have the basic academic skills required in retail environments.
Why the Pepkor Lifestyle Group Retail Learnership Is Valuable
The Pepkor Lifestyle Group Retail Learnership provides more than just training—it offers a chance to build a real career path in retail.
Some key benefits include:
Industry-recognised training
Participants gain structured learning supported by W&R SETA, which strengthens their employment prospects.
Real workplace experience
Learners work directly in retail stores while completing their training.
Career growth opportunities
Retail companies often recruit talented learners into permanent roles once the programme ends.
Exposure to major retail brands
Participants gain experience with some of South Africa’s most recognised retail chains.
Development of professional skills
The programme focuses on teamwork, communication, and customer service.
Qualities Pepkor Lifestyle Is Looking For
Pepkor Lifestyle is seeking enthusiastic individuals who want to grow within the retail sector.
Successful applicants should demonstrate the following characteristics:
- A positive “can-do” attitude
- Strong interest in customer service
- Ability to communicate effectively in English
- High levels of motivation
- Strong willingness to learn and develop new skills
- Good problem-solving abilities
- Ability to adapt to new situations
These qualities are important for anyone who wants to succeed in the fast-paced retail environment.
Minimum Requirements for the Learnership
To apply for the Pepkor Lifestyle Group Retail Learnership, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Must have a Senior Certificate (Matric)
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have no criminal record
- Applicants with or without disabilities may apply
The programme encourages inclusive participation and welcomes applications from candidates across the country.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must submit the following documents when registering for the programme:
- An updated CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified copies of certificates or qualifications
- Academic transcripts if applicable
- For applicants with disabilities: Certified doctor’s certificate confirming the disability
All certified documents must not be older than three months.
Candidates who submit all required documentation correctly will receive priority consideration during the selection process.
Where the Learnership Will Take Place
Although the opportunity is listed in Johannesburg, the Pepkor Lifestyle Group Retail Learnership will operate in retail stores located across all nine provinces in South Africa.
This means applicants from different regions have the opportunity to participate in the programme if selected.
Submit your applications Now: https://pepkorlifestyle.simplify.hr/Vacancy/Apply/vobv3f
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 16 May 2026.
Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early and apply as soon as possible to improve their chances of selection.
Because the programme receives many applications each year, submitting complete and accurate documents is extremely important.
Important Information for Applicants
Pepkor Lifestyle has indicated that correspondence will only be entered into when learnership opportunities become available.
This means that:
- Not all applicants may receive feedback immediately.
- The company reserves the right not to make an appointment if suitable candidates are not identified.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their documents are complete, accurate, and submitted correctly.
Why Retail Learnerships Matter for Young South Africans
Retail remains one of the largest employers in South Africa, offering thousands of entry-level opportunities for individuals who want to gain workplace experience.
Programmes like the Pepkor Lifestyle Group Retail Learnership supported by W&R SETA play a crucial role in helping young people transition from education into employment.
By combining training with real workplace exposure, learnerships help participants develop both technical skills and professional confidence.
For many learners, these programmes become the starting point of long-term retail careers, opening doors to roles such as sales consultants, store supervisors, and retail managers.
Final Thoughts
The Pepkor Lifestyle Group Retail Learnership (W&R SETA) offers a valuable opportunity for young South Africans who want to build a career in the retail industry.
With 12 months of structured training, real workplace experience, and exposure to major retail brands, the programme provides a strong foundation for future employment.
If you have a Matric certificate, a passion for customer service, and the motivation to learn, this learnership could be your gateway into the world of retail.
Interested candidates should ensure their documents are ready and apply before the 16 May 2026 closing date.
Karabo Ntswaki – Author of CareersFocus.co.za
Karabo Ntswaki is passionate about empowering South Africans with reliable, verified, and easily accessible information about careers and education. Through CareersFocus.co.za, Karabo’s mission is to support students, job seekers, and young professionals by providing accurate guidance on learnerships, internships, bursaries.
Her vision is to make CareersFocus.co.za the most trusted online source in South Africa for career and educational information, helping individuals overcome barriers, make informed decisions about professional goals. you can contact me at info@careersfocus.co.za or our website https://careersfocus.co.za/