Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership: A Gateway into Sales and Marketing Excellence
In a country where youth unemployment remains a serious challenge, learnership programmes play a critical role in opening doors for young people who want to gain skills, experience, and formal qualifications. One such opportunity is the Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership offered by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa. This programme is designed to empower unemployed youth with practical, workplace-based training while preparing them for long-term careers in sales, marketing, and commercial operations.
This learnership is open to qualifying South African citizens and will be available across multiple towns and regions, including Kuruman, Upington, Phuthaditjhaba, Aliwal North, Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu, Barberton, Nelspruit CBD, Witbank, and Ermelo. With a closing date of 31 March 2026, this opportunity offers motivated young people a structured pathway into the world of visual merchandising and customer service.
Purpose of the Learnership
The primary aim of the Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser programme is to provide structured, work-based learning that combines theory with real-world practice. Learners are exposed to the commercial environment while developing the skills needed to service customers effectively. The programme focuses on helping learners understand how to grow sales volumes, support order-taking processes, and implement merchandising standards across both direct and indirect customer outlets.
Throughout the 12-month learnership, participants gain insight into how a large beverage company operates at ground level. They learn how merchandising directly influences consumer buying behaviour and how proper execution in stores contributes to overall business performance.
Reporting Structure and Workplace Interaction
Learners in this role report directly to an Account Developer, who provides ongoing guidance, coaching, and performance feedback. This close working relationship ensures that learners are supported throughout the programme and gain a clear understanding of sales processes, safety requirements, and professional standards.
The role involves regular interaction with different stakeholders, including:
- Sales Team Members, to coordinate daily activities and share operational knowledge.
- Sales Account Developers, who mentor learners and help them understand broader sales strategies.
- Consumers, whose preferences and behaviours provide valuable insights into product placement, promotions, and demand trends.
These interactions help learners develop communication skills, teamwork, and a customer-focused mindset.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
A major component of the learnership is in-store execution and merchandising excellence. Learners are expected to carry out daily call schedules within assigned bronze and tin outlets, ensuring that each visit aligns with planned objectives.
Core responsibilities include:
- Implementing visual merchandising standards according to brand guidelines.
- Ensuring correct stock rotation to maintain product freshness and quality.
- Setting up and maintaining attractive in-store displays that enhance product visibility.
- Monitoring product availability and presentation using RED standards and execution scorecards, including completion of the iRED survey.
- Assisting customers with order placement through the MyCCBA platform, helping them understand digital ordering processes.
- Supporting promotional activities that improve brand presence and drive sales.
- Providing relief support in different areas when required by the line manager.
Through these tasks, learners gain hands-on experience that prepares them for future roles in merchandising, sales, or marketing.
Skills, Education, and Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this learnership, applicants must meet specific minimum requirements. These criteria ensure that candidates are ready to benefit from the programme and can meet its demands.
Applicants must:
- Have Grade 12, including Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (minimum 40% pass rate).
- Have passed English and a second language at Grade 12 level (minimum 40%).
- Be a South African citizen and an Employment Equity candidate.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be unemployed at the time of appointment.
- Be available to work six days a week.
- Have no criminal record and no adverse credit record.
- Consent to criminal, ID, and qualification verification checks.
- Not be registered in any other learnership or full-time study programme.
- Not have previously completed the same or similar learnership elsewhere.
A driver’s licence is advantageous, as the role may require travelling between stores. A post-matric qualification in Sales and Marketing is also beneficial, although not compulsory.
Qualification and Duration
The learnership runs for 12 months and is aligned to a recognised qualification that requires learners to obtain a minimum of 120 credits to successfully complete the programme. This ensures that participants leave with both practical experience and a formal qualification that can improve their employability.
Application Requirements
Interested applicants who meet the criteria must submit the following documents:
- A detailed CV
- A certified copy of the matric certificate
- A certified copy of any post-matric qualification (if applicable)
- A copy of a driver’s licence (if available)
Management reserves the right to use additional relevant information during the shortlisting process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection, so applicants are encouraged to ensure their applications are complete and accurate.
Why This Learnership Matters
This Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser programme offers more than just short-term training. It provides young people with exposure to a professional commercial environment, transferable skills, and a nationally recognised qualification. For many participants, it can be the first step toward a sustainable career in sales, marketing, or retail operations.
By combining learning, mentorship, and real workplace experience, this learnership stands as a valuable opportunity for unemployed youth who are ready to commit, learn, and grow within a structured and supportive environment.
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