The Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Visual Merchandiser Learnership

Are you an ambitious, unemployed South African youth eager to kickstart a dynamic career in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector? Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) presents an unparalleled opportunity through its Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership. This isn’t just a job; it’s a comprehensive, work-integrated learning program designed to equip you with the essential skills and commercial acumen needed to thrive in sales and marketing.

What is the Visual Merchandiser Learnership All About?

This isn’t your typical entry-level position. CCBSA’s Visual Merchandiser Learnership is a meticulously structured, 12-month program focusing on practical, on-the-job training combined with theoretical knowledge. The core objective is to cultivate highly capable individuals who can significantly contribute to CCBSA’s sales and marketing efforts by effectively servicing customers, driving sales volumes, and upholding impeccable merchandising standards.

As a Visual Merchandiser Learner, you’ll be immersed in the vibrant world of commercial sales and marketing. Your primary mission will be to ensure that Coca-Cola products are not only readily available but also visually appealing and strategically placed in retail outlets. This involves a blend of in-store execution, customer interaction, and understanding consumer behavior.

Your Role and Responsibilities: A Deep Dive

Reporting directly to an Account Developer, you’ll be an integral part of the sales team, gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment. The learnership is designed to expose you to various facets of the commercial landscape, fostering a holistic understanding of the business.

Here’s a closer look at the key duties and responsibilities you’ll undertake:

In-Store Execution & Merchandising Excellence

This is where the rubber meets the road. You’ll be the face of Coca-Cola in various retail environments, ensuring brand visibility and product appeal.

• Executing Daily Call Schedules: You’ll be assigned a specific geographical area and a roster of “bronze and tin outlets” (smaller retail stores). Your day will involve visiting these stores according to a predefined schedule, ensuring that each visit aligns with planned objectives – whether it’s checking stock, implementing displays, or supporting promotions.
• Implementing Visual Merchandising Standards: This is crucial for attracting customers. You’ll be responsible for setting up eye-catching in-store displays, arranging products according to brand guidelines, and ensuring proper stock rotation. This means making sure older stock is sold first, minimizing waste and ensuring product freshness.
• Ensuring Product Quality, Availability, and Visibility: This is about maintaining the RED (Right Execution Daily) standards and adhering to the execution scorecard. You’ll be vigilant about product quality, ensuring products are not expired or damaged. You’ll also guarantee sufficient stock levels and prominent placement to maximize sales. This includes completing the iRED survey, a tool used to assess merchandising effectiveness.
• Supporting and Educating Customers on MyCCBA: In today’s digital age, efficiency is key. You’ll play a role in empowering customers by guiding them on how to place orders seamlessly through the MyCCBA platform, a digital ordering system that streamlines the process.
• Assisting in Promotional Activities: Promotions are vital for driving sales. You’ll actively participate in setting up and executing promotional campaigns, ensuring that promotional materials are correctly displayed and that customers are aware of ongoing offers.
• Providing Relief Support: Flexibility is essential in sales. You may be required to provide relief support to other team members or cover different areas as directed by your line manager, ensuring continuity of operations.

Who Will You Interact With?

This learnership emphasizes collaboration and communication. You’ll be interacting with various stakeholders, both within and outside the company:

• Sales Team Members: You’ll work closely with your fellow sales team members, collaborating on daily tasks, sharing insights, and learning from each other’s experiences. Teamwork is paramount to success.
• Sales Account Developer: Your direct report, the Account Developer, will be your primary mentor. They will provide continuous guidance, training, and constructive feedback on your performance, ensuring you’re meeting safety protocols and understanding the broader sales process.
• Consumers: While your primary interaction will be with retailers, you’ll gain an understanding of consumer preferences and behaviors by observing their choices and how they interact with products in stores. This indirect interaction is vital for informing sales strategies and product development.

Essential Skills, Experience, and Education: Do You Qualify?

CCBSA is looking for motivated individuals with a foundational academic background and specific personal attributes. Meeting these requirements is crucial for your application to be considered.

Educational Requirements:

• Grade 12 with Maths or Maths Literacy: A minimum pass rate of 40% in either of these subjects is required, demonstrating a foundational understanding of numerical concepts.
• Grade 12 Communication with English and a Second Language: You must have achieved at least a 40% pass rate in English and another South African language at the Grade 12 level, indicating strong communication skills.
• Post-Matric Qualification in Sales & Marketing (Advantageous): While not strictly mandatory, having a post-matric qualification in Sales & Marketing will significantly enhance your application and demonstrate a pre-existing interest in the field.

General Eligibility Criteria:

• South African Citizen: You must hold valid South African citizenship.
• Availability: You must be available to work six days a week, as the sales environment often requires extended hours, particularly during peak periods.
• Employment Equity Candidate: CCBSA is committed to Employment Equity, and this learnership is designed to promote diversity and inclusion.
• Age Restriction: Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35.
• Clean Record: You must have no criminal record or adverse credit record. CCBSA will conduct thorough criminal, ID, and qualification verification checks, and you must consent to these checks.
• Driver’s License (Advantageous): While not always a strict requirement, having a valid driver’s license can be a significant advantage, particularly if the role requires travel between different stores.
• No Prior Learnership Enrollment or Full-Time Studies: You must not be currently enrolled in any other learnership program or full-time studies. The learnership demands your full commitment.
• No Prior Completion of Same Qualification: You must not have previously completed the same qualification or learnership at another company or organization. This program is for those seeking a new learning opportunity.
• Unemployed at Time of Appointment: A key criterion for this learnership is that you must be unemployed at the time of appointment.

The Learnership Journey: What to Expect

This learnership is designed to provide you with a comprehensive learning experience, culminating in a recognized qualification.

• Qualification Credits: To successfully complete the learnership and qualify, you will need to obtain a minimum of 120 credits. These credits are earned through a combination of theoretical modules and practical work-based assessments.
• Duration: The learnership spans a period of 12 months, offering ample time to acquire in-depth knowledge and practical skills.

How to Apply: Your Path to Success

If you meet the stringent requirements and are excited about this opportunity, here’s what you need to submit:

• Detailed CV: Your Curriculum Vitae should be comprehensive, highlighting your academic achievements, any relevant work experience (even informal), and your skills.
• Certified Copy of Matric Certificate: Ensure your Grade 12 certificate is officially certified.
• Certified Copy of Qualification: If you possess a post-matric qualification, provide a certified copy.
• Copy of Driver’s License: If you have a driver’s license, include a copy.

Important Note: The advertisement lists minimum requirements. Management reserves the right to utilize additional or more relevant information as criteria for shortlisting candidates. Therefore, ensure your application is as strong and comprehensive as possible.

Why Choose the Coca-Cola Learnership?

Joining the CCBSA Visual Merchandiser Learnership is more than just getting a foot in the door; it’s an investment in your future.

• Industry Leader: You’ll gain experience with one of the world’s most recognizable and respected brands, Coca-Cola. This provides invaluable exposure and credibility on your resume.
• Structured Learning: The program is meticulously designed to provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring you develop well-rounded skills.
• Mentorship: You’ll receive direct guidance and feedback from experienced Account Developers, accelerating your learning curve.
• Practical Skills: You’ll acquire highly marketable skills in sales, marketing, merchandising, and customer service, making you a desirable candidate for future roles.
• Potential for Growth: Successful completion of the learnership can open doors to various career paths within CCBSA or the broader FMCG industry.
• Contribution to the Economy: By participating in such programs, you contribute directly to your personal development and indirectly to the South African economy by gaining valuable skills that are in demand.

Don’t Miss Out!

The closing date for applications is July 31, 2025. This is a limited opportunity to join a leading global company and embark on a rewarding career journey. If you are a driven, unemployed South African youth between 18 and 35, with a Grade 12 certificate and a passion for sales and marketing, this learnership could be your stepping stone to success.

Take the initiative, prepare your application meticulously, and seize this chance to develop essential commercial acumen and practical skills that will serve you well throughout your professional life. Your journey with Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa could start here!