South Africa continues to face high youth unemployment, making learnerships one of the most powerful pathways for young people to gain skills, work experience, and nationally recognised qualifications. One of the most exciting opportunities currently available is the Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership offered by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA).
This programme is designed for unemployed youth who are passionate about sales, marketing, retail execution, and brand visibility. It combines structured learning with real-world, on-the-job experience across stores nationwide. If you are between the ages of 18 and 35, unemployed, and looking to kickstart a career in sales and merchandising, this learnership could be the opportunity that changes your future.
In this guide, GoIntern.co.za breaks down everything you need to know about the Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership for 2026 — including requirements, duties, benefits, how to apply, and tips to increase your chances of being selected.
Learnership Overview
Job Title: Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser
Reference Number: CCB260121-3
Company: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA)
Job Type: Learnership
Job Category: Commercial – Sales and Marketing
Location: Countrywide (South Africa)
Closing Date: 31 March 2026
This learnership provides structured, work-based learning aimed at equipping participants with strong commercial understanding and practical merchandising skills. Learners will be placed in retail environments where Coca-Cola products are sold, ensuring hands-on exposure to real business operations.
The role reports to the Account Developer, and learners will work closely with sales teams, customers, and other stakeholders within the Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa ecosystem.
What Is a Visual Merchandiser Learnership?
A Visual Merchandiser Learnership focuses on how products are presented, promoted, and sold in retail stores. In the case of Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, learners are trained to ensure that Coca-Cola brands are always visible, available, and attractively displayed in stores.
This learnership runs for 12 months and requires learners to complete a qualification worth 120 credits. On successful completion, learners gain both a recognised qualification and valuable work experience — a powerful combination that significantly improves employability.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
1. In-Store Execution and Merchandising Excellence
Learners will be responsible for executing daily call schedules across assigned bronze and tin outlets, ensuring that all visits align with planned objectives. This includes:
- Implementing visual merchandising standards according to Coca-Cola brand guidelines
- Ensuring correct product placement and eye-catching displays
- Maintaining high execution standards in-store
2. Stock Management and Rotation
An important part of the role involves ensuring that products are fresh, visible, and available to consumers. Duties include:
- Stock rotation to maintain product quality
- Monitoring availability to prevent out-of-stock situations
- Ensuring compliance with RED standards and execution scorecards
3. Digital Reporting and Compliance
Learners will complete the iRED survey and ensure that merchandising execution meets required performance standards. This helps Coca-Cola track visibility, availability, and overall execution in stores.
4. Customer and Consumer Engagement
Interaction with customers and consumers is a key component of this learnership. Learners will:
- Support customers in placing orders using the MyCCBA platform
- Educate store owners and staff on product ranges and promotions
- Gather insights on consumer preferences and buying behaviour
5. Promotional Support
Learners will assist in executing promotional campaigns to improve brand visibility and drive sales volume. This includes implementing point-of-sale materials and supporting special promotions.
6. Team Collaboration
Learners work closely with:
- Sales team members to coordinate daily tasks
- Account Developers for training, guidance, and performance feedback
- Other internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with business objectives
Minimum Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
Basic Requirements
- Grade 12 (Matric) with Maths or Maths Literacy (minimum 40% pass)
- Grade 12 Communication with English and a second language (minimum 40% pass)
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be unemployed at the time of appointment
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Must be an Employment Equity candidate
Additional Requirements
- No criminal record
- No adverse credit record
- Must consent to criminal, ID, and qualification verification
- Must not be enrolled in any other learnership or full-time studies
- Must not have completed the same qualification or learnership previously
- Must be available to work six days a week
Advantageous but Not Mandatory
- A valid driver’s licence (useful for travelling between stores)
- A post-matric qualification in Sales and Marketing
Duration and Qualification Details
The learnership runs for a period of 12 months. During this time, learners must complete all theoretical and practical components to accumulate a minimum of 120 credits.
This structured approach ensures that learners are not only working but also learning, developing competencies that are aligned with South Africa’s skills development framework.
Why Choose a Learnership with Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa?
1. Work with a Global Brand
Coca-Cola is one of the most recognised brands in the world. Completing a learnership with CCBSA adds strong value to your CV and opens doors in the sales, marketing, and retail sectors.
2. Practical, Hands-On Experience
This is not classroom-only learning. Learners gain real experience in stores, working with customers and sales teams every day.
3. Improved Employability
Many employers prefer candidates with both qualifications and experience. This learnership provides both, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
4. Career Growth Opportunities
While permanent employment is not guaranteed, many learners use this opportunity as a stepping stone into roles such as:
- Sales Representative
- Merchandiser
- Account Developer
- Brand Promoter
- Marketing Assistant
Documents Required for Application
Interested applicants must submit the following documents:
- Detailed CV
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified copy of post-matric qualification (if applicable)
- Copy of driver’s licence (if available)
Ensure all documents are clear, certified, and up to date before submitting your application.
Employment Equity and Fair Hiring Policy
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment. Recruitment is based purely on merit, qualifications, and job-related competence.
The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Employment equity principles are applied in line with South African labour legislation.
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa also does not accept CVs from recruitment agencies for roles advertised directly.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Being Selected
- Tailor your CV to highlight sales, retail, or customer service experience
- Emphasise communication skills and teamwork
- Show willingness to learn and work flexible hours
- Ensure your documents are properly certified
- Apply early before the closing date
Final Thoughts
The Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa is an excellent opportunity for unemployed youth who want to gain skills, experience, and a recognised qualification in sales and merchandising.
If you meet the requirements and are serious about building a career in the commercial and marketing space, this learnership is well worth applying for.
For more learnerships, internships, bursaries, and entry-level opportunities across South Africa, keep visiting GoIntern.co.za — your trusted guide to career opportunities.
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