The Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Visual Merchandiser Learnership Programme 2026 is now open for applications. This 12-month structured learnership is designed to give unemployed young people the practical skills and commercial understanding needed to build a career in sales and merchandising.
The programme is available nationwide, which means young South Africans from multiple provinces can apply and gain hands-on exposure to retail merchandising, brand promotion, and customer engagement.
Applications close on 21 April 2026 — apply as early as you can, as these positions fill up quickly.
This is a particularly strong opportunity for youth who want to enter the sales, marketing, retail merchandising, or FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) industry.
Quick Overview
Programme: Visual Merchandiser Learnership Programme Company: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Reference Number: CCB260414-2 Location: Nationwide (South Africa) Duration: 12 months Minimum Credits Required: 120 Category: Sales and Marketing Learnership Who Can Apply: Unemployed South African youth Age Requirement: 18–35 years Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 Closing Date: 21 April 2026
What Is Visual Merchandising and Why Does It Matter?
Visual merchandising is the practice of arranging and displaying products in retail stores in a way that catches shoppers’ attention and encourages them to buy. It is a critical function in the retail industry — how products are placed, presented, and promoted on shelves directly affects how well they sell.
This learnership teaches you exactly how to do this at a professional level, working with one of the most recognised brands in the world.
During the programme you will learn how to:
- Improve how products are displayed and positioned in stores
- Maintain high merchandising and brand standards
- Support store ordering processes
- Engage effectively with customers and retailers
- Help implement promotional campaigns in-store
You will work alongside Account Developers and sales teams to make sure Coca-Cola products are properly displayed, well stocked, and actively promoted across retail outlets. This is real fieldwork combined with structured training — giving you a thorough understanding of how the FMCG sector operates from the ground up.
What You Will Learn During the Programme
Retail Merchandising
- How to arrange products on shelves to maximise visibility
- Applying brand display guidelines correctly
- Ensuring products are in the right place at the right time
- Maintaining consistent merchandising standards across stores
Stock Management
- Keeping track of product availability
- Carrying out stock rotation to maintain freshness
- Monitoring and maintaining product quality standards
Customer Engagement
- Understanding how and why consumers make buying decisions
- Helping retailers manage their product orders
- Responding to customer and retailer queries
Sales Support
- Helping to run promotional activities in-store
- Executing marketing campaigns at retail level
- Supporting the broader sales team to improve product performance
Key Responsibilities You Will Carry Out
In-Store Execution
- Visit stores daily according to a scheduled call plan
- Service assigned retail outlets, including bronze and tin outlets
- Apply Coca-Cola’s visual merchandising standards consistently
- Make sure all product displays match brand guidelines
Product Availability and Quality
- Keep products properly stocked and clearly visible
- Use correct stock rotation methods to maintain freshness
- Uphold quality standards across all outlets you visit
Customer and Retailer Support
- Help retailers place orders through the MyCCBA platform
- Guide retailers through ordering procedures
- Provide hands-on support during promotional campaigns
Promotional and Brand Activities
- Assist in rolling out promotional campaigns
- Make sure all marketing materials are correctly displayed
- Drive brand visibility within your assigned stores
Minimum Requirements
Educational requirements:
- Grade 12 certificate
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: minimum 40%
- English and a second language: minimum 40% each
Personal requirements:
- South African citizen
- Between 18 and 35 years old
- Currently unemployed
- Not studying full-time
- Not enrolled in another learnership programme
- Have not previously completed the same learnership
Additional requirements:
- No criminal record
- No adverse credit record
- Must consent to background verification checks
- Must be available to work six days a week
Added advantage (not required but helpful):
- A post-Matric qualification in Sales and Marketing
- A valid driver’s licence — useful since the role may involve travelling between retail outlets
Documents You Need to Submit
Make sure everything is certified, recent, and clearly readable:
- Detailed and updated CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate
- Certified copy of any additional qualification (if applicable)
- Copy of your driver’s licence (if you have one)
Incomplete applications may not be considered — go through your documents carefully before you hit submit.
How to Apply
Apply online through the official Coca-Cola Beverages SA recruitment portal:
Or search for reference number CCB260414-2 on the CCBA careers portal.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Apply before the deadline — do not leave it to the last day
- Make sure your CV is clean, professional, and free of errors
- List any retail, customer service, or sales experience you have, even if informal
- Highlight soft skills like communication, reliability, and attention to detail
- Research what visual merchandising and the FMCG industry involve before your interview
- Be ready to show genuine enthusiasm for learning and working in a fast-paced environment
Learnership programmes like this one receive thousands of applications. A well-prepared CV and complete documentation can make a real difference in getting shortlisted.
Where This Learnership Can Take You
Completing this programme opens up several career paths in the retail and FMCG industries:
- Sales Representative — managing customer relationships and growing product sales
- Account Developer — overseeing retail accounts and sales strategies in a specific territory
- Retail Merchandiser — ensuring products are correctly displayed across stores
- Trade Marketing Specialist — working on promotional strategies and in-store campaigns
- Key Account Manager — managing major retail accounts and national retail partnerships
Many successful professionals in the FMCG industry took their first steps through a learnership just like this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply? Unemployed South African youth between 18 and 35 years old who have completed Grade 12.
Is there a monthly stipend? Most corporate learnerships include a monthly stipend. Confirm the exact amount directly with Coca-Cola Beverages SA during the application process.
Can I apply if I am studying part-time? No. You must not be enrolled in full-time studies or another learnership programme at the time of appointment.
Is a driver’s licence required? No, it is not a requirement. However, having one may give your application an advantage since the role involves travelling between stores.
Where will the programme take place? The learnership is available nationwide across South Africa, depending on where operational needs exist.
CLOSING DATE: 21 APRIL 2026