The Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Visual Merchandiser Learnership Programme 2026 is officially open for applications. This 12-month structured learnership programme is designed to equip unemployed young people with the practical skills and commercial understanding required to succeed in the sales and merchandising environment.
The programme is available nationwide, making it accessible to young South Africans across multiple provinces who want to gain exposure to retail merchandising, brand promotion, and customer engagement.
Applications close on 21 April 2026, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
This opportunity is particularly valuable for youth who want to build a career in sales, marketing, retail merchandising, or FMCG operations.
Quick Overview
Programme: Visual Merchandiser Learnership Programme
Company: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
Reference Number: CCB260414-2
Location: Countrywide (South Africa)
Programme Duration: 12 Months
Qualification Credits: Minimum of 120 credits required
Category: Sales and Marketing Learnership
Eligibility: Unemployed South African Youth
Age Requirement: 18 – 35 years
Minimum Qualification: Grade 12
Closing Date: 21 April 2026
This programme provides structured workplace learning combined with theoretical training, allowing participants to gain practical experience while working with sales teams and retail outlets.
Understanding the Coca-Cola Visual Merchandiser Learnership
The Visual Merchandiser Learnership focuses on developing skills related to in-store product presentation, retail execution, brand visibility, and sales support.
Visual merchandising plays a critical role in the retail industry because the way products are displayed can significantly influence consumer purchasing decisions.
During the learnership, participants will learn how to:
- Improve product visibility in retail stores
- Maintain merchandising standards
- Support store ordering processes
- Engage with customers and retailers
- Implement promotional campaigns
Learners will work closely with Account Developers and sales teams to ensure that Coca-Cola products are properly displayed, stocked, and promoted across retail outlets.
This programme combines real fieldwork with structured training, which helps learners understand how the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector operates.
What You Will Learn During the Programme
Participants in the Visual Merchandiser Learnership will gain practical knowledge in several key areas within the retail and FMCG environment.
These include:
Retail Merchandising
Learners will learn how to:
- Arrange products on shelves to maximise visibility
- Implement brand display guidelines
- Ensure correct product placement in stores
- Maintain high merchandising standards
Stock Management
Participants will gain experience in:
- Monitoring product availability
- Implementing stock rotation procedures
- Ensuring product freshness and quality
Customer Engagement
The programme also teaches learners how to:
- Understand consumer buying behaviour
- Support retailers with product ordering
- Assist with customer enquiries
Sales Support
Learners will collaborate with sales teams to:
- Implement promotional activities
- Execute marketing campaigns in stores
- Improve product sales performance
Key Responsibilities of the Learnership
Successful candidates will perform several duties that support the Coca-Cola sales and merchandising operations.
Key responsibilities include:
In-Store Execution and Merchandising
- Execute daily store visits according to scheduled call plans
- Service assigned retail outlets including bronze and tin outlets
- Implement visual merchandising standards
- Ensure product displays align with Coca-Cola brand guidelines
Product Availability and Quality
- Ensure products are properly stocked and visible
- Monitor product freshness through correct stock rotation
- Maintain high product quality standards
Customer Support
- Assist retailers with placing orders through the MyCCBA platform
- Provide guidance on ordering processes
- Support retailers during promotional campaigns
Promotional Activities
- Help execute promotional campaigns
- Ensure marketing materials are properly displayed
- Support in-store brand visibility initiatives
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify for the programme.
Educational Requirements
- Grade 12 certificate
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (minimum 40%)
- English and a second language (minimum 40%)
Personal Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Be currently unemployed
- Not be studying full-time
- Not be enrolled in another learnership programme
- Not have completed the same learnership previously
Additional Requirements
Candidates must also:
- Have no criminal record
- Have no adverse credit record
- Consent to background verification checks
- Be available to work six days a week
Advantageous Qualification
Although not required, the following may improve your chances:
- A post-matric qualification in Sales and Marketing
- A valid driver’s licence
A driver’s licence may be helpful because the role may require travelling between retail outlets.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Detailed CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of matric certificate
- Certified copy of any additional qualification
- Copy of driver’s licence (if available)
Ensure all certified documents are recent and clearly readable.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE COCA-COLA BEVERAGES SA VISUAL MERCHANDISER LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
How to Prepare for the Application
If you are planning to apply for this learnership, consider the following preparation steps.
Update Your CV
Your CV should include:
- Personal information
- Education history
- Any retail or sales experience
- Skills such as communication and teamwork
Understand Retail Merchandising
Research topics such as:
- Shelf positioning
- Consumer buying behaviour
- Retail display strategies
Demonstrate Soft Skills
Employers often look for candidates who demonstrate:
- Reliability
- Good communication
- Customer service skills
- Attention to detail
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
At Edupstairs, we encourage young South Africans to apply for opportunities that provide both training and real workplace exposure.
If you plan to apply for the Coca-Cola Visual Merchandiser Learnership, keep these tips in mind:
- Apply as early as possible before the closing date
- Ensure your documents are certified
- Double-check your CV for errors
- Prepare for interviews by learning about the FMCG industry
- Be ready to demonstrate your willingness to learn
Learnership programmes often receive thousands of applications, so a strong CV and complete documentation can improve your chances of being shortlisted.
Career Growth Path After Completing the Learnership
Completing the Coca-Cola Visual Merchandiser Learnership can open the door to several career opportunities in the retail and FMCG industries.
Possible career paths include:
- Sales Representative
Responsible for managing customer relationships and increasing product sales.
- Account Developer
Oversees retail accounts and sales strategies within a designated territory.
- Retail Merchandiser
Ensures brand products are correctly displayed in retail stores.
- Trade Marketing Specialist
Works on promotional strategies and retail marketing campaigns.
- Key Account Manager
Manages large retail accounts and national retail partnerships.
Many successful professionals in the FMCG industry started their careers through learnership programmes similar to this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Coca-Cola Visual Merchandiser Learnership?
Unemployed South African youth between 18 and 35 years old who have completed Grade 12.
- Is the programme paid?
Most corporate learnership programmes include a monthly stipend, although the amount may vary depending on the company.
- Can I apply if I am studying part-time?
Applicants must not be enrolled in full-time studies or another learnership programme at the time of appointment.
- Is a driver’s licence required?
A driver’s licence is not mandatory, but it may be advantageous because the role may require travel between stores.
- Where will the programme take place?
The learnership is available nationwide across South Africa, depending on operational requirements.
CLOSING DATE: 21 APRIL 2026
You can also:
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Disclaimers
This article is published for informational purposes to assist job seekers in discovering available opportunities.
Important notes:
- Edupstairs is not the recruiter for this programme.
- Applicants must apply through the official Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa recruitment channels.
- Requirements, deadlines, and programme details may change at the discretion of the employer.
Always verify information on the official company website or recruitment portal before applying.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY