If you have recently completed your qualification and are struggling to gain the work experience that employers demand, the Pepkor Lifestyle W&R SETA Funded Graduate Programme 2026 could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.
Pepkor Lifestyle is offering unemployed South African graduates and TVET College learners an opportunity to gain structured workplace experience through a Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&R SETA) funded Work Integrated Learning Programme. The programme will be hosted in Sandton, Gauteng, and aims to equip young graduates with practical skills, industry exposure, and professional development opportunities that can improve future employability.
Successful candidates will participate in a 12-month graduate programme or an 18-month TVET Work Integrated Learning Programme, depending on their qualification pathway.
Applications close on 30 June 2026.
Quick Overview
- Programme: Pepkor Lifestyle W&R SETA Funded Graduate Programme 2026
- Location: Sandton, Gauteng
- Funding Partner: Wholesale & Retail SETA (W&R SETA)
- Closing Date: 30 June 2026
- Employment Status Required: Unemployed
- Age Requirement: Under 32 years
- Citizenship Requirement: South African Citizen
- Disability Applications: Candidates with and without disabilities are encouraged to apply
Duration:
- Graduate Programme: 12 Months
- TVET Work Integrated Learning: 18 Months
Qualifications Required
Pepkor Lifestyle is recruiting graduates and TVET learners who have completed qualifications in the following fields:
Business and Management
- Business Management
- Business Administration
Human Resources
- Human Resource Management
- Industrial Psychology
Legal and Risk Management
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- BCom Law
- BCom Risk Management
Finance
- BCom Financial Management
Information Technology
- BSc Software Engineering
- BCom Software Engineering
- IT Project Administration
- Project Management
- Information Systems
- Business Information Technology
Logistics and Supply Chain
- Logistics Management
- Supply Chain Management N6
TVET College Graduates
Pepkor Lifestyle is also accepting graduates from:
- TVET Colleges
- Universities
- Universities of Technology
- Higher Education Institutions
TVET graduates requiring practical workplace experience for qualification completion may participate in the 18-month programme.
What the Programme Offers
The programme is designed to provide participants with structured workplace exposure while supporting their professional development.
Participants can expect:
Professional Mentorship
Graduates will work alongside experienced professionals who can provide guidance, coaching, and industry insights.
Workplace Exposure
Candidates will gain practical experience within one of South Africa’s leading retail groups.
Career Development
The programme creates opportunities to build skills that are highly valued by employers.
Industry Experience
Participants will gain exposure to:
- Retail operations
- Corporate administration
- Human resources
- Finance
- Information technology
- Supply chain management
- Legal and compliance functions
Networking Opportunities
Working within a large organisation allows graduates to build professional relationships that may benefit future career growth.
Key Responsibilities During the Programme
Successful candidates will be expected to actively participate in various workplace activities.
Responsibilities include:
Attending Training Programmes
Graduates must attend:
- Induction programmes
- Onboarding sessions
- Company orientation meetings
- Skills development workshops
Performing Assigned Duties
Participants will carry out tasks under the supervision of experienced employees and managers.
Conducting Research
Graduates may be required to:
- Research industry trends
- Investigate new technologies
- Explore best practices
- Analyse business processes
Visiting Various Locations
The programme includes opportunities to visit:
- Different stores
- Operational sites
- Business locations
This exposure helps participants understand the broader retail environment.
Presentations and Reporting
Participants may be required to:
- Prepare reports
- Present findings
- Share project outcomes
- Demonstrate learning achievements
Supporting Business Objectives
Graduates will contribute to projects and operational activities that support organisational goals.
Skills and Competencies Pepkor Lifestyle Is Looking For
While academic qualifications are important, Pepkor Lifestyle is also seeking candidates who demonstrate strong workplace potential.
Successful candidates should possess:
Ability to Learn Quickly
The retail industry evolves rapidly, and graduates must be willing to learn continuously.
Resilience and Adaptability
Participants should be able to adjust to changing environments and workplace demands.
Initiative
Pepkor values individuals who can identify opportunities and take proactive action.
Critical Thinking
Graduates should be able to:
- Analyse information
- Solve problems
- Make informed decisions
Teamwork
The ability to work effectively with others is essential.
Relationship Building
Strong interpersonal skills are important for collaboration and communication.
Professional Work Ethic
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Reliability
- Accountability
- Integrity
- Professionalism
Communication Skills
Both verbal and written communication skills are highly valued.
Customer Service Orientation
Graduates should understand the importance of delivering excellent customer experiences.
Minimum Applicant Requirements
To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must possess a valid South African ID
- Must be unemployed
- Must be under the age of 32
- Must hold a relevant qualification from an accredited institution
- Must be willing to participate in the programme in Sandton, Gauteng
- Must be able to provide all required supporting documents
Applications from persons living with disabilities are welcomed.
Required Supporting Documents
Pepkor Lifestyle has indicated that applicants who submit complete documentation will receive first consideration.
Applicants should prepare:
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your CV should include:
- Personal details
- Educational qualifications
- Skills
- Computer literacy
- Contact information
Certified ID Copy
- Certification must not be older than three months
Certified Qualification Certificates
- Degree certificate
- Diploma certificate
- National certificate
Academic Transcript
Applicants should provide:
- Full academic record
- Latest transcript
- Statement of results where applicable
Ensure all documents are clear, certified, and easy to read.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE PEPKOR LIFESTYLE W&R SETA FUNDED GRADUATE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
How to Improve Your Chances of Being Selected
Competition for graduate opportunities is often high.
Consider the following tips:
Tailor Your CV
Highlight:
- Relevant modules
- Academic achievements
- Projects completed
- Leadership roles
- Volunteer work
Submit Complete Documents
Incomplete applications are often disqualified.
Check Certification Dates
Certified documents older than three months may not be accepted.
Apply Early
Avoid waiting until the final day.
Proofread Everything
Ensure:
- No spelling mistakes
- Accurate contact details
- Correct qualification information
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Edupstairs Advice
Graduate programmes remain one of the most effective pathways into professional employment in South Africa. If your qualification matches any of the listed fields, this opportunity deserves serious consideration.
Prepare your documents early, update your CV professionally, ensure your certifications are current, and submit a complete application before the closing date.
Even if you have applied for several opportunities without success, continue applying consistently. Many graduates secure their first career opportunity through workplace experience programmes exactly like this one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this a permanent job?
No. This is a workplace experience programme funded through W&R SETA.
- How long is the programme?
Graduates will participate in a 12-month programme, while TVET learners requiring workplace experience will participate in an 18-month programme.
- Where is the programme located?
The programme is based in Sandton, Gauteng.
- Can TVET graduates apply?
Yes. TVET College graduates requiring practical workplace exposure are encouraged to apply.
- Can persons with disabilities apply?
Yes. Applications from candidates with disabilities are welcomed.
- Is previous work experience required?
No previous work experience has been specified.
- What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be under the age of 32.
- Must I be unemployed?
Yes. The opportunity is intended for unemployed graduates and learners.
CLOSING DATE: 30 JUNE 2026
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Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Edupstairs is not the recruiter for this opportunity. Requirements, closing dates, and programme details may change at the discretion of Pepkor Lifestyle and W&R SETA. Applicants should verify information through the official recruitment process before submitting an application.
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