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Pepkor Graduate
Posted 22 Jun 2026
Young South Africans looking to gain practical workplace experience now have an exciting opportunity to kick-start their careers through the Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme. The retail giant is recruiting unemployed graduates and TVET learners for a Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&R SETA) funded workplace learning initiative designed to equip participants with valuable industry skills and hands-on experience. Pepkor Graduate Programme Opportunities
The programme offers graduates a structured 12-month internship, while TVET learners requiring workplace exposure to complete their qualifications will participate in an 18-month practical training programme. Successful candidates will be placed within various business functions across Pepkor Lifestyle, one of South Africa’s largest wholesale and retail groups.
Applications are currently open and interested candidates have until 30 June 2026 to submit their applications.
Programme Name: Graduate Programme: Degree, Diploma and TVET (W&R SETA Funded)
Employer: Pepkor Lifestyle
Location: Sandton, Gauteng
Duration: 12 Months (Graduates) | 18 Months (TVET Learners)
Monthly Stipend: Market-related stipend
Closing Date: 30 June 2026
Reference Number: Not Specified
Application Method: Online Application
The Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme is a workplace-based learning initiative aimed at developing talented young South Africans by providing practical industry exposure within a leading retail organisation.
The programme is funded through the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&R SETA), which supports skills development and workforce readiness across South Africa’s retail sector.
Participants will be immersed in real business environments where they will gain practical knowledge, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and develop competencies that improve their employability.
The initiative forms part of Pepkor Lifestyle’s broader commitment to nurturing future leaders and creating sustainable career pathways for young people entering the workforce.
Related Opportunities 2026
• Funding Bursaries
• Youth Opportunities
• Internship Programme
• Learnership Programme
• Online Courses
Successful participants will gain:
Pepkor Lifestyle is recruiting graduates and TVET learners from various academic disciplines.
The available opportunities cover a wide range of business and technical functions.
Applicants must possess qualifications in one of the following areas:
Participants may gain exposure within:
The programme is based in Sandton, Gauteng, although candidates may be required to visit different stores and operational sites as part of their practical workplace exposure.
The total number of available positions has not been specified by the employer.
Applicants must satisfy all eligibility criteria before applying.
Candidates must have completed:
Applicants should possess qualifications in one of the listed fields of study.
To qualify for consideration, applicants must:
Applicants must:
Both candidates with disabilities and those without disabilities are encouraged to apply.
In addition to formal qualifications, Pepkor Lifestyle is seeking candidates who demonstrate:
Although Pepkor Lifestyle has not disclosed the exact monthly stipend amount, successful participants can expect to receive a market-related stipend in line with SETA-funded internship programmes.
Beyond financial support, participants will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities.
Graduates will also have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals who are leaders in their respective fields.
This level of exposure can significantly strengthen a candidate’s future employment prospects.
South Africa continues to face one of the highest youth unemployment rates globally. Many graduates complete their studies but struggle to secure employment because employers often seek candidates with workplace experience.
Programmes such as the Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme help bridge this gap by providing structured practical exposure in a professional environment.
For graduates and TVET learners, workplace experience often becomes the missing piece required to secure permanent employment.
The programme allows participants to:
Additionally, retail remains one of South Africa’s largest employment sectors, creating significant opportunities for career growth across multiple disciplines.
Interested candidates should ensure that they prepare all required documentation before submitting their applications.
Applications must be completed before the closing date.
Applicants should submit:
Important certification requirements:
Pepkor Lifestyle has indicated that applicants who successfully submit all required documentation will receive priority consideration.
Application Opening Date: 25 May 2026
Application Closing Date: 30 June 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
To improve your chances of success:

Many qualified candidates miss out on opportunities because of avoidable errors.
Some of the most common mistakes include:
Failure to upload all required documents may result in immediate disqualification.
Submitting uncertified documents or certifications older than three months can negatively affect an application.
Candidates should carefully verify:
Applications received after the closing date are typically not considered.
An outdated CV that lacks relevant information may reduce the likelihood of being shortlisted.
The Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme presents an excellent opportunity for unemployed graduates and TVET learners seeking practical workplace exposure in South Africa’s retail sector.
With structured training, mentorship, professional development opportunities, and hands-on industry experience, the programme provides a valuable stepping stone toward long-term career success.
Young South Africans with qualifications in business, finance, human resources, law, IT, logistics, supply chain management, and related fields should strongly consider applying before the closing date of 30 June 2026.
As competition for graduate opportunities remains high, interested candidates are advised to prepare their applications as early as possible and ensure that all supporting documentation is submitted correctly.
South African citizens under the age of 32 who are unemployed and possess relevant qualifications can apply.
Qualifications in business, finance, human resources, law, IT, logistics, supply chain management, project management, and related fields are accepted.
Yes. Successful participants will receive a monthly stipend.
Pepkor Lifestyle has not publicly disclosed the stipend amount.
Yes. TVET learners requiring workplace experience to complete their qualifications are encouraged to apply.
Graduates will participate in a 12-month programme, while TVET learners will complete an 18-month workplace learning programme.
No. The programme is specifically designed to provide workplace experience.
The programme is based in Sandton, Gauteng, with possible exposure to various operational locations and stores.
Yes. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must submit an updated CV, certified ID copy, certified qualifications, and academic transcripts.
Applications close on 30 June 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will typically be contacted using the details provided during the application process.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, applicants are encouraged to verify all details directly with the official recruiting institution or employer before submitting an application. We are not affiliated with the recruiting organization and do not process applications on its behalf.