Pepkor Lifestyle Opens Applications for 2026 Graduate and TVET Work Experience Programme
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.
Pepkor Graduate Programme OpportunitiesInformation Summary
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
Pepkor Graduate Programme Opportunities Programme Overview
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:
- Structured workplace experience
- Exposure to retail and corporate operations
- Professional mentorship
- Practical skills development
- Opportunities to build industry networks
- Career development support
- Experience working on real business projects
Pepkor Graduate Programme Opportunities Available Opportunities
Pepkor Lifestyle is recruiting graduates and TVET learners from various academic disciplines.
The available opportunities cover a wide range of business and technical functions.
Fields of Study Accepted
Applicants must possess qualifications in one of the following areas:
- Business Management
- Business Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Industrial Psychology
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- BCom Law
- BCom Risk Management
- BCom Financial Management
- Software Engineering
- Information Technology
- Project Management
- IT Project Administration
- Business Information Technology
- Information Systems
- Logistics Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Relevant TVET N6 Qualifications
Departments and Functional Areas
Participants may gain exposure within:
- Human Resources
- Finance
- Legal and Compliance
- Risk Management
- Information Technology
- Software Development
- Logistics Operations
- Supply Chain Management
- Business Administration
- Project Management
- Retail Operations
Location
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.
Number of Positions
The total number of available positions has not been specified by the employer.
Pepkor Graduate Programme Opportunities Minimum Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all eligibility criteria before applying.
Educational Requirements
Candidates must have completed:
- A Degree from a recognised university; or
- A Diploma from an accredited tertiary institution; or
- A TVET qualification requiring workplace practical experience
Applicants should possess qualifications in one of the listed fields of study.
Age Requirements
To qualify for consideration, applicants must:
- Be younger than 32 years of age
Additional Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be unemployed at the time of application
- Be South African citizens
- Possess a valid South African ID document
- Have completed studies at an accredited institution
- Be willing to participate fully in the programme
Both candidates with disabilities and those without disabilities are encouraged to apply.
In addition to formal qualifications, Pepkor Lifestyle is seeking candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills
- Professional work ethic
- Teamwork abilities
- Adaptability
- Initiative
- Problem-solving capabilities
- Analytical thinking
- Customer service orientation
- Relationship-building skills
Pepkor Graduate Programme Opportunities Monthly Stipend and Benefits
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.
Benefits Include
- Workplace learning experience
- Industry mentorship
- Exposure to senior professionals
- Participation in projects and business initiatives
- Networking opportunities
- Enhanced employability
- Practical skills development
- Corporate training exposure
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.
Why This Pepkor Graduate Programme Opportunities Opportunity Matters for South African Youth
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:
- Build professional confidence
- Develop industry-specific skills
- Strengthen their CVs
- Gain practical workplace knowledge
- Improve future employment prospects
Additionally, retail remains one of South Africa’s largest employment sectors, creating significant opportunities for career growth across multiple disciplines.
Pepkor Graduate Programme Opportunities Application Process
Interested candidates should ensure that they prepare all required documentation before submitting their applications.
Applications must be completed before the closing date.
Documents Required
Applicants should submit:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Academic transcripts or tertiary results
Important certification requirements:
- Documents must not be older than three months
Pepkor Lifestyle has indicated that applicants who successfully submit all required documentation will receive priority consideration.
Important Dates
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.
Application Tips: Pepkor Graduate Programme Opportunities
To improve your chances of success:
- Update your CV thoroughly.
- Include all relevant qualifications.
- Ensure documents are properly certified.
- Verify that your contact details are correct.
- Tailor your application to the field of study.
- Proofread all information before submission.
- Submit early rather than waiting for the deadline.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Many qualified candidates miss out on opportunities because of avoidable errors.
Some of the most common mistakes include:
Incomplete Applications
Failure to upload all required documents may result in immediate disqualification.
Missing Certifications
Submitting uncertified documents or certifications older than three months can negatively affect an application.
Incorrect Information
Candidates should carefully verify:
- ID numbers
- Contact details
- Qualification information
- Email addresses
Late Applications
Applications received after the closing date are typically not considered.
Poorly Prepared CVs
An outdated CV that lacks relevant information may reduce the likelihood of being shortlisted.
Final Thoughts on the Pepkor Graduate Programme Opportunities
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme?
South African citizens under the age of 32 who are unemployed and possess relevant qualifications can apply.
2. What qualifications are accepted?
Qualifications in business, finance, human resources, law, IT, logistics, supply chain management, project management, and related fields are accepted.
3. Is the Pepkor Graduate Programme Opportunities paid?
Yes. Successful participants will receive a monthly stipend.
4. How much is the monthly stipend?
Pepkor Lifestyle has not publicly disclosed the stipend amount.
5. Can TVET learners apply?
Yes. TVET learners requiring workplace experience to complete their qualifications are encouraged to apply.
6. How long is the Pepkor Graduate Programme Opportunities?
Graduates will participate in a 12-month programme, while TVET learners will complete an 18-month workplace learning programme.
7. Is previous work experience required?
No. The programme is specifically designed to provide workplace experience.
8. Where will participants be based?
The programme is based in Sandton, Gauteng, with possible exposure to various operational locations and stores.
9. Can persons with disabilities apply?
Yes. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
10. What documents are required?
Applicants must submit an updated CV, certified ID copy, certified qualifications, and academic transcripts.
11. What is the closing date?
Applications close on 30 June 2026.
12. How will shortlisted candidates be contacted?
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.
Thato Sabethwa is a passionate education advocate and digital content creator dedicated to helping young South Africans access valuable career and learning opportunities. With a strong belief in the power of skills development, Thato writes informative articles about learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job readiness. Through OnlineLearnership.co.za, Thato aims to guide students and job seekers toward the right opportunities that can shape their future. Her content focuses on practical advice, career tips, and reliable updates to empower readers to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.
