Coca-Cola Learnerships 2026 are open nationwide for unemployed South African youth. See requirements, duties, and how to apply.
For many unemployed young South Africans, practical work experience remains the biggest barrier to entering the job market. That’s why the Coca-Cola Learnerships 2026 matter right now. Applications are open nationwide, offering a structured 12-month opportunity for youth who want real exposure to sales, merchandising, and customer service inside a major FMCG operation.
This learnership is not a shortcut to employment — but it is a recognised pathway into the retail and beverage industry for candidates who meet the criteria and are ready for hands-on work.
A Learnership Designed for Real-World FMCG Experience
The Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) learnership focuses on how products actually move from depots to shelves — and how customer relationships are built on the ground.
Learners are placed within sales teams and operate in real retail environments, including small informal outlets and larger stores. The work is practical, sometimes physically demanding, and closely monitored through performance standards used across the industry.
Participants support daily sales operations while learning how volume growth, merchandising standards, and customer engagement work together in a competitive FMCG market.
This is not classroom-only training. Most learning happens in stores, on routes, and through direct interaction with customers and sales professionals.
What Learners Will Actually Do Day to Day
Learners report to a Sales Account Developer and work alongside experienced sales staff. Responsibilities typically include:
- Visiting assigned retail outlets according to a daily call schedule
- Ensuring Coca-Cola products are visible, correctly priced, and well stocked
- Applying merchandising standards, including stock rotation and displays
- Supporting promotions and brand activations in stores
- Assisting retailers with placing orders using the MyCCBA platform
- Completing digital surveys and execution scorecards accurately
- Providing relief support across routes when needed
This exposure gives learners insight into how sales targets are set, how customer relationships are managed, and how performance is measured in large distribution environments.
Who Qualifies for the Coca-Cola Learnerships 2026
The Coca-Cola Learnerships 2026 are open to unemployed South African youth who meet strict eligibility requirements. Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens aged 18 to 35
- Be unemployed at the time of appointment
- Hold Grade 12 / Matric, including:
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (minimum 40%)
- English and one other language (minimum 40%)
- Be an Employment Equity (EE) candidate
- Be available to work six days per week
- Have no criminal or adverse credit record
- Consent to background, ID, and qualification checks
- Not be registered in another learnership or full-time study
- Not have completed the same learnership or qualification before
A valid driver’s licence is an advantage and may be required in some areas. A post-matric qualification in Sales or Marketing can strengthen an application but is not compulsory.
Duration, Qualification, and What You Leave With
The learnership runs for 12 months and combines workplace experience with formal learning. To qualify, learners must complete a minimum of 120 credits, meeting both practical and theoretical requirements.
While completion does not guarantee permanent employment, the experience gained is widely recognised in the FMCG and retail sectors. Many former learners use it to apply for entry-level sales, merchandising, or customer service roles elsewhere.
Documents You’ll Need Before Applying
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- A detailed CV
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified copy of any post-matric qualification (if applicable)
- Certified copy of a driver’s licence (if available)
Incomplete applications are commonly rejected, so document preparation matters.
How to Apply (And What to Expect After)
Applications for the Coca-Cola Learnerships 2026 are submitted online through the official CCBSA recruitment platform. After submission, shortlisted candidates may be contacted for assessments or interviews. Due to high application volumes, not all applicants will receive feedback.
👉 Apply Click here to apply online for the Coca-Cola Learnerships programme 2026
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FAQs: Coca-Cola Learnerships 2026
Is the Coca-Cola Learnership paid?
Yes. Learners receive a monthly stipend in line with learnership guidelines.
Can I apply if I’ve done another learnership before?
Yes, as long as it’s not the same qualification or programme.
Do I need a driver’s licence?
It’s not mandatory for all roles, but it can be required depending on placement.
Will I be employed after the learnership?
There is no guarantee. The programme focuses on skills and experience, not automatic employment.
Can students apply?
No. Applicants must be unemployed and not enrolled in full-time studies.
Final Thought
The Coca-Cola Learnerships 2026 won’t solve unemployment overnight — but for young people willing to learn, work retail hours, and build experience from the ground up, it remains one of the more credible entry points into South Africa’s FMCG sector.
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