Coca-Cola is currently offering various internship opportunities for unemployed South African graduates in 2026. The internships include fields such as Logistics, Learning and Development, Remuneration and Benefits, and Procurement.
The Coca-Cola Internships are aimed at young people who are qualified, unemployed, and ready to commit to learning, not overnight success.
Why These Coca-Cola Internships Matter Right in 2026
Internships provide graduates with an opportunity to gain on-the-job work experience, so getting an internship with a big company like Coca-Cola will be a great achievement and a valuable step toward building a successful career.
What makes these Coca-Cola internships different is their 12-month learnership structure, registered with the FoodBev SETA.
With the rising costs of living, limited entry-level roles, and repeated rejection emails, career planning has become harder than ever. That’s why the latest Coca-Cola Internships quietly opening for 2026 matter — not as a promise, but as a structured pathway back into the workforce.
Skills that are gained from these internships are transferable across industries, so even if a graduate does not get a permanent position atleast they will gain valuable skills that they can use in any industry.
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An Overview of Coca-Cola Internships Opportunities
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) is offering five distinct internship paths rather than a single intake. This will allow students from different fields to apply and possibly gain employment within the company. Below are the various internships currently available at Coca-Cola:
Intern: Fleet
The Fleet Internship supports the backbone of beverage distribution — vehicles, movement, and operational efficiency. This internship is great for graduates with relevant tertiary qualifications who are interested in transport operations, fleet coordination, or logistics support.
Key eligibility highlights:
- South African citizen (18–35)
- Grade 12 with Maths or Maths Literacy (40%+)
- Relevant tertiary qualification
- Currently unemployed
- No prior completion of the same learnership elsewhere
This role exposes interns to real-world operational challenges rather than simulated training.
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Intern: Learning and Development
Learning and Development is often invisible from the outside, yet it shapes how companies grow talent internally. The internship is suitable for graduates interested in training coordination, skills development, or HR support functions.
Key eligibility highlights:
- South African citizen, aged 18 – 35
- Candidates who meet our Employment Equity guidelines are preferred
- Grade 12 with Maths or Maths Literacy -passed at 40%
- Relevant tertiary qualification
- Proficiency in English and any other South African language at 40%
- Applicants must be unemployed and not have previously completed the same qualification/learnership at another company
It’s a practical entry point into corporate HR without requiring years of experience upfront.
Intern: Logistics
Logistics is one of the most exciting and in-demand skills globally. This internship offers exposure to distribution planning, Supply chain coordination and Operational performance tracking.
Key eligibility highlights:
- South African citizen, aged 18 – 35
- Candidates who meet our Employment Equity guidelines are preferred
- Grade 12 with Maths or Maths Literacy -passed at 40%
- Tertiary qualification – Logistics / Supply Chain / Operations Management / Transportation
- Proficiency in English and any other South African language at 40%
- Applicants must be unemployed and not have previously completed the same qualification/learnership at another company
For unemployed graduates, this is a chance to gain hands-on logistics experience, not just theoretical knowledge.
Intern: Procurement
Any successful company has a strong procurement department, as it connects cost control, supplier management, and compliance. This internship is a great opportunity for graduates with relevant tertiary qualifications who want exposure to sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management.
Key eligibility highlights:
- South African citizen, aged 18 – 35
- Candidates who meet our Employment Equity guidelines are preferred
- Grade 12 with Maths or Maths Literacy -passed at 40%
- Relevant tertiary qualification
- Proficiency in English and any other South African language at 40%
- Applicants must be unemployed and not have previously completed the same qualification/learnership at another company.
Interns typically support Purchase order processes, Supplier documentation, Internal procurement administration etc. In South Africa’s regulated business environment, this experience is especially valuable.
Intern: Remuneration and Benefits
This stream focuses on how employees are compensated, which is a critical but highly specialized HR function. This will be great for graduates who are interested in HR analytics, payroll support, or employee benefits administration.
Key eligibility highlights:
- South African citizen, aged 18 – 35
- Candidates who meet our Employment Equity guidelines are preferred
- Grade 12 with Maths or Maths Literacy -passed at 40%
- Relevant tertiary qualification
- Proficiency in English and any other South African language at 40%
- Applicants must be unemployed and not have previously completed the same qualification/learnership at another company
Please have the following documents ready as you go through the application process:
- a copy of your CV
- ID document
- Matric exam results
- Tertiary qualification (if relevant)
File size matters. Poor document quality has disqualified many applicants in past intakes.
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How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Coca-Cola’s official recruitment platform.
- Applications opened: December 2025
- Internship start date: April 2026
- Duration: 12 months
There is no stated closing date, which usually means applications close once quotas are filled. Early, complete submissions often stand a better chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these internships paid?
They are registered learnerships, which typically include a stipend, though exact amounts are not always disclosed upfront.
Can I apply if I studied something unrelated?
Only if the role specifies “relevant tertiary qualification” without a narrow field restriction.
Can I apply for more than one role?
No. Applicants may only apply for one internship stream.
Is prior work experience required?
No. Applicants must be unemployed and not have completed the same learnership previously.
Are these internships open to all provinces?
Placements are subject to operational needs and may vary by location.
Final Thought
These Coca-Cola Internships can be a great stepping stone for young graduates who are looking to start their Career as they offer structure, legitimacy, and a pathway into a professional life
For many young South Africans, that’s exactly what’s needed right now.
Siyanda Ntombela is a South African writer who covers Learnerships, internships, and training programmes, with a focus on helping jobseekers understand eligibility requirements, closing dates, and what to expect after applying.
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