The Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) Visual Merchandiser Learnership 2026 is a 12-month, structured, work-based learning programme open to unemployed South African youth aged 18–35 who hold a Matric certificate. This is your chance to gain real commercial and merchandising skills inside one of Africa’s most recognised beverage brands — at no cost to you.
What Is the Coca-Cola Visual Merchandiser Learnership?
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) is the largest Coca-Cola bottler on the African continent. Through this learnership, the company recruits unemployed youth and trains them to execute in-store visual merchandising, support sales teams, and build customer relationships across retail outlets nationwide.
The programme falls under the Commercial Sales and Marketing category. Upon successful completion of a minimum of 120 NQF credits, learners receive a recognised qualification that significantly boosts employability in the FMCG and retail sector.
Reference Numbers:
- KwaZulu-Natal: CCB260216-2
- Northern Cape / Free State / Mpumalanga: CCB260126-1
What Will You Do? (Key Responsibilities)
As an Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser, your daily duties will include:
- Execute daily call schedules across assigned bronze and tin outlets aligned to planned call objectives
- Implement visual merchandising standards, stock rotation, and in-store displays according to Coca-Cola brand guidelines
- Ensure product quality, availability, and visibility in line with RED standards and the iRED survey scorecard
- Educate and support customers on placing orders through the MyCCBA digital platform
- Assist in executing promotional campaigns to boost brand visibility and drive sales
- Report directly to the Account Developer and collaborate with the Sales Team
- Provide relief support across different areas when required
Skills You Will Gain
This learnership is designed to develop the following practical competencies:
- Retail Merchandising: arranging products for maximum shelf visibility and applying brand display guidelines
- Stock Management: rotating stock correctly and monitoring product availability and freshness
- Customer Engagement: understanding buying behaviour and helping retailers with ordering processes
- Sales Support: running promotional campaigns and collaborating with the field sales team
- Digital Proficiency: using the MyCCBA platform for order-taking and customer education
- FMCG Work Ethic: call-cycle planning, scorecard compliance, and performance monitoring
Requirements for the Coca-Cola Visual Merchandiser Learnership 2026
To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
Academic:
- Grade 12 (Matric) certificate
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy — minimum 40% pass
- English and one other South African language — minimum 40% pass
Personal Eligibility:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be an Employment Equity candidate
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Must be unemployed at the time of appointment
- Must not be enrolled in any other full-time studies or learnership
- Must not have previously completed the same qualification/learnership at another organisation
- Must have no criminal record or adverse credit record
- Must consent to criminal, identity, and qualification verification checks
- Must be available to work six (6) days per week
Advantageous (not compulsory):
- A valid South African driver’s licence (beneficial where travel between stores is required)
- A post-Matric qualification in Sales and Marketing
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Where Is the Learnership Available? (Locations)
This learnership is available countrywide, with confirmed placements in the following regions and towns:
KwaZulu-Natal: Pietermaritzburg, Marianhill, Newcastle, Stanger, Durban, Vryheid
Northern Cape / Free State / Mpumalanga: Kuruman, Upington, Phuthaditjhaba, Aliwal North, Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu, Barberton, Nelspruit CBD, Witbank, Ermelo
Additional placements may be available in other provinces. Check the official CCBSA careers portal for the full updated list of locations.
Stipend / Salary Information
Learnerships in South Africa, including those offered by CCBSA, typically include a monthly stipend for the duration of the programme. The exact stipend amount for this 2026 intake has not been publicly confirmed by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa at the time of writing.
You will likely be informed of the stipend details during the shortlisting and interview process. Do not pay anyone claiming to offer guaranteed placement — this learnership is free to apply for.
Closing Date for the Coca-Cola Learnership 2026
⏰ Closing Date: 31 March 2026
Applications must be submitted before this date. Do not wait until the last day — the online portal can experience high traffic closer to the deadline.
Documents You Need to Apply
Prepare the following documents before starting your online application:
- ✅ Detailed and updated CV (include education, any retail or sales experience, and soft skills)
- ✅ Certified copy of your Grade 12 / Matric certificate (certification must be recent)
- ✅ Certified copy of any post-Matric qualification (if applicable)
- ✅ Copy of your South African ID document
- ✅ Copy of driver’s licence (if you have one)
Important: All certified documents must have a recent certification stamp from a Commissioner of Oaths. Uncertified or illegible copies will disqualify your application.
How to Apply for the Coca-Cola Visual Merchandiser Learnership 2026
Follow these steps to submit a complete and correct application:
- Update your CV — include your Matric results, any relevant work or volunteer experience, and references.
- Gather all certified documents — see the document checklist above.
- Visit the official CCBSA careers portal: 👉 www.ccbsaco.com/careers
- Select the correct regional listing for your area (e.g., KZN listing or Northern Cape/Free State/Mpumalanga listing).
- Create an account or log in on the eRecruit portal.
- Complete the online application form accurately — double-check all fields before submitting.
- Upload all required documents — make sure files are clear and readable.
- Submit your application before 31 March 2026.
💡 Pro Tip: Apply as early as possible. Competition is very high for CCBSA learnerships. Early applications give recruiters more time to review your profile.
Career Opportunities After This Learnership
Completing this 12-month programme opens doors to entry-level and mid-level roles within the commercial and retail sector, including:
- Sales Representative
- Account Developer
- Merchandising Supervisor
- Trade Marketing Specialist
- Retail Account Manager
- Brand Promotion Lead
- Key Account Support Officer
The practical experience, 120 NQF credits, and CCBSA brand name on your CV will give you a significant competitive edge in the FMCG job market.
Quick Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) |
| Programme | Unemployed Learner Visual Merchandiser Learnership |
| Duration | 12 months |
| NQF Credits | Minimum 120 credits |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 (Matric) |
| Age Requirement | 18 – 35 years |
| Stipend | To be confirmed during recruitment |
| Locations | Countrywide (KZN, Northern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga & more) |
| Closing Date | 31 March 2026 |
| How to Apply | Online via CCBSA careers portal |
Final Tips Before You Apply
- 📌 Read the requirements carefully — applying when you do not meet the minimum criteria wastes your time and the recruiter’s.
- 📌 Do not submit fake or unverified documents — verification checks are conducted on all shortlisted candidates.
- 📌 Apply only through the official CCBSA website — be aware of scam websites claiming to accept applications on CCBSA’s behalf.
- 📌 If you do not hear back after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful — CCBSA only contacts shortlisted candidates.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This is an informational post created to help South African job seekers navigate available opportunities. All details were verified using publicly available sources at the time of writing. Always check the official Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa website (www.ccbsaco.com) for final verification before submitting any personal documents. Application requirements, closing dates, and stipend details may change without notice.
