Pepkor Lifestyle W&R SETA Funded Graduate Internship Programme 2026

Who can apply

• Pepkor Lifestyle is recruiting graduates and TVET learners who have completed qualifications in the following fields:
• To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet all the following requirements:
• Must be a South African citizen
• Must possess a valid South African ID
• Must be unemployed
• Must be under the age of 32
• Must hold a relevant qualification from an accredited institution
• Must be willing to participate in the programme in Sandton, Gauteng
• Must be able to provide all required supporting documents
• Applications from persons living with disabilities are welcomed.

Documents you will need

• Pepkor Lifestyle has indicated that applicants who submit complete documentation will receive first consideration.
• Applicants should prepare:
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Your CV should include:
• Personal details
• Educational qualifications
• Skills
• Computer literacy
• Contact information
• Certified ID Copy
• Certification must not be older than three months
• Certified Qualification Certificates
• Degree certificate
• Diploma certificate
• National certificate
• Academic Transcript
• Applicants should provide:
• Full academic record
• Latest transcript
• Statement of results where applicable
• Ensure all documents are clear, certified, and easy to read.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to Pepkor Lifestyle W&R SETA - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

If you have recently completed your qualification and are struggling to gain the work experience that employers demand, the Pepkor Lifestyle W&R SETA Funded Graduate Programme 2026 could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.

Pepkor Lifestyle is offering unemployed South African graduates and TVET College learners an opportunity to gain structured workplace experience through a Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&R SETA) funded Work Integrated Learning Programme. The programme will be hosted in Sandton, Gauteng, and aims to equip young graduates with practical skills, industry exposure, and professional development opportunities that can improve future employability.

Successful candidates will participate in a 12-month graduate programme or an 18-month TVET Work Integrated Learning Programme, depending on their qualification pathway.

Applications close on 30 June 2026.

Quick Overview

• Programme: Pepkor Lifestyle W&R SETA Funded Graduate Programme 2026
• Location: Sandton, Gauteng
• Funding Partner: Wholesale & Retail SETA (W&R SETA)
• Closing Date: 30 June 2026
• Employment Status Required: Unemployed
• Age Requirement: Under 32 years
• Citizenship Requirement: South African Citizen
• Disability Applications: Candidates with and without disabilities are encouraged to apply

Duration:

• Graduate Programme: 12 Months
• TVET Work Integrated Learning: 18 Months

Qualifications Required

Pepkor Lifestyle is recruiting graduates and TVET learners who have completed qualifications in the following fields:

Business and Management

• Business Management
• Business Administration

Human Resources

• Human Resource Management
• Industrial Psychology

Legal and Risk Management

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• BCom Law
• BCom Risk Management

Finance

• BCom Financial Management

Information Technology

• BSc Software Engineering
• BCom Software Engineering
• IT Project Administration
• Project Management
• Information Systems
• Business Information Technology

Logistics and Supply Chain

• Logistics Management
• Supply Chain Management N6

TVET College Graduates

Pepkor Lifestyle is also accepting graduates from:

• TVET Colleges
• Universities
• Universities of Technology
• Higher Education Institutions

TVET graduates requiring practical workplace experience for qualification completion may participate in the 18-month programme.

What the Programme Offers

The programme is designed to provide participants with structured workplace exposure while supporting their professional development.

Participants can expect:

Professional Mentorship

Graduates will work alongside experienced professionals who can provide guidance, coaching, and industry insights.

Workplace Exposure

Candidates will gain practical experience within one of South Africa’s leading retail groups.

Career Development

The programme creates opportunities to build skills that are highly valued by employers.

Industry Experience

Participants will gain exposure to:

• Retail operations
• Corporate administration
• Human resources
• Finance
• Information technology
• Supply chain management
• Legal and compliance functions

Networking Opportunities

Working within a large organisation allows graduates to build professional relationships that may benefit future career growth.

Key Responsibilities During the Programme

Successful candidates will be expected to actively participate in various workplace activities.

Responsibilities include:

Attending Training Programmes

Graduates must attend:

• Induction programmes
• Onboarding sessions
• Company orientation meetings
• Skills development workshops

Performing Assigned Duties

Participants will carry out tasks under the supervision of experienced employees and managers.

Conducting Research

Graduates may be required to:

• Research industry trends
• Investigate new technologies
• Explore best practices
• Analyse business processes

Visiting Various Locations

The programme includes opportunities to visit:

• Different stores
• Operational sites
• Business locations

This exposure helps participants understand the broader retail environment.

Presentations and Reporting

Participants may be required to:

• Prepare reports
• Present findings
• Share project outcomes
• Demonstrate learning achievements

Supporting Business Objectives

Graduates will contribute to projects and operational activities that support organisational goals.

Skills and Competencies Pepkor Lifestyle Is Looking For

While academic qualifications are important, Pepkor Lifestyle is also seeking candidates who demonstrate strong workplace potential.

Successful candidates should possess:

Ability to Learn Quickly

The retail industry evolves rapidly, and graduates must be willing to learn continuously.

Resilience and Adaptability

Participants should be able to adjust to changing environments and workplace demands.

Initiative

Pepkor values individuals who can identify opportunities and take proactive action.

Critical Thinking

Graduates should be able to:

• Analyse information
• Solve problems
• Make informed decisions

Teamwork

The ability to work effectively with others is essential.

Relationship Building

Strong interpersonal skills are important for collaboration and communication.

Professional Work Ethic

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Reliability
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Communication Skills

Both verbal and written communication skills are highly valued.

Customer Service Orientation

Graduates should understand the importance of delivering excellent customer experiences.

Minimum Applicant Requirements

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet all the following requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must possess a valid South African ID
• Must be unemployed
• Must be under the age of 32
• Must hold a relevant qualification from an accredited institution
• Must be willing to participate in the programme in Sandton, Gauteng
• Must be able to provide all required supporting documents

Applications from persons living with disabilities are welcomed.

Required Supporting Documents

Pepkor Lifestyle has indicated that applicants who submit complete documentation will receive first consideration.

Applicants should prepare:

Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV should include:

• Personal details
• Educational qualifications
• Skills
• Computer literacy
• Contact information

Certified ID Copy

• Certification must not be older than three months

Certified Qualification Certificates

• Degree certificate
• Diploma certificate
• National certificate

Academic Transcript

Applicants should provide:

• Full academic record
• Latest transcript
• Statement of results where applicable

Ensure all documents are clear, certified, and easy to read.

How to Apply

APPLY FOR THE PEPKOR LIFESTYLE W&R SETA FUNDED GRADUATE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE

How to Improve Your Chances of Being Selected

Competition for graduate opportunities is often high.

Consider the following tips:

Tailor Your CV

Highlight:

• Relevant modules
• Academic achievements
• Projects completed
• Leadership roles
• Volunteer work

Submit Complete Documents

Incomplete applications are often disqualified.

Check Certification Dates

Certified documents older than three months may not be accepted.

Apply Early

Avoid waiting until the final day.

Proofread Everything

Ensure:

• No spelling mistakes
• Accurate contact details
• Correct qualification information

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Edupstairs Advice

Graduate programmes remain one of the most effective pathways into professional employment in South Africa. If your qualification matches any of the listed fields, this opportunity deserves serious consideration.

Prepare your documents early, update your CV professionally, ensure your certifications are current, and submit a complete application before the closing date.

Even if you have applied for several opportunities without success, continue applying consistently. Many graduates secure their first career opportunity through workplace experience programmes exactly like this one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is this a permanent job?

No. This is a workplace experience programme funded through W&R SETA.

• How long is the programme?

Graduates will participate in a 12-month programme, while TVET learners requiring workplace experience will participate in an 18-month programme.

• Where is the programme located?

The programme is based in Sandton, Gauteng.

• Can TVET graduates apply?

Yes. TVET College graduates requiring practical workplace exposure are encouraged to apply.

• Can persons with disabilities apply?

Yes. Applications from candidates with disabilities are welcomed.

• Is previous work experience required?

No previous work experience has been specified.

• What is the age requirement?

Applicants must be under the age of 32.

• Must I be unemployed?

Yes. The opportunity is intended for unemployed graduates and learners.

CLOSING DATE: 30 JUNE 2026

You can also:

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only. Edupstairs is not the recruiter for this opportunity. Requirements, closing dates, and programme details may change at the discretion of Pepkor Lifestyle and W&R SETA. Applicants should verify information through the official recruitment process before submitting an application.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 - 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

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