Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme 2026 Opens For Degree, Diploma And TVET Graduates
Hundreds of graduates leave university and TVET college every year with qualifications but little workplace experience. Pepkor Lifestyle is hoping to change that through its latest W&R SETA-funded graduate programme.
The retail group has opened applications for a workplace learning opportunity that will give unemployed graduates and TVET students a chance to gain practical experience while working inside one of South Africa’s largest retail businesses.
Applications close on 30 June 2026.
A Foot In The Door For Graduates Struggling To Gain Experience
One of the biggest challenges facing young job seekers is the demand for experience.
Many graduates complete their studies only to discover that employers want practical workplace exposure before offering permanent jobs.
Pepkor Lifestyle says its programme is designed to help bridge that gap by giving participants structured workplace learning and support from experienced professionals.
Successful candidates will spend either 12 months or 18 months gaining hands-on experience depending on their qualification pathway.
Retail Is Looking For More Than Just Retail Qualifications
While the programme is hosted by a retail group, the opportunities stretch far beyond store operations. Pepkor Lifestyle is recruiting graduates from several study fields.
These include:
- Business Management
- Business Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Industrial Psychology
- BCom Law
- BCom Risk Management
- Financial Management
- Software Engineering
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management N6
- IT Project Administration
- Project Management
- Information Systems
- Business Information Technology N6
TVET and higher education graduates who need workplace experience to complete their practical training requirements are also encouraged to apply.
What Participants Will Actually Do
Rather than spending a year doing basic administrative tasks, participants will be exposed to different areas of the business.
The programme includes workplace projects, research assignments, presentations, store visits, and day-to-day business activities.
Participants may be asked to:
- Attend training and induction sessions
- Work under experienced professionals
- Research new trends and ideas
- Visit stores and business locations
- Prepare presentations
- Support projects and business activities
- Complete tasks linked to their field of study
The aim is to help participants build practical skills that can strengthen their future job prospects.
Learning From People Already Working In The Industry
A key selling point of the programme is access to professionals already working in the business.
Graduates will work alongside experienced employees and gain insight into how a major retail organisation operates.
Pepkor Lifestyle says participants will have access to professionals who can support their growth and development during the programme.
For many graduates, this type of exposure can be just as valuable as formal training.
The Qualities Pepkor Lifestyle Is Looking For
The company says technical qualifications alone will not guarantee success. Applicants should also be able to learn quickly, adapt to new situations, and work well with others.
Some of the qualities Pepkor Lifestyle highlighted include:
- Taking initiative
- Strong communication skills
- Problem solving ability
- Professional work ethic
- Good teamwork skills
- Good presentation skills
- Ability to analyse information and make decisions
- Customer service awareness
These are skills that employers often look for when hiring young professionals.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Have a valid South African ID
- Be unemployed
- Be younger than 32 years old
- Hold a qualification from an accredited institution
Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Documents Needed Before Applying
Applicants should prepare the required documents before submitting their applications.
These include:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Academic transcripts or tertiary results
Pepkor Lifestyle says candidates who submit all required documents successfully will receive first consideration during the selection process.
Why These Programmes is Important
South Africa continues to face high levels of youth unemployment.
Many young people have qualifications but struggle to secure their first professional opportunity.
Workplace learning programmes funded through SETAs play an important role in helping graduates gain experience, develop skills, and improve their chances of finding long-term employment.
While participation does not guarantee a permanent job, it can provide valuable experience that employers often look for.
About Pepkor Lifestyle
Pepkor Lifestyle forms part of the wider Pepkor Group, one of South Africa’s largest retail businesses.
The company operates across various retail brands and continues to invest in skills development and youth training opportunities.
Through programmes like this, Pepkor Lifestyle aims to help prepare young South Africans for the world of work while developing future talent for the retail sector.
How To Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official Pepkor Lifestyle careers platform before the closing date. Applicants should ensure that all required supporting documents are attached when submitting their application.
Applications close on 30 June 2026.
Final Word
For graduates and TVET students who need practical experience, programmes like this can provide an important starting point.
With opportunities available across business, finance, law, human resources, technology, and supply chain fields, the Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme offers more than a traditional retail internship.
It gives young South Africans a chance to gain workplace experience, build professional networks, and strengthen their future career prospects.
