You have the qualification. Now you need the experience. The Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme 2026 is open. This opportunity gives you structured workplace exposure in Sandton, Gauteng. You must apply before 30 June 2026. Do not wait until the last day. Many graduates miss deadlines because they rush their documents at the end.
What is this programme?
This is a W&R SETA-funded work-integrated learning experience. You will join one of South Africa’s major wholesale and retail groups. If you hold a degree or diploma, you will get 12 months of workplace exposure. If you are a TVET graduate, you will get 18 months of practical experience.
This is not just a training course. You will work on real projects. You will see how decisions affect stores and customers. You will learn from experienced leaders in different business functions.
Can you apply?
You may worry that you lack experience. That is normal. This programme is designed for people who have the book knowledge but need the practical hours. That is exactly who they want.
You must meet these requirements. You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID. You must be under 32 years old. You must be unemployed. You must hold a qualification from an accredited university or TVET college. Candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.
Which qualifications are accepted?
Pepkor Lifestyle is looking for specific fields. Your qualification must be one of these:
- Business Management
- Business Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Industrial Psychology
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Commerce Law
- BCom Risk Management
- BCom Financial Management
- BSc Software Engineering
- BCom Software Engineering
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management N6
- IT Project Administration
- Project Management
- IT Information Systems
- Business Information Technology N6
If you are a TVET student who still needs to finish your 18-month practical component, you may also apply.
What will you do every day?
You will join onboarding and induction sessions. You will attend meetings to learn how the company works. Senior staff will supervise your daily duties.
You may conduct research on business trends. You may visit different stores to see operations on the ground. You may document best practices or new technology. You may need to present your findings for evaluation. This hands-on work helps you understand how corporate retail teams operate.
What do you gain?
You get practical experience that classroom study cannot provide. You will build workplace confidence. You will learn how to work in a team and how to communicate with professionals.
This experience strengthens your CV. It shows future employers that you can function in a real business setting. You also make connections with people who can guide your career.
Which documents do you need?
You must submit these papers:
- An updated CV
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copies of your certificates or qualifications
- Your academic transcript or tertiary results
Important: Your certified copies must be less than 3 months old. Older documents will not be accepted. Many applicants struggle with this rule. Check the stamp date before you upload.
How do you apply?
Follow these steps carefully.
- Prepare your CV. Tailor it to the field you studied.
- Certify your documents at a police station or commissioner of oaths. Make sure the date is recent.
- Visit the official online application portal.
- Upload all documents clearly. Blurry scans can cause rejection.
- Submit before 30 June 2026.
Applications sent after the deadline will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
How can you stand out?
Many applicants use the same generic CV for every job. Do not do this. Match your CV to the specific stream you studied. If you studied Human Resources, highlight your people skills and workplace relations. If you studied IT, highlight your technical projects and systems knowledge.
Show these personal skills:
- Resilience
- Initiative
- Good judgement
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Relationship-building
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Customer service awareness
Recruiters look for candidates who can learn fast and adapt to change. Be honest about your abilities. Competition is high, but a clear, honest CV puts you ahead.
Take the next step
This programme offers real workplace exposure funded by W&R SETA. It gives you 12 or 18 months of structured learning inside a major retail group. You will move from theory to practice.
The process is competitive. Many graduates will apply. But if you prepare your documents now and tailor your CV, you improve your chances significantly.
Check your certified documents today. Visit the portal. Submit before 30 June 2026. Your career in the retail business starts with this first step.