Clicks Group’s United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD) Graduate Programme is hiring unemployed graduates now – the deadline is only weeks away, so act fast. This is a practical way to start a career in pharmacy distribution, logistics, finance or workplace safety.
What the opportunity is
UPD will offer four 12‑month fixed‑term placements. The roles sit in operations, supply chain, finance, infrastructure, human resources, training, account management, planning or occupational health and safety. Placements are located at UPD branches in Johannesburg (Lea Glen and Rand Leases), Pinetown (Mahogany Ridge) and Cape Town (Montague Gardens). The programme is supported by the Wholesale and Retail SETA.
Who can apply – eligibility
All intakes require you to be:
- Unemployed and aged 18‑35
- Holder of a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
- In possession of a recognised degree or diploma that matches the chosen intake
1. Multi‑discipline degree & diploma intake – Johannesburg
Close date: 22 July 2026. Location is listed as Roodepoort.
Suitable qualifications include:
- BCom in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Finance, Financial Management, Accounting or Economics
- Diplomas in Human Resource Management, Financial Management, Accounting, Cost & Management Accounting, Internal Auditing, Banking, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Building, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Infrastructure Management, Marketing Management, Business Management, Sales Management or Retail Business Management
Applicants must have no prior work experience and must not be currently employed.
2. Two‑position supply‑chain intake – Pinetown
Close date: 21 July 2026. Two diploma graduates will work at the Mahogany Ridge branch under the Operations Manager and Responsible Pharmacist.
Accepted diplomas:
- Supply Chain Management, Logistics Management, Operations Management, Procurement & Supply, Business Management, Retail Business Management, Warehouse Management, Inventory & Stores Management, Production Management, Industrial Engineering or Engineering Operations
Learnership participants or SETA bursary recipients are not eligible.
3. Four‑position diploma intake – Cape Town
Close date: 21 July 2026. Four graduates will be placed at the Montague Gardens branch in the following areas:
- Health & Safety Management
- Finance
- Replenishment & Planning
- Operations
Relevant diplomas:
- Health & Safety Management, Occupational Health & Safety, Safety Management (for the health & safety role)
- Financial Management, Accounting, Cost & Management Accounting, Internal Auditing, Banking (for the finance role)
- Any diploma listed under the supply‑chain intake above (for operations or planning)
The same unemployment and age rules apply, and learnership or SETA bursary holders are disqualified.
What you gain – benefits and skills
- Market‑related remuneration (exact stipend not disclosed)
- A 12‑month contract that provides real‑world experience in a national pharmacy distribution company
- Hands‑on exposure to warehouse operations, logistics, procurement, financial reporting, HR training, infrastructure management, key‑account handling, quality assurance and occupational health & safety
- Opportunity to turn academic knowledge into professional practice
- Potential for future permanent employment within Clicks Group
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Update your CV. Include:
- Full name of your qualification
- Institution and graduation date
- Target department (e.g., Supply Chain, Finance, Health & Safety)
- Current employment status (must be unemployed)
- Gather required documents (ID, certificates, proof of grade 12, diploma/degree). Upload only what the portal asks for.
- Choose the intake that matches your qualification:
- For the multi‑discipline intake, apply via the Clicks Group portal (listing click_025716) before 22 July 2026.
- For the two‑position supply‑chain intake, apply via the Clicks Group portal (listing click_025726) before 21 July 2026.
- For the four‑position diploma intake, apply via the Clicks Group portal (listing click_025725) before 21 July 2026.
- Submit your application and note the confirmation number. Keep the email for future reference.
- If you need help with the portal, call 010 140 3099 or email clickssupport@pnet.co.za (do not use this address to send your application).
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your CV to the department you are applying for. Highlight projects, coursework or internships that relate to logistics, finance, safety or HR.
- Use the exact wording of your qualification in the CV and application form.
- Proof‑read for spelling and formatting errors – a clean CV shows attention to detail.
- Do not apply for a stream that does not match your qualification; the system will reject mismatched applications.
- Submit before the deadline. Late applications are not considered.
Next steps and final thoughts
The UPD Graduate Programme provides a solid entry point for unemployed graduates who want practical experience in a large South African company. Each intake has its own qualification rules and deadline, so choose the stream that aligns with your diploma or degree.
Apply before the relevant closing date – either 21 July or 22 July 2026 – and keep the confirmation email as proof. If you do not hear back within two weeks of the deadline, you can assume the application was unsuccessful.
Take this chance to start a career in a growing industry. Good luck!