Are you a recent graduate or TVET graduate looking for a chance to start a career in retail right now? The Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme 2026 is open for applications, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What the programme is
Pepkor Lifestyle, one of South Africa’s biggest wholesale and retail groups, is offering a structured graduate programme. It is funded by the Wholesale and Retail SETA. The programme runs for 12 months for degree and diploma holders and 18 months for TVET graduates.
Location: Sandton, Gauteng
Closing date: 30 June 2026
Who can apply
You must meet all of the following criteria:
- South African citizen with a valid ID
- Unemployed at the time of application
- Under 32 years old
- Qualified from an accredited university, TVET college or higher education institution
- Graduated in one of the fields below:
- Business Management or Business Administration
- Human Resource Management or Industrial Psychology
- Law (LLB, BCom Law, BCom Risk Management)
- Financial Management (BCom)
- Software Engineering (BSc or BCom)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (N6)
- IT Project Administration or Project Management
- Information Systems or Business Information Technology (N6)
- TVET graduates needing 18 months of practical workplace training
- Applicants with or without disabilities are welcome
What you will gain
- Hands‑on experience in a large retail environment
- Mentoring from experienced professionals
- Exposure to different business functions and store locations
- Opportunities to develop customer‑service, communication and analytical skills
- Access to future career growth within Pepkor Lifestyle
How to apply – step by step
- Gather the required documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of your ID (not older than 3 months)
- Certified copies of your qualifications (not older than 3 months)
- Certified academic transcript or tertiary results (not older than 3 months)
- Visit the official application page: Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme 2026.
- Complete the online registration form with your personal details.
- Upload the certified documents in the required format.
- Review everything carefully and submit before 30 June 2026.
Tips to improve your chances
- Make sure every document is clear, legible and dated within the last three months.
- Tailor your CV to highlight relevant study subjects and any project work related to retail, business or IT.
- Show examples of resilience, quick learning and teamwork in your cover letter.
- Proofread all entries; spelling or formatting errors can hurt your impression.
- Prepare for a possible interview by rehearsing answers about customer service and problem‑solving.
Final thoughts
This graduate programme offers a realistic pathway into the retail sector for unemployed graduates and TVET students. If you meet the eligibility criteria and can submit a complete application before 30 June 2026, you have a solid chance to start your professional journey with Pepkor Lifestyle.
