A qualification in Sales, Marketing or Business Management can open doors, but field experience is what helps young graduates become workplace-ready. PepsiCo South Africa is recruiting Sales Learners for a 12-month fixed-term learnership that offers practical sales exposure, structured learning and a monthly stipend of R6,000.
The Sales Learner opportunity is aimed at candidates who want to build practical experience in field sales, customer engagement, sales negotiation and brand-related activities.
Successful learners will be placed on a structured programme that combines theoretical learning with practical workplace exposure for at least 12 months.
For graduates who want to enter sales, marketing or FMCG field operations, this programme can turn classroom knowledge into real customer-facing experience.
What is the PepsiCo Sales Learner Programme 2026?
The PepsiCo Sales Learner Programme is a 12-month fixed-term learnership designed to help young candidates gain practical experience in sales and marketing.
Applicants will go through a screening process before being placed on the structured learning programme.
The programme includes both theoretical learning and workplace experiential training, helping learners understand how sales teams operate in a fast-moving food and beverage business.
Who should consider this PepsiCo learnership?
This opportunity is suitable for candidates with a Diploma or Degree in Sales, Marketing or Business Management.
It is especially relevant for applicants who are interested in field sales, customer service, brand management, promotions and business development.
Because the role involves field-based work and driving, applicants must be confident, responsible and able to operate safely in a sales environment.
What are the key details applicants should know?
Company: PepsiCo South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Opportunity: Sales Learner
Industry: Manufacturing – Food and Beverage
Location: Tzaneen, Limpopo
Job Type: Fixed-term learnership
Duration: 12 months
Monthly Stipend: R6,000
Start Date: 1 August 2026
Closing Date: 21 June 2026
Driver’s Licence: Valid Code 10 required
Applicants should confirm the closing date on the official SA Youth listing before submitting, especially if the date changes on the portal.
What will learners gain from the programme?
The programme is designed to build practical competence in sales and marketing.
Learners may gain exposure to:
- Field sales activities
- Sales and negotiation skills
- Marketing and brand management principles
- Promotion techniques
- Customer satisfaction
- Handling customer complaints
- Working in a sales and marketing team
- Compliance and legislative considerations
- Practical workplace learning
- Customer-facing communication
By the end of the learnership, successful learners should have a stronger understanding of marketing and brand management principles.
Why is field sales experience important?
Sales is not only about convincing customers to buy.
It involves understanding customer needs, managing relationships, presenting products clearly and representing the company professionally in the field.
In an FMCG environment, sales teams often work closely with customers, stores, routes and brand activities.
This kind of exposure can help learners build confidence, discipline and practical business awareness.
What are the minimum requirements?
Applicants must meet the listed requirements before applying.
Candidates must have:
- A Diploma or Degree in Sales
- A Diploma or Degree in Marketing
- A Diploma or Degree in Business Management
- A valid Code 10 driver’s licence
- Ability to drive confidently and safely
- Ability to drive a Crafter or heavy-duty commercial van
- Willingness to undergo and pass defensive driver training
- Willingness to work in the field
- Criminal-clear status
- Credit-clear status
- Availability for a 12-month fixed-term learnership
- Availability to start on 1 August 2026
Applicants who do not meet the driving and field-based requirements may not be considered.
What should applicants know about defensive driver training?
Candidates must be willing to undergo and pass a defensive driver training test.
Applicants will have up to three attempts to pass the defensive driver training.
This requirement is important because the role includes field-based work and driving as part of the learner’s responsibilities.
Can applicants with disabilities apply?
Applicants with disabilities may be considered where they are able to perform the essential driving and field-based functions of the role.
Reasonable accommodation may be considered where possible.
This means candidates should carefully assess the driving and field requirements before applying.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Because this role is field-sales focused, your CV should clearly show three things near the top: your qualification, your Code 10 driver’s licence and any customer-facing experience. Even informal sales, promotions, retail or volunteer experience can help show that you understand people and communication.
Which documents should applicants prepare?
Applicants should prepare their documents before starting the application process.
These may include:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Diploma or Degree certificate
- Academic transcript
- Valid Code 10 driver’s licence
- Any supporting documents requested on the SA Youth platform
Documents should be clear, readable and uploaded correctly.
How can applicants make their application stronger?
A strong application should show that the candidate is qualified, reliable and ready for field sales work.
Applicants should:
- Use an updated CV
- Highlight their Sales, Marketing or Business Management qualification
- Clearly show their Code 10 driver’s licence
- Mention customer service, sales, promotions or retail experience
- Include computer and communication skills
- Make sure contact details are correct
- Check spelling before submitting
- Submit before the closing date
Applicants should avoid sending a generic CV that does not connect to sales, driving or customer-facing work.
How do candidates submit their application?
Applications must be submitted online through the SA Youth platform.
Candidates can submit their application through the official online application portal.
Applicants should log in to their SA Youth profile, check that their information is complete and follow the instructions on the opportunity page.
What should applicants check before submitting?
Before submitting, applicants should make sure that:
- Their SA Youth profile is complete
- Their CV is updated
- Their qualification is clearly listed
- Their Code 10 licence is included
- Contact details are correct
- All required documents are uploaded
- They are available to start on 1 August 2026
- They can commit to the 12-month programme
- They can work in the field as required
A complete and accurate application gives recruiters a better chance of assessing the candidate properly.
Why does this opportunity matter?
Sales experience is valuable in many industries, especially in FMCG, retail, marketing and customer service.
The PepsiCo Sales Learner Programme gives candidates a chance to gain practical field exposure while learning how sales and brand management work in a real business environment.
For graduates who want to grow in sales, marketing or business operations, this learnership can help build a stronger professional foundation.
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Final Thoughts
The PepsiCo Sales Learner Programme 2026 is a valuable opportunity for candidates with a Diploma or Degree in Sales, Marketing or Business Management who want practical field sales experience.
With a 12-month structure, a monthly stipend of R6,000 and exposure to sales, negotiation, customer service and brand principles, the programme can help learners build skills that are useful in the FMCG and business sectors.
Applicants who meet the requirements should prepare their documents carefully and submit their application through the SA Youth platform before the closing date shown on the official listing.
