Many graduates have the qualification, but still need a real workplace to prove what they can do. Pepkor Lifestyle’s 2026 Graduate Programme gives unemployed degree, diploma and TVET candidates structured workplace exposure inside one of South Africa’s major wholesale and retail groups.
Pepkor Lifestyle is recruiting young, vibrant and passionate graduates for a W&R SETA-funded work integrated learning experience. The opportunity is based in Sandton, Gauteng, and applications close on 30 June 2026.
The programme offers 12 months of workplace exposure for graduates and 18 months for TVET candidates who need practical experience.
What is the Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme 2026 about?
The Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme is designed to help young, motivated and high-performing graduates gain structured workplace experience.
The aim is to bring fresh talent into the organisation while giving participants practical exposure that can support their career development.
Successful candidates will learn from professionals, attend onboarding sessions, perform assigned duties and gain hands-on experience across different business functions.
This is a strong opportunity for graduates who want to move from classroom knowledge into a professional retail business environment.
Who should consider this Pepkor Lifestyle opportunity?
This opportunity is suitable for unemployed South African graduates who hold a relevant degree, diploma or TVET qualification.
Applicants must be suitably qualified from an accredited university or tertiary institution. They must also be South African citizens with a valid South African ID and must be under the age of 32.
Candidates with and without disabilities can submit their applications.
Which qualifications are required?
Pepkor Lifestyle is looking for graduates with qualifications in selected fields.
These include:
- 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
TVET College and higher education graduates who need to complete the 18-month practical component may also be considered.
What will successful graduates do?
Successful graduates will be expected to participate fully in workplace learning activities.
Their responsibilities may include attending onboarding and induction sessions, joining meetings that explain different company functions and completing duties under the supervision of senior employees.
Graduates may also conduct research, document trends in different business areas and identify best practices or new technology that could support the company.
They may visit different locations or stores to gain practical working experience and may be required to make presentations for evaluation.
What skills can help candidates stand out?
Pepkor Lifestyle is looking for candidates who can learn quickly and adapt to a changing workplace.
A strong candidate should show resilience, initiative, good judgement and the ability to work both independently and in a team.
The programme also requires good relationship-building skills, a strong work ethic, presentation ability and strong written and verbal communication.
Customer service understanding is also important because this opportunity sits within a wholesale and retail environment.
What does the programme offer?
The programme gives graduates access to a large team of professionals who can support their growth.
Participants may also gain exposure to experienced leaders in different fields, workplace projects and career development opportunities within a structured business environment.
This can be useful for graduates who want to understand how corporate retail operations work beyond theory.
Which documents are required?
Candidates must submit a complete application with the required supporting documents.
The required documents include:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of certificates or qualifications
- Academic transcript or tertiary results
Certified copies must not be older than 3 months. Pepkor Lifestyle notes that candidates who successfully submit their documents will receive first consideration.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Do not upload a generic CV. Match your CV to the qualification stream that fits you best. For example, if you studied HR, highlight people administration, communication and workplace relations. If you studied IT, highlight systems, projects and technical skills. Make it easy for the recruiter to place you in the right stream.
How can candidates submit their application?
Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal.
Before submitting, candidates should make sure their CV is updated, their certified documents are clear and their academic results are included.
The closing date is 30 June 2026.
Why is this opportunity worth considering?
This programme is valuable because it gives unemployed graduates structured workplace exposure in a major retail group.
Participants can learn how different business functions connect, how stores and corporate teams operate, and how professional expectations work in a real business setting.
For TVET candidates who still need practical experience, the 18-month route can also help support completion of the required workplace learning component.
The biggest value is practical exposure — the kind that can strengthen a CV and build workplace confidence.
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Final Thoughts
The Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme 2026 is a strong opportunity for unemployed South African degree, diploma and TVET graduates who want practical workplace exposure.
With W&R SETA-funded learning, professional support and exposure to a large wholesale and retail group, this programme can help motivated candidates take a serious step toward workplace readiness.
Applicants should prepare complete documents and submit through the online portal before 30 June 2026.
