Graduate Internship – Degree and Diploma (W&R SETA Funded) Opportunity at Pepkor Lifestyle Sandton

Pepkor Lifestyle is inviting applications from suitably qualified graduates for its 12-month Graduate Internship Programme, funded by the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&R SETA). Based at the company’s Head Office in Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng, this contract opportunity is designed to help young graduates gain practical workplace experience and develop the skills needed to build a successful career in the retail industry.

The Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Internship for Degree and Diploma graduates offers exposure to the fast-paced operations of one of South Africa’s major retail groups. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to learn about different business functions, participate in company projects, research industry trends and gain practical insight into how retail operations work. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, interns will develop their understanding of workplace processes while strengthening their communication, problem-solving, analytical and presentation skills.

This graduate programme is aimed at unemployed South African citizens under the age of 32 who hold a relevant degree or diploma from an accredited university or tertiary institution. Pepkor Lifestyle is seeking motivated, adaptable and enthusiastic graduates who are eager to learn, take initiative and contribute positively to the organisation. Candidates with qualifications in marketing, business management, human resources, digital marketing, e-commerce, information technology and related listed fields are encouraged to apply. The company also actively encourages candidates with disabilities to submit applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend all required onboarding and induction programmes to gain an understanding of Pepkor Lifestyle’s business operations, departments and workplace expectations.
• Participate in meetings and learning activities designed to introduce graduates to the different functions within the organisation.
• Carry out assigned duties under the supervision and guidance of senior employees.
• Gain structured workplace experience by contributing to daily activities and projects within the relevant business functions.
• Conduct research into trends, developments and opportunities relevant to different areas of the company.
• Investigate new technologies, industry developments and best practices that could potentially be implemented within the organisation.
• Collect, review and document research findings to support business understanding and decision-making.
• Visit different company locations and retail stores to gain practical, hands-on experience of store environments and retail operations.
• Develop an understanding of how head office functions support the wider retail business.
• Prepare and deliver presentations based on assigned research, projects or workplace activities.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate findings clearly during presentations and other programme assessments.
• Apply critical thinking and sound judgement when reviewing information, identifying challenges and considering possible solutions.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and other programme participants to support shared tasks and business objectives.
• Build professional working relationships with team members, supervisors and other employees across relevant functions.
• Take initiative when completing assigned work and look for opportunities to learn new processes and improve personal performance.
• Adapt to different tasks, projects and workplace environments as required during the internship.
• Contribute to activities that support customer service and the organisation’s operational goals.
• Accept additional responsibilities as requested to help achieve business objectives and gain broader workplace exposure.
• Maintain professional conduct, a strong work ethic and a commitment to completing tasks accurately and on time.
• Make constructive use of guidance and feedback from experienced employees to improve knowledge, confidence and workplace performance.

Requirements and Skills

• A relevant degree or diploma from an accredited university or tertiary institution.
• Applicants must hold a qualification in one of the following fields:
  • Marketing Management.
  • Business Management or Business Administration.
  • Human Resource Management or Industrial Psychology.
  • Digital Marketing, Marketing or E-commerce.
  • IT Project Administration or Project Management.
  • IT Information Systems or Business Information Technology.
• Must be unemployed at the time of application.
• Must be a South African citizen.
• Must be in possession of a valid South African identity document.
• Must be under the age of 32.
• Ability to learn quickly and understand new concepts, systems and workplace processes.
• Resilience and adaptability when working in a changing business environment.
• Willingness to take initiative, accept responsibility and approach assigned duties proactively.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills, including the ability to assess information and use sound judgement when making decisions.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain positive professional relationships.
• A high standard of work ethic, professionalism and accountability.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Good presentation skills and the ability to communicate research findings or project information clearly.
• Customer service awareness and an understanding of how to contribute to improved customer experiences.
• Willingness to participate in induction sessions, workplace visits, research activities, presentations and other programme requirements.
• An updated CV.
• Certified copy of a valid South African ID, with certification dated no more than three months before submission.
• Certified copies of relevant certificates or qualifications, with certification dated no more than three months before submission.
• Certified copies of academic transcripts or tertiary results, with certification dated no more than three months before submission.

The W&R SETA-funded Graduate Internship at Pepkor Lifestyle Head Office in Sandton offers eligible graduates an opportunity to gain structured, practical experience, learn from professionals and develop skills relevant to long-term career growth in the retail industry. Participants will benefit from exposure to company operations, workplace projects and experienced employees who can support their professional development. The programme is offered on a 12-month contract, and the application closing date is 21 October 2026. Interested candidates should ensure that their applications include an updated CV and all required certified documents, as applicants who successfully submit the required documents will receive first consideration. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Apply here