Since its birth at a soda fountain in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, in 1886, Coca‑Cola has been a catalyst for social interaction and inspired innovation.
On May 8, 1886, Dr. John Pemberton brought his perfected syrup to Jacobs’ Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta where the first glass of Coca‑Cola was poured. Serving about nine drinks per day in its first year, Coca‑Cola was an exciting new drink in the beginning. See the story here of how it all began.
Understanding the Coca-Cola Visual Merchandiser Learnership
The Visual Merchandiser Learnership focuses on developing skills related to in-store product presentation, retail execution, brand visibility, and sales support.
Visual merchandising plays a critical role in the retail industry because the way products are displayed can significantly influence consumer purchasing decisions.
During the learnership, participants will learn how to:
- Improve product visibility in retail stores
- Maintain merchandising standards
- Support store ordering processes
- Engage with customers and retailers
- Implement promotional campaigns
Learners will work closely with Account Developers and sales teams to ensure that Coca-Cola products are properly displayed, stocked, and promoted across retail outlets.
This programme combines real fieldwork with structured training, which helps learners understand how the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector operates.
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What You Will Learn During the Programme
Participants in the Visual Merchandiser Learnership will gain practical knowledge in several key areas within the retail and FMCG environment.
These include:
Retail Merchandising
Learners will learn how to:
- Arrange products on shelves to maximise visibility
- Implement brand display guidelines
- Ensure correct product placement in stores
- Maintain high merchandising standards
Stock Management
Participants will gain experience in:
- Monitoring product availability
- Implementing stock rotation procedures
- Ensuring product freshness and quality
Customer Engagement
The programme also teaches learners how to:
- Understand consumer buying behaviour
- Support retailers with product ordering
- Assist with customer enquiries
Sales Support
Learners will collaborate with sales teams to:
- Implement promotional activities
- Execute marketing campaigns in stores
- Improve product sales performance
Key Responsibilities of the Learnership
Successful candidates will perform several duties that support the Coca-Cola sales and merchandising operations.
Key responsibilities include:
In-Store Execution and Merchandising
- Execute daily store visits according to scheduled call plans
- Service assigned retail outlets including bronze and tin outlets
- Implement visual merchandising standards
- Ensure product displays align with Coca-Cola brand guidelines
Product Availability and Quality
- Ensure products are properly stocked and visible
- Monitor product freshness through correct stock rotation
- Maintain high product quality standards
Customer Support
- Assist retailers with placing orders through the MyCCBA platform
- Provide guidance on ordering processes
- Support retailers during promotional campaigns
Promotional Activities
- Help execute promotional campaigns
- Ensure marketing materials are properly displayed
- Support in-store brand visibility initiatives
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Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify for the programme.
Educational Requirements
- Grade 12 certificate
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (minimum 40%)
- English and a second language (minimum 40%)
Personal Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Be currently unemployed
- Not be studying full-time
- Not be enrolled in another learnership programme
- Not have completed the same learnership previously
Additional Requirements
Candidates must also:
- Have no criminal record
- Have no adverse credit record
- Consent to background verification checks
- Be available to work six days a week
Advantageous Qualification
Although not required, the following may improve your chances:
- A post-matric qualification in Sales and Marketing
- A valid driver’s licence
A driver’s licence may be helpful because the role may require travelling between retail outlets.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Detailed CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of matric certificate
- Certified copy of any additional qualification
- Copy of driver’s licence (if available)
Ensure all certified documents are recent and clearly readable.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply for the Coca-Cola Beverages SA Learnership 2026
Interested applicants should follow the general steps below to apply:
Visit the official careers portal for Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa.
Search for the Visual Merchandiser Learnership Programme 2026 listing.
Complete the online application form.
Upload all required supporting documents.
Submit the application before the closing date.
Applicants should always ensure that the information they provide is accurate and complete.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Coca-Cola Beverages SA Visual Merchandiser Learnership Programme?
It is a training programme designed to provide unemployed youth with practical and theoretical training in retail visual merchandising.
Who is offering this learnership programme?
The programme is offered by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA).
Who can apply for the learnership?
Unemployed youth who are interested in retail and merchandising can apply.
Where is the learnership programme available?
The programme is available nationwide across South Africa.
What skills will participants learn?
Participants will learn product display, retail merchandising, branding presentation, and customer engagement skills.
Is the learnership paid?
Most learnership programmes include a monthly stipend, depending on programme terms.
How long does the learnership programme last?
The duration may vary depending on the programme structure.
What industry does the learnership focus on?
The learnership focuses on retail merchandising and the FMCG industry.
Can applicants from any province apply?
Yes, the programme is open to applicants from across South Africa.
Does completing the learnership guarantee a job?
While employment is not guaranteed, the programme significantly improves employability.
What documents are required to apply?
Applicants may need to submit their ID, CV, and educational certificates.
Do applicants need previous work experience?
No, learnerships are designed for individuals who want to gain workplace experience.
Can students apply for the programme?
The programme is mainly intended for unemployed individuals.
How should applicants prepare their application?
Applicants should ensure their documents are updated and the application form is completed correctly.
What career paths can this learnership lead to?
It can lead to careers in retail merchandising, sales, and brand promotion.
Is this programme available every year?
Availability depends on company training programmes and recruitment plans.
Why is visual merchandising important in retail?
Visual merchandising helps attract customers and improve product visibility in stores.
Can applicants apply online?
Yes, applications are typically submitted through the official careers portal.
When should applicants apply?
Applicants should apply as soon as the programme opens to avoid missing the opportunity.
Where can applicants get more information?
More details can be found on the official Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa website.
