Pick n Pay Learnerships in South Africa: Retail Training, Requirements, and Career Opportunities

Pick n Pay is one of South Africa’s most recognised retail brands, with stores located in urban, township, and rural communities. As a major employer, the company plays an important role in youth development through structured learnership programmes.

Pick n Pay learnerships are designed to help young people gain practical retail experience while completing accredited training. These programmes are especially suitable for matriculants, TVET students, and unemployed youth who want to build workplace skills and improve employability.

This guide explains how Pick n Pay learnerships work, who can apply, what learners can expect, and how these programmes contribute to long-term career development.

What Are Pick n Pay Learnerships?

Pick n Pay learnerships are formal training programmes that combine:

Classroom-based theoretical learning
Practical in-store or operational experience
Ongoing assessments
A nationally recognised qualification

The programmes are aligned with relevant SETAs and focus on developing practical retail and customer-facing skills.

Why Pick n Pay Invests in Learnerships

The retail sector requires well-trained staff who understand customer service, stock management, and workplace discipline. Pick n Pay uses learnerships to:

Develop entry-level retail skills
Support youth employment
Build a skilled talent pipeline
Strengthen service quality across stores

These programmes benefit both learners and the retail industry.

Types of Learnerships at Pick n Pay

Pick n Pay may offer learnerships in the following areas:

Retail and Customer Service

These programmes focus on:

Cashiering
Customer interaction
Merchandising
Basic sales principles

Learners gain experience working directly with customers in store environments.

Store Operations

Operational learnerships may include:

Stock receiving
Shelf packing
Inventory control
Basic loss prevention

These roles help learners understand how retail stores function behind the scenes.

Administration and Support

Some learnerships focus on:

Office administration
Data capturing
Record keeping
Store support functions

These are suitable for learners interested in clerical or administrative roles.

Minimum Requirements to Apply

Although requirements may differ by programme, applicants generally need:

Grade 12 (Matric)
South African citizenship
Good communication skills
Willingness to work retail hours

Previous work experience is usually not required.

Working Hours and Retail Environment

Retail learnerships require flexibility. Learners should be prepared to:

Work shifts
Work weekends and public holidays
Stand for long periods
Engage with customers daily

This environment helps learners build resilience and professionalism.

Stipend and Programme Duration

Pick n Pay learnerships typically:

Run for approximately 12 months
Offer a monthly stipend
Require consistent attendance

The stipend is designed to assist with basic expenses during the training period.

Skills Gained Through Pick n Pay Learnerships

Learners develop:

Customer service skills
Communication abilities
Teamwork
Time management
Basic retail operations knowledge

These skills are valuable in many industries beyond retail.

Employment After Completion

Completion of a learnership does not guarantee permanent employment. However:

High-performing learners may be considered when opportunities arise
Experience improves employability
Retail skills are transferable

Many learners find work in retail, wholesale, or service sectors.

Application Tips

Applicants should:

Apply via official Pick n Pay platforms
Ensure documents are certified
Complete applications accurately
Avoid third-party agents

Legitimate learnerships never charge application fees.

Final Thoughts

Pick n Pay learnerships offer young people structured exposure to the retail industry while providing accredited training. For learners seeking practical skills, workplace discipline, and improved career prospects, these programmes provide a solid starting point.

Retail experience gained through Pick n Pay learnerships remains valuable throughout a learner’s career journey.