Merchandiser Learnership | Smollan | South Africa
Smollan is inviting unemployed South African youth to apply for its Merchandiser Learnership Programme. This learnership offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the retail industry while earning a monthly stipend of R3,500. The programme is designed for young people who are passionate about retail, customer service, and visual merchandising, and who are eager to build a successful career in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.
Participants will receive practical workplace training, develop valuable retail skills, and gain experience working with one of South Africa’s leading retail merchandising companies.
Position Details
Position: Merchandiser Learnership
Company: Smollan
Employment Type: Learnership (Full-Time Contract)
Duration: Ongoing (12-month learnership)
Work Schedule: Shift-based (9 hours per day)
Salary: R3,500 per month (Stipend)
Start Date: As Soon As Possible (ASAP)
About the Learnership
The Smollan Merchandiser Learnership is designed to provide unemployed youth with practical experience in the retail environment. Learners will be trained to ensure products are correctly displayed, shelves are stocked, prices are accurate, and stores remain visually appealing to customers.
The programme combines structured learning with on-the-job experience, allowing participants to build workplace confidence while developing skills that are highly valued in the retail industry.
What You Will Learn
During the programme, learners will gain experience in:
- Retail merchandising
- Stock management
- Visual merchandising
- Product pricing
- Customer service
- Store maintenance
- Product presentation
- Teamwork and communication
- Workplace professionalism
- Retail sales support
Key Responsibilities
Successful learners will be responsible for:
Stock Management
- Count and record stock accurately.
- Unpack and organise products.
- Monitor stock levels.
- Assist with inventory management.
Visual Merchandising
- Create attractive product displays.
- Arrange products according to company standards.
- Plan and maintain store layouts.
- Ensure shelves remain neat and fully stocked.
Product Maintenance
- Display products correctly.
- Ensure pricing is accurate.
- Remove damaged or expired products.
- Maintain high merchandising standards.
Customer Service
- Assist customers with product information.
- Answer customer questions.
- Handle customer concerns professionally.
- Deliver excellent customer service.
Store Maintenance
- Keep shelves clean and organised.
- Maintain a tidy stockroom.
- Ensure the work area is clean and safe.
Team Collaboration
- Work closely with marketing and sales teams.
- Support business objectives.
- Participate in team activities and workplace learning.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have a Matric (National Senior Certificate).
- Be able to communicate in English.
- Live within 15 km of the workplace.
- Have a clear criminal record.
- Own a smartphone.
- Be willing to obtain or use a Vodacom SIM card if selected.
Documents Required
Applicants should have:
- Matric Certificate
- South African ID
- SARS Letter
- Bank Confirmation Letter
- Smartphone
Smollan will provide guidance on uploading these documents during the application process.
Preferred Requirements
Preference may be given to applicants who:
- Are South African citizens.
- Are between 18 and 35 years old.
- Are applying for their first learnership or have limited work experience.
Monthly Stipend
Successful learners will receive:
- R3,500 per month
The stipend is intended to assist with transport and basic living expenses during the programme.
Skills You Will Develop
Participants will build valuable workplace skills including:
- Communication
- Customer service
- Time management
- Product knowledge
- Retail merchandising
- Teamwork
- Organisation
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Sales support
These skills are highly transferable and can improve future employment opportunities within retail and FMCG industries.
Why Join Smollan?
Smollan is one of South Africa’s leading retail solutions companies and is committed to developing young talent through structured learning programmes.
Benefits of joining include:
- Monthly stipend
- Practical workplace experience
- Retail industry exposure
- Professional skills development
- Opportunity to build an impressive CV
- Networking opportunities
- Personal and career development through the Smollan Academy
Application Process
Applicants will complete:
- Online application
- Potential Work Performance Assessment Battery
- Screening questions
- Document upload
- Possible telephonic interview
During the application, candidates will also answer questions regarding employment history, household income, Matric qualification, contact details, and current area of residence.
Who Should Apply?
This learnership is ideal for:
- Recent Matric graduates
- Unemployed youth
- First-time job seekers
- Individuals interested in retail careers
- Candidates who enjoy customer interaction
- People who are energetic, reliable, and willing to learn
Why This Opportunity Matters
Breaking into the retail industry can be challenging without practical experience. The Smollan Merchandiser Learnership provides young South Africans with the opportunity to gain real workplace exposure while earning a monthly stipend. By completing the programme, learners will have developed valuable merchandising, customer service, and retail operations skills that can open doors to future employment opportunities within South Africa’s retail and FMCG sectors.
If you meet the requirements and are passionate about building a career in retail, this learnership offers an excellent starting point toward long-term career growth.