Pick n Pay has opened applications for its UIF Skills Programme, offering unemployed South Africans an opportunity to gain practical retail experience through structured workplace learning.
The programme is available across South Africa and provides participants with a combination of online learning and practical in-store training over a six-month period.
This is a six-month skills development programme designed to prepare participants for future employment in the retail sector. Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend of R2,000 while completing the programme.
Pick n Pay is looking for unemployed South African citizens who are passionate about customer service, food, and retail, and who are committed to completing the full training programme.
The advertisement does not specify a closing date for applications.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
What is the UIF Skills Programme opportunity?
The Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme is a structured workplace learning initiative that combines formal learning with practical retail experience. Participants spend time completing online learning while gaining hands-on experience inside Pick n Pay stores.
The programme has been created to help unemployed individuals build workplace skills that improve their employability. Learners work alongside experienced store teams and mentors while developing practical knowledge of retail operations.
Applicants can choose one of four career streams depending on their interests:
- MasterCut – Butchery
- FreshRize – Bakery
- All Rounders – General Retail Operations
- Health & Beauty Heroes – Health and Beauty Retail
Through daily workplace exposure, learners contribute to customer service and store operations while developing skills required in the retail industry.
Why could this opportunity be valuable?
This programme provides practical experience that many employers look for when recruiting entry-level staff. Learners develop customer service, communication, teamwork, merchandising, food handling and retail operations skills.
Participants also receive coaching from experienced store mentors, allowing them to learn industry standards and workplace expectations in a real retail environment.
The experience gained can support future careers in supermarkets, wholesale businesses, food production, customer service, retail management, health and beauty retail, and bakery or butchery operations. Employers value candidates who already understand retail environments and can work effectively with customers and colleagues.
Quick Overview
Item Details Opportunity UIF Skills Programme Company Pick n Pay Location South Africa Closing Date Not specified Salary/Stipend R2,000 per month Employment Type Six-month Skills Programme Industry Retail Target Group Unemployed South African citizens aged 18–40 Application Method Online application
What will successful candidates do?
Successful learners will participate in a structured programme that combines classroom-style online learning with practical training inside Pick n Pay stores. They will work under the guidance of experienced mentors while developing skills relevant to their chosen career stream.
Depending on the selected stream, learners may gain experience in customer service, merchandising, bakery production, butchery, food preparation, health and beauty retail, or general store operations. Throughout the programme they will build workplace confidence while supporting daily retail activities.
Main responsibilities include:
- Participate fully in the six-month learning programme.
- Assist with customer service and daily retail operations.
- Complete both online learning and practical in-store training.
- Work closely with store mentors while developing workplace skills.
Who should apply?
This opportunity is suitable for unemployed South Africans who want to start a career in retail. It is ideal for individuals with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and an interest in customer service or food retail.
Applicants should have a Grade 12 qualification and be able to communicate effectively while working as part of a team. No previous work experience is stated as a requirement.
Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Grade 12.
- Aged between 18 and 40 years.
- South African citizen.
- Currently unemployed.
- Passion for food, retail and customer service.
- Willing to work retail trading hours, including weekends and public holidays.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Commitment to completing the six-month development programme.
Salary or Stipend
Successful learners will receive a monthly stipend of R2,000 for the duration of the six-month programme.
No additional employee benefits were listed in the advert.
Important Working Conditions
Participants will complete a blended learning programme consisting of online learning and practical in-store experience.
Successful applicants must be willing to work retail trading hours, including weekends and public holidays.
Insider Tip
Insider Tip: When preparing your CV, highlight any examples of customer service, teamwork, volunteering, school leadership or community involvement. During an interview, demonstrate your willingness to learn, your reliability, and your ability to work flexible retail hours, as these qualities are highly valued in entry-level retail roles.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Pick n Pay careers website.
The advertisement does not specify a closing date, so interested applicants should apply as soon as possible.
Before submitting your application, ensure all information is accurate and upload the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate
- Copies of any additional qualifications (if applicable)
Final Thoughts
The Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme offers unemployed South Africans an opportunity to gain practical retail experience while earning a monthly stipend.
With structured learning, workplace mentoring and exposure to different retail career paths, the programme can provide a solid foundation for future employment.
Although no closing date has been provided, interested applicants should apply as early as possible to avoid missing the opportunity.
Applicants who meet the requirements should submit their application before the closing date.