Top 3 Wholesale and Retail Learnerships for 2025

Retail learnerships can be a game-changer, but there’s more to these programs than meets the eye. If you’re considering one, here are 10 things you should know to make sure you’re making the right decision.

1. You Don’t Need a Fancy Degree to Apply

Forget about those expensive courses or years of university studies. Most retail learnerships, like those offered by companies like Ackermans and Meridian, only require a Matric certificate or Grade 10. This makes it accessible to a wide range of young South Africans who may not have the resources for higher education.

2. You’ll Get Paid

Yes, you heard that right—most retail learnerships offer a monthly stipend to help cover costs like transport, study materials, and food. While it’s not a massive paycheck, it’s enough to keep you afloat while gaining experience. Companies like Pack n Stack even offer stipends while you’re learning the ropes of merchandising or stock management.

3. It’s a Great Way to Build a Resume

Even if the learnership doesn’t immediately lead to a permanent job, it’s still a great addition to your CV. You’ll gain industry-relevant skills that make you more attractive to other employers. After a year at Ackermans or Coca-Cola, you’ll have the credibility that many employers are looking for in the retail and wholesale sectors.

4. It’s Practical, Not Theoretical

Retail learnerships are all about learning through doing. You won’t just be sitting in a classroom; you’ll be out there working with actual products, customers, and stock. For example, Managed People Solutions will train you in merchandising, which means you’ll spend time learning how to create product displays, manage inventory, and even interact with customers.

5. The Learning Never Stops

Although the focus is on gaining practical skills, you won’t just be thrown in the deep end. There will be regular assessments, mentorship, and even theoretical components to ensure you’re learning the right things. Companies like Meridian balance hands-on training with the knowledge you need to understand the bigger picture in retail.

6. You Can Move Up Quickly

Retail is an industry where growth opportunities are all around you. After completing a learnership, you might move into a higher position, like store management or operations. Some companies, such as Coca-Cola, offer opportunities for further training and growth if you prove yourself during the program.

7. Learnerships Are Not Just for Store Floor Staff

While most people think of retail learnerships as being limited to customer-facing roles, that’s not the case. Many programs focus on areas like logistics, stock management, and administration. For instance, with Pack n Stack, you’ll get experience in managing stock, which could eventually lead to higher-level roles in warehouse or logistics management.

8. They Help You Build Connections

Networking is key in any industry, and retail is no different. By taking part in a learnership, you’ll meet people who could play a pivotal role in your career. Whether it’s mentors, other learners, or industry professionals, the connections you make during a learnership can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

9. You Might Get Permanent Employment

Many companies offer successful learners the opportunity to stay on full-time after the program ends. Ackermans, for example, often hires learners who perform well, making it a great way to get your foot in the door of a stable and well-established company.

10. It’s a Stepping Stone to More Opportunities

Think of a retail learnership as the first step towards a career. Once you’ve got a year of experience under your belt, you’re in a much stronger position to apply for other roles in retail or related fields. Whether it’s switching to wholesale or diving into a management role, a learnership gives you the foundation to explore a wide range of options.