Shoprite Checkers YES Merchandiser Learnerships 2026 | Apply Online

Are you an unemployed young South African looking to gain valuable work experience in the retail industry? The Shoprite Checkers YES Merchandiser Learnerships 2026 offer an excellent opportunity to develop practical workplace skills through the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme.

Implemented in partnership with Smollan, one of South Africa’s leading retail solutions companies, this programme provides participants with hands-on experience in merchandising, stock management, and customer service while working in Shoprite and Checkers stores across the country.

If you’re looking to start a career in retail, this learnership could be the first step towards long-term employment.

Shoprite Checkers YES Merchandiser Learnerships 2026 Overview

Job Details	Information
Company	Smollan (YES Programme at Shoprite & Checkers)
Programme	YES Merchandiser Learnership
Industry	Retail
Job Type	Learnership
Location	Various Shoprite and Checkers Stores Across South Africa
Application Status	Applications Open
Closing Date	Not Specified

About Shoprite Checkers

Shoprite Checkers is Africa’s largest food retailer, operating thousands of stores throughout South Africa and several other African countries.

The group includes well-known retail brands such as:

• Shoprite
• Checkers
• Usave

As one of South Africa’s largest private-sector employers, Shoprite is committed to developing young talent through workplace learning programmes that provide practical experience and career opportunities in the retail industry.

About the YES Merchandiser Programme

The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a national initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment by providing unemployed young people with meaningful workplace experience.

Through the Shoprite Checkers YES Merchandiser Programme, participants receive practical, on-the-job training while supporting daily retail operations in busy supermarket environments.

Learners gain valuable experience in:

• Stock replenishment
• Product merchandising
• Pricing verification
• Customer service
• Store presentation
• Inventory management

The skills gained during this programme are highly transferable and can open doors to future careers in retail, sales, logistics, and customer service.

Key Responsibilities

As a Shoprite Checkers YES Merchandiser, your responsibilities may include:

• Counting, receiving, and unpacking stock deliveries.
• Replenishing shelves and ensuring products are fully stocked.
• Arranging merchandise according to company merchandising guidelines.
• Checking that price labels are accurate and clearly displayed.
• Removing damaged, expired, or incorrectly placed products.
• Maintaining clean, organised, and safe shopping aisles.
• Assisting with stock rotation and inventory control.
• Supporting store teams to maintain high merchandising standards.
• Providing basic assistance to customers where required.

Skills You Will Develop

During the learnership, participants gain practical experience in:

• Visual merchandising
• Stock control and inventory management
• Customer service
• Communication skills
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Workplace professionalism
• Problem-solving
• Retail operations

These skills are valuable across supermarkets, retail stores, wholesalers, and other customer-facing industries.

Why Join the Shoprite Checkers YES Programme?

Participating in the YES Programme offers several career advantages, including:

• Valuable first work experience with one of Africa’s largest retailers.
• Practical retail and merchandising training.
• Exposure to professional retail systems and store operations.
• Development of workplace confidence and employability skills.
• Opportunity to build professional references.
• Improved chances of securing permanent employment within the retail industry.
• Experience that strengthens your CV for future job applications.

Many former YES participants have successfully progressed into permanent retail positions after completing the programme.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for the Shoprite Checkers YES Merchandiser Learnerships 2026, applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Grade 12 (Matric) certificate.
• South African citizenship.
• Clear criminal record.
• Basic English communication skills.
• Residence within reasonable travelling distance of the assigned store.
• Access to a smartphone for work-related communication.

Supporting Documents

Applicants may also be required to provide:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copy of South African ID
• Certified copy of Matric certificate
• SARS registration letter
• Bank confirmation letter
• Any additional documents requested during the recruitment process

Preferred Skills and Qualities

Although previous retail experience is not required, successful candidates generally demonstrate:

• Strong communication skills.
• Good interpersonal abilities.
• Customer-focused attitude.
• Willingness to work flexible retail hours, including weekends.
• Ability to work well within a team.
• Interest in retail, merchandising, or sales.

First-time job seekers are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply for Shoprite Checkers YES Merchandiser Learnerships 2026

Interested applicants can submit their applications online through the official recruitment portal when vacancies become available.

Apply Online for Shoprite Checkers YES Merchandiser Learnerships 2026

Closing Date: Not Specified