Clover Merchandiser YES Learnerships 2026 in a Positive Boost for Unemployed Youth (112 Posts)
When experience matters more than marks
For many young South Africans, the hardest part of job hunting is not finishing school, but getting that first real opportunity. CVs are often rejected for one simple reason: no work experience. Even motivated Matric graduates find themselves stuck at home, waiting.
That’s why the opening of 112 Clover Merchandiser YES Learnerships for 2026 matters. While it won’t solve youth unemployment on its own, it offers something rare and practical — 12 months of paid, structured work experience with one of South Africa’s most recognisable companies.
Applications close on 3 February 2026, making this a time-sensitive opportunity for unemployed youth nationwide.
What the Clover YES Merchandiser learnership is about
The Clover Merchandiser YES Learnerships 2026 form part of the national Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative. The programme is hosted within Clover’s Sales Execution Department and is focused on preparing young people for the realities of retail and sales environments.
Learners are placed at Clover branches and retail stores across the country, including areas such as Clayville, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), and Queensburgh. The learnership runs for 12 months, offering consistent workplace exposure rather than short-term casual work.
For many participants, this will be their first experience working set shifts, reporting to supervisors, and being responsible for daily operational tasks.
Who can apply for the 112 available posts?
Clover has kept the entry requirements straightforward, making the programme accessible to a wide range of young people who have completed school.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have Grade 12 / Matric or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification
- Be fluent in Business English
- Be willing to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays
- Be unemployed youth, in line with YES programme criteria
No prior work experience is required. However, applicants should be prepared for a physically active role that requires discipline, punctuality, and accountability.
Because there are 112 positions nationally, competition is expected, particularly close to the closing date.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for the Clover YES Learner (Merchandiser) Learnership Programme 2026
What learners will actually do day to day
Unlike some learnerships that limit practical exposure, the Clover Merchandiser role places learners directly in operational environments. The work is hands-on and structured around real retail needs.
Learners will be responsible for:
- Managing stock levels in stores and backup areas
- Preventing out-of-stock situations and reporting issues promptly
- Placing accurate and timely product orders
- Packing shelves according to store flow and merchandising rules
- Ensuring products are clean, visible, and correctly priced
- Maintaining fridges, shelf sets, and point-of-sale materials
- Completing basic administration accurately
These tasks may seem routine, but they teach critical workplace habits — attention to detail, time management, and consistency — skills employers value across industries.
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Skills Clover is looking for beyond qualifications
Clover has highlighted that attitude and behaviour matter just as much as education. The learnership is suited to young people who are ready to take responsibility and work with others.
Key competencies include:
- A proactive and action-orientated mindset
- Honesty, reliability, and consistency
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Customer-orientated thinking
- Basic planning and administrative ability
For youth coming from long periods of unemployment, programmes like this often help rebuild confidence and workplace readiness.
Why YES learnerships still matter in 2026
South Africa’s youth unemployment challenge is not just about job numbers. It’s also about access. Many employers are hesitant to hire first-time job seekers, even for entry-level roles.
YES learnerships like the Clover Merchandiser YES Learnerships 2026 help break that cycle. While they do not guarantee permanent employment, they give learners something powerful: verifiable experience, references, and exposure to professional standards.
Past YES participants across sectors have used similar opportunities as stepping stones into retail, sales, logistics, and administrative careers.
How to apply and what to keep in mind
Applications must be submitted before 03 February 2026 through Clover’s official recruitment platform.
Applicants should note:
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- This is a 12-month work experience programme, not permanent employment
- Employment Equity principles apply, with preference given to designated groups
Applying early is recommended, as opportunities often close once sufficient applications are received.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many positions are available?
There are 112 Merchandiser YES Learnership posts available nationwide.
Is the programme paid?
Yes. YES learnerships include a monthly stipend.
Do I need previous work experience?
No. This programme is designed for unemployed youth with little or no experience.
Is this a permanent job?
No. It is a fixed 12-month learnership.
Where are the jobs located?
Positions are spread across multiple locations in South Africa.
I writes about SETA opportunities in South Africa, focusing on learnerships, internships, bursaries, and skills development programs. My goal is to provide clear, reliable information that helps students and job seekers access funded career opportunities.
