Looking to start your career in retail? Managed People Solutions is offering an exciting 12-month Retail Sales Learnership Programme in partnership with a client in the health and wellness retail industry. This opportunity is ideal for unemployed young South Africans who want to gain practical work experience, earn a monthly stipend of R3,500, and obtain a National Occupational Certificate: Sales Representative (NQF Level 4).
If you enjoy helping customers, have excellent communication skills, and want to build a future in retail sales, this learnership could be the perfect opportunity.
National Occupational Certificate: Sales Representative (NQF Level 4)
Monthly Stipend
R3,500
Closing Date
27 July 2026
About Managed People Solutions
Managed People Solutions is a South African workforce solutions company that partners with leading businesses to provide recruitment, training, learnerships and talent development programmes across multiple industries.
Through its learnership programmes, the company helps unemployed South Africans gain practical workplace experience while studying towards nationally recognised qualifications that improve long-term employability.
About the Retail Sales Learnership
The Retail Sales Learnership Programme combines classroom learning with practical workplace experience over a period of 12 months.
Learners will work in a professional retail environment while completing the National Occupational Certificate: Sales Representative (NQF Level 4).
Throughout the programme, participants will receive coaching from experienced retail professionals while learning valuable customer service, merchandising and sales skills.
Upon successful completion, learners will receive a nationally recognised qualification that can open doors to future employment opportunities in the retail sector.
What You Will Learn
During the programme you will gain practical experience in:
Delivering outstanding customer service
Assisting customers with health and wellness products
Building strong product knowledge
Recommending suitable products
Professional selling techniques
Communication and interpersonal skills
Achieving sales targets
Stock management
Merchandising products
Store presentation
Retail business operations
Customer engagement
Teamwork
Workplace professionalism
This practical experience will help prepare learners for long-term careers within the retail industry.
Areas Where Learners Are Needed
Applicants must live close to one of the following locations:
Eastgate
Menlyn
Sandton
Vaal
East Rand
Maponya
Westgate
Mall of Africa
Centurion
Greenstone
Wonder Park
Soshanguve
The Glen
Fourways
Springs
Irene
Alberton
Benoni
Wonderboom
Living close to the workplace will help ensure reliable attendance throughout the programme.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Grade 12 (Matric)
Mathematics
English
Must be unemployed
Must live close to one of the listed locations
Must be available for the full 12-month programme
Applicants who meet these requirements are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for individuals who:
Enjoy helping customers
Have a passion for retail
Like working with people
Want to build a career in sales
Are willing to learn
Have strong communication skills
Are enthusiastic and motivated
Want practical workplace experience
Are committed to personal growth
No previous retail experience is mentioned, making this a great entry-level opportunity.
Skills You Will Develop
Successful learners will build important workplace skills including:
Customer service
Retail sales
Communication
Product knowledge
Merchandising
Stock control
Teamwork
Time management
Problem solving
Professional behaviour
These skills are valuable across many retail and customer service careers.
Why You Should Apply
There are several benefits to joining this programme:
Earn a R3,500 monthly stipend
Gain 12 months of practical work experience
Study while working
Obtain a nationally recognised qualification
Learn from experienced mentors
Improve your employability
Build confidence in customer service and sales
Gain experience in the health and wellness retail industry
For unemployed youth looking to start a retail career, this is an excellent opportunity.
Tips to Improve Your Application
Before applying:
Update your CV.
Include your Matric subjects clearly.
Mention any customer service experience, even if informal.
Highlight communication skills.
Include volunteer work if applicable.
Double-check your contact details.
Ensure your phone number is active.
Submit your application before the closing date.
A professional CV can improve your chances of being shortlisted.
How to Prepare for the Interview
If invited for an interview, you may be asked about:
Customer service
Working with people
Communication skills
Sales
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Retail environment
Career goals
Learning new skills
Working under pressure
Interviewers will likely focus on your attitude, willingness to learn and ability to interact with customers.
10 Retail Sales Learnership Interview Questions and Sample Answers
1. Tell us about yourself.
Sample Answer: “I am a motivated and hardworking individual who enjoys helping people. I recently completed Matric and would like to build a successful career in retail sales and customer service.”
2. Why do you want to join this learnership?
Sample Answer: “I want practical work experience while earning a recognised qualification. I believe this programme will help me develop valuable retail and customer service skills.”
3. Why do you want to work in retail?
Sample Answer: “I enjoy interacting with people and helping customers find products that meet their needs. Retail gives me the opportunity to develop communication and sales skills.”
4. What is good customer service?
Sample Answer: “Good customer service means greeting customers warmly, listening carefully, helping them find suitable products and ensuring they leave satisfied.”
5. How would you deal with an unhappy customer?
Sample Answer: “I would remain calm, listen carefully to the customer’s concern, apologise if appropriate and work towards finding a solution while remaining professional.”
6. Are you comfortable working towards sales targets?
Sample Answer: “Yes. I understand that sales targets help businesses grow, and I would be motivated to achieve them while providing excellent customer service.”
7. What are your strengths?
Sample Answer: “My strengths include communication, willingness to learn, teamwork and maintaining a positive attitude.”
8. Can you work as part of a team?
Sample Answer: “Yes. I enjoy working with others because teamwork helps create a positive working environment and improves customer service.”
9. Why should we choose you?
Sample Answer: “I am eager to learn, committed to working hard, and passionate about customer service. I believe I will make a positive contribution to the team.”
10. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Sample Answer: “I hope to have completed the learnership, gained valuable retail experience and progressed into a permanent retail sales or supervisory position.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long is the learnership?
The programme runs for 12 months.
2. How much is the monthly stipend?
Successful learners will receive R3,500 per month.
3. What qualification will I receive?
You will receive the National Occupational Certificate: Sales Representative (NQF Level 4) after successfully completing the programme.
4. Do I need previous work experience?
No previous retail experience is mentioned in the requirements.
5. What subjects do I need in Matric?
You must have Mathematics and English.
6. Can employed people apply?
No. Applicants must be unemployed.
7. Where will I be working?
You must live near one of the listed Gauteng retail locations, such as Sandton, Eastgate, Menlyn, Mall of Africa, Fourways, Centurion and others.
8. What industry is this learnership in?
The programme is within the health and wellness retail industry.
9. When is the closing date?
Applications close on 27 July 2026.
10. Is this a good opportunity for first-time job seekers?
Yes. This programme is designed to help unemployed individuals gain workplace experience and a recognised qualification.
Final Thoughts
The Managed People Solutions Retail Sales Learnership 2026 is an excellent opportunity for unemployed South Africans who want to launch a career in retail. With a R3,500 monthly stipend, 12 months of practical workplace training, and a National Occupational Certificate: Sales Representative (NQF Level 4), participants will gain valuable skills that can improve their future employment prospects.
If you meet the requirements and live near one of the listed Gauteng locations, be sure to submit your application before the closing date of 27 July 2026.
Nonhlanhla Ndlovu is the founder and publisher of EduFeeds, a South Africa–focused platform that shares verified learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job opportunities for young people and job seekers.
With a strong focus on helping South African youth access real career opportunities, Nonhlanhla researches and verifies programmes from official company sources and public announcements before publication. EduFeeds aims to simplify the application process by providing clear guidance, requirements, and practical tips to help applicants apply with confidence.
Nonhlanhla continues to monitor updates from SETAs, companies, and training providers to ensure information on Edu Feeds remains current and useful. She focuses on publishing timely and accurate opportunity updates for the South African youth employment market.
