Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Internship 2025: Degree, Diploma and TVET Opportunities (W&R SETA Funded)
If you are a young graduate in South Africa looking to gain valuable work experience in the retail sector, the Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Internship 2025 is an excellent opportunity to consider. This internship is designed for degree, diploma, and TVET college graduates who want to kick-start their careers in one of South Africa’s largest and most dynamic retail groups.
Backed by the Wholesale & Retail SETA, this programme offers structured training, workplace exposure, and professional development opportunities that make it a worthwhile stepping stone into the corporate world.
What is the Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Internship?
The Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Programme is a structured 12-month internship for graduates and an 18-month work-integrated learning programme for TVET students. The initiative is fully funded by the Wholesale & Retail SETA, ensuring that participants not only receive meaningful exposure to the retail industry but also gain practical skills that align with their field of study.
As part of Pepkor’s retail division, interns will work alongside seasoned professionals, engage in real projects, and rotate across departments to understand how one of South Africa’s leading retail groups operates. The goal is to prepare young professionals for long-term success in the retail sector while giving them the chance to prove their abilities in a high-performing, people-driven environment.
Why Should You Apply?
For many graduates, the biggest challenge is bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical work experience. The Pepkor Lifestyle Internship provides that bridge. Here’s why it stands out:
- Hands-on experience in retail operations across multiple functions.
- Mentorship and support from senior professionals who guide interns through projects.
- Career growth potential, with exposure to leadership and operational roles.
- Inclusive opportunities, with Pepkor actively encouraging applications from people with disabilities.
- Retail industry relevance, offering practical skills that are in demand within one of the fastest-growing sectors in South Africa.
By the end of the programme, you will have not only gained valuable work experience but also developed professional skills that make you highly employable in the retail and corporate sectors.
Who Can Apply?
The Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Internship is open to South African citizens under the age of 32 who are currently unemployed. Applicants must hold a degree, diploma, or TVET qualification in one of the following fields:
- Marketing Management
- Business Management or Business Administration
- Human Resource Management or Industrial Psychology
- Digital Marketing, Marketing, or E-commerce
- IT Project Administration or Project Management
- Information Systems or Business Information Technology
Both graduates from universities and TVET colleges are encouraged to apply. For TVET students, the programme offers the required 18-month practical exposure needed to complete qualifications.
What Does the Programme Offer?
The Pepkor Lifestyle Internship is not just about learning; it’s about immersing yourself in the business world and building your career foundation. Here’s what participants can expect:
- Professional growth support from a team of experienced mentors.
- Onboarding and induction sessions to introduce you to company operations.
- Exposure to real business projects, including research, presentations, and technology integration.
- Visits to retail stores and branches, ensuring first-hand industry experience.
- Opportunities to present work, allowing interns to showcase their abilities and build confidence.
- Structured responsibilities, including administrative, analytical, and operational tasks, under the supervision of senior staff.
The internship is designed to give participants a 360-degree understanding of how retail operations function and prepare them for future employment.
Skills and Competencies Needed
Pepkor Lifestyle is looking for vibrant, motivated, and resilient graduates who are eager to learn and grow. To succeed in this programme, you should demonstrate the following:
- Strong initiative and problem-solving skills
- Critical thinking and sound decision-making ability
- Teamwork skills, while being able to work independently
- Professional communication (both written and verbal)
- Presentation skills and confidence in engaging with others
- High work ethic and commitment to delivering quality work
- Customer service orientation and relationship-building ability
These are the qualities that will not only help you thrive during the internship but also set you apart in your future career.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Internship 2025, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documentation. Applicants will need to submit:
- An updated CV
- Certified copies of qualifications, certificates, or transcripts
Only candidates who provide complete and up-to-date documentation will be considered first.
Contract Details
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Duration: 12 months for graduates, 18 months for TVET work-integrated learning
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
This is a fixed-term programme designed to provide meaningful work exposure within Pepkor’s retail division. While permanent employment is not guaranteed, high-performing graduates may be considered for opportunities within the Pepkor group or elsewhere in the retail industry.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply online and ensure all required documents are attached. Early applications are encouraged since only complete submissions will receive first consideration.
Apply here for pepkor lifestyle internship
Is This Internship Right for You?
The Pepkor Lifestyle Graduate Internship 2025 is more than just a stepping stone—it’s a career-defining opportunity. Whether you studied marketing, business, HR, IT, or digital commerce, this internship gives you direct access to one of South Africa’s largest retail networks and equips you with the skills employers are actively looking for.
If you are under 32, unemployed, and passionate about growing in the retail industry, this programme offers structured learning, mentorship, and professional development that can shape your future. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a company that values innovation, diversity, and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the Pepkor Lifestyle Internship?
South African citizens under 32 who are unemployed and hold a relevant degree, diploma, or TVET qualification.
2. How long does the internship last?
The graduate internship is 12 months, while the TVET work-integrated learning is 18 months.
3. Is the internship paid?
Yes, as a SETA-funded programme, interns receive support to cover costs while completing the internship.
4. When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 September 2025.
