PepsiCo Learnership Programme 2026
South Africa’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry offers some of the country’s most exciting career opportunities for graduates interested in sales, marketing and brand management. Learnership programmes provide the perfect platform to bridge the gap between academic studies and professional employment by combining structured learning with real workplace experience. For graduates looking to build careers in field sales, customer relationship management and commercial operations, these programmes provide invaluable industry exposure while developing practical business skills.
PepsiCo South Africa is inviting applications for its Sales Learnership Programme 2026. This 12-month fixed-term learnership is designed for graduates with qualifications in Sales and Marketing or Business Management who are eager to gain practical field sales experience within one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo is one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, with a portfolio of globally recognised brands sold in more than 200 countries and territories. In South Africa, PepsiCo operates across multiple food and beverage categories, supplying products to retailers, wholesalers and consumers nationwide.
The company is committed to developing young professionals through structured graduate programmes, internships and learnerships that prepare participants for long-term careers in the FMCG industry.
About the PepsiCo Learnership Programme 2026
The PepsiCo Sales Learnership combines structured classroom learning with practical workplace experience over a period of 12 months.
Successful learners will participate in both theoretical and on-the-job training, developing practical knowledge of sales, customer engagement, brand management and commercial operations while working in real field sales environments.
Upon successful completion, participants will have gained a strong understanding of modern sales practices and FMCG operations.
Programme Overview
- Programme:Â PepsiCo Sales Learnership Programme 2026
- Duration:Â 12 Months
- Employment Type:Â Fixed-Term Learnership
- Industry:Â FMCG
- Start Date:Â 1 August 2026
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the programme, learners will develop practical skills in:
- Field sales
- Sales planning
- Customer relationship management
- Sales negotiation
- Marketing principles
- Brand management
- Product promotions
- Customer satisfaction
- Complaint resolution
- Team collaboration
- Sales compliance and legislation
The programme is designed to build workplace-ready sales professionals capable of succeeding in the competitive FMCG industry.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have completed a:
- Diploma in Sales or Marketing
OR
- Degree in Sales or Marketing
OR
- Diploma in Business Management
OR
- Degree in Business Management
Additional Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a valid Code 10 driver’s licence
- Be able to drive confidently and safely
- Be capable of driving a Crafter heavy-duty commercial van
- Be willing to complete and pass defensive driver training
- Be willing to work in the field
- Have a clear criminal record
- Have a clear credit record
- Be available for the full 12-month learnership
- Be available to start on 1 August 2026
Important Programme Information
As part of the recruitment process:
- Candidates will undergo a screening process.
- Successful applicants will participate in structured theoretical and practical learning.
- Learners will have up to three attempts to successfully pass the defensive driver training programme.
Skills You’ll Develop
During the programme, learners will strengthen practical skills in:
- Sales strategy
- Negotiation techniques
- Customer service
- Territory management
- Brand promotion
- Relationship building
- Communication
- Commercial awareness
- Problem-solving
- Professional selling
These skills are highly sought after across the FMCG, retail, wholesale and consumer goods sectors.
Why Join PepsiCo?
Working at PepsiCo provides graduates with exposure to:
- One of the world’s leading FMCG companies
- Experienced sales professionals
- Well-known global brands
- Structured commercial training
- Field sales operations
- Brand management principles
- Professional career development
The programme provides an excellent foundation for building a successful career in sales and commercial management.
Career Opportunities After Completion
The practical experience gained can prepare learners for careers such as:
- Sales Representative
- Field Sales Consultant
- Key Account Coordinator
- Customer Development Representative
- Territory Sales Representative
- Sales Executive
- Brand Coordinator
- Business Development Representative
The commercial skills developed are transferable across retail, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and consumer goods industries.
Why Choose an FMCG Sales Learnership?
The FMCG sector offers graduates the opportunity to develop valuable commercial experience while building skills in customer engagement, negotiation and business development. Sales professionals who understand both marketing and customer relationships remain in high demand as companies continue expanding their market presence across South Africa.
Thabang Maimela’s Tip
For FMCG sales roles, your ability to communicate and build relationships is just as important as your qualification. On your CV, highlight presentations, group projects, leadership roles, customer-facing experience and any sales or marketing campaigns you’ve worked on during your studies. If you have driving experience with larger vehicles, mention it could strengthen your application given the driving requirements of this programme.
How to Apply
Interested applicants who meet the minimum requirements should submit their applications through the official PepsiCo Careers Portal.
Before applying, prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified qualification certificate
- Certified academic transcript
- Certified copy of your Code 10 driver’s licence
- Any additional supporting documents requested during the application process
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Apply Now.
Launch Your FMCG Career with PepsiCo
The PepsiCo Sales Learnership Programme 2026 offers graduates an outstanding opportunity to gain practical workplace experience while developing the commercial, sales and customer relationship skills needed to succeed in the FMCG industry. If you’re passionate about sales, marketing and working with globally recognised brands, this 12-month learnership could be the ideal first step towards a rewarding career.
Closing Date: Â 23 July 2026
Disclaimer
CareersPursuit shares publicly available opportunities for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the companies or organisations mentioned unless explicitly stated otherwise. Do not send your personal information, CV, or applications directly to CareersPursuit. Always verify opportunity details through official channels before applying.
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I am Thabang Maimela, Founder and Editor of CareersPursuit and YouthSETA, two South African platforms dedicated to helping individuals access employment opportunities, skills development programmes, and career growth resources. Through CareersPursuit, I focus on jobs, internships, apprenticeships, graduate programmes, learnerships, and career advice, while YouthSETA specialises in SETA learnerships, skills programmes, youth development initiatives, and workplace readiness resources. My mission is to make reliable, up to date information more accessible, helping South Africans build skills, improve employability, and navigate their career journeys with confidence. Read more about the author on the About Us page.