Unemployed young South Africans looking to gain valuable retail experience now have an opportunity to apply for the Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme 2026. The six-month programme is designed to equip participants with practical workplace skills through a combination of online learning and in-store training.
Hosted by Pick n Pay, one of South Africa’s largest retail companies, the programme is aimed at unemployed youth who are passionate about customer service and eager to start a career in the retail industry.
Successful learners will receive a monthly stipend of R2,000 while completing practical training at various Pick n Pay stores across Gauteng.
The programme combines classroom-style online learning with real workplace experience, helping participants become more employable while gaining essential retail skills.
Applications are currently open and will close on 07 August 2026.
Financial Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | Pick n Pay |
| Programme | UIF Skills Programme (All-rounder) |
| Industry | Retail |
| Programme Duration | 6 Months |
| Monthly Stipend | R2,000 |
| Total Estimated Stipend | R12,000 (over six months) |
| Learning Model | Blended Learning |
| Employment Type | Skills Programme |
| Location | Gauteng |
Programme Summary
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Pick n Pay |
| Programme | UIF Skills Programme (All-rounder) |
| Location | Gauteng |
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Monthly Stipend | R2,000 |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 (Matric) |
| Age Requirement | 18–40 Years |
| Employment Status | Unemployed |
| Learning Format | 2 Days Online & 3 Days In-store Weekly |
| Closing Date | 07 August 2026 |
About the Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme
The Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme has been developed to help unemployed South African youth gain practical retail experience while improving their employability.
Participants will complete structured online learning modules alongside practical in-store training under the supervision of experienced retail professionals. The programme focuses on building workplace confidence, customer service skills and an understanding of day-to-day retail operations.
Learners will spend two days each week completing online learning and three days receiving practical training in-store, giving them valuable exposure to a professional retail environment.
Although completion of the programme does not guarantee permanent employment, the practical experience gained can significantly strengthen future job applications within the retail sector.
Financial Benefits
Successful learners will receive:
- Monthly stipend of R2,000
- Approximately R12,000 over the six-month programme
- Practical retail work experience
- Structured workplace training
- Exposure to one of South Africa’s leading retailers
- Improved employability and career readiness
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be unemployed
- Be between 18 and 40 years old
- Have a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate
- Have a passion for customer service
- Be interested in working in retail
- Have good communication skills
- Be willing to learn and develop new skills
- Be reliable and punctual
- Be committed to completing the full programme
- Be available to work flexible retail hours, including weekends and public holidays when required
What You Will Learn
During the programme, learners will develop practical skills in:
- Customer service
- Retail operations
- Merchandising
- Product replenishment
- Stock handling
- Inventory management
- Point of Sale (POS) operations
- Workplace professionalism
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Health and safety
- Time management
- Problem-solving
Key Responsibilities
Participants will be expected to:
- Attend all online learning sessions
- Complete programme assessments
- Participate fully in practical store training
- Deliver excellent customer service
- Assist with merchandising
- Help replenish stock
- Support inventory activities
- Follow company policies and procedures
- Comply with workplace health and safety standards
- Work effectively as part of a team
- Demonstrate professionalism and accountability throughout the programme
Skills You Will Gain
By completing the programme, learners can strengthen their skills in:
- Customer care
- Sales support
- Merchandising
- Retail administration
- Inventory management
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Workplace ethics
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Professional behaviour
These transferable skills are valuable for careers across retail, wholesale and customer service industries.
Career Opportunities
After completing the programme, participants may be better positioned to apply for roles such as:
- Shop Assistant
- Retail Assistant
- Cashier
- Merchandiser
- Customer Service Assistant
- Stock Controller Assistant
- Shelf Packer
- Sales Assistant
- Retail Operations Assistant
- General Retail Worker
Employment opportunities will depend on vacancies and individual performance.
Application Process
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the official Pick n Pay Careers website.
- Search for the UIF Skills Programme (All-rounder) vacancy.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Where to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Pick n Pay Careers Portal.
Applicants should never pay any fees to apply for employment or skills programmes.
Closing Date
Closing Date: 07 August 2026
Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Unemployed South African youth aged 18 to 40 years with a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate.
How much is the monthly stipend?
Learners will receive R2,000 per month during the six-month programme.
How long is the programme?
The UIF Skills Programme runs for six months.
Where will training take place?
Training will take place at various Pick n Pay stores across Gauteng, together with online learning.
Is previous retail experience required?
No. The programme is designed for individuals looking to gain practical retail experience.
Will I receive permanent employment after completing the programme?
The programme provides workplace experience and skills development but does not guarantee permanent employment.
What learning model is used?
Learners will complete two days of online learning and three days of practical in-store training each week.
Key Takeaways
- Pick n Pay has opened applications for its UIF Skills Programme 2026.
- The programme runs for six months.
- Learners will receive a monthly stipend of R2,000.
- Applicants must have Grade 12, be 18–40 years old, and be unemployed.
- Training combines online learning with practical in-store experience.
- Opportunities are available at various Pick n Pay stores across Gauteng.
- Applications close on 07 August 2026.
Editorial Policy
This article is an independent editorial summary based solely on the official Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme vacancy notice. Information regarding the stipend, eligibility requirements, programme structure, learning model, responsibilities and closing date has been presented factually without modification. No guarantee of selection or employment is implied. Applicants should always verify the latest information through the official Pick n Pay Careers Portal before applying.
Official Sources and References
- Pick n Pay Official Careers Portal
- Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme (All-rounder) Vacancy Notice
- Pick n Pay Recruitment and Early Careers Information
