Clicks Group has opened applications for its Youth Employment Programme 2026, offering unemployed young South Africans an opportunity to gain practical retail experience while working towards an NQF Level 2 Checkout Operator Occupational Qualification.
The programme combines classroom-based learning with structured workplace training in Clicks retail stores, allowing participants to develop practical customer service, retail operations and cashier skills.
Applications are open for opportunities in:
- Gauteng
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Durban (KwaZulu-Natal)
The programme is aimed at unemployed matriculants between the ages of 18 and 29 years who are looking to begin a career in the retail and FMCG industry.
Clicks Youth Employment Programme Overview
| Employer: Clicks Group
| Programme: Youth Employment Programme
| Industry: FMCG and Retail
| Employment Type: Fixed-Term Contract
| Qualification Awarded: NQF Level 2 Checkout Operator Occupational Qualification
| Training: Classroom learning and practical workplace training
| Placement: Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Durban
| Age Requirement: 18 to 29 years
| Minimum Qualification: Matric
| Employment Equity: Yes
| Stipend: Not stated
| Best Before:
- Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga): 30 July 2026
- Durban: 1 August 2026
About the Clicks Youth Employment Programme
The Clicks Youth Employment Programme has been developed to help unemployed young people gain valuable workplace experience within one of South Africa’s leading health and beauty retail groups. Participants will receive structured training that combines theoretical learning with practical workplace exposure inside a retail environment.
Successful learners will complete an occupational qualification while developing skills that are highly valued throughout the retail and customer service sectors.
The programme provides an excellent foundation for individuals interested in careers within:
- Retail
- Customer Service
- FMCG
- Store Operations
- Cash Office Administration
- Sales
- Merchandising
- Pharmacy Retail Support
Financial Career Value
Retail remains one of South Africa’s largest employment sectors and offers numerous entry-level opportunities for young people beginning their careers.
Although Clicks has not published a learner stipend in the vacancy advertisement, participants will benefit from:
- Workplace experience
- Nationally recognised occupational qualification
- Retail industry exposure
- Practical customer service training
- Improved employability
- Professional references
- Experience working for a nationally recognised retailer
Completing the programme may improve future employment opportunities in retail, wholesale, pharmacy and customer service industries.
Applicants should confirm remuneration and employment conditions directly with Clicks if shortlisted.
Programme Structure
- The programme combines two important learning components.
Classroom Training
Participants will receive structured theoretical learning covering:
- Retail operations
- Customer service
- Checkout procedures
- Workplace professionalism
- Communication
- Retail systems
- Occupational safety
Workplace Training
- Learners will receive practical experience inside a Clicks retail store where they will apply the knowledge gained during classroom training.
Qualification Awarded
Successful participants will receive an:
- NQF Level 2 Checkout Operator Occupational Qualification
- This qualification demonstrates competence in retail checkout operations and customer service.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be between 18 and 29 years old
- Have passed Matric
- Be unemployed
- Have good communication skills
- Have strong interpersonal skills
- Be willing to learn
- Be able to work well in a team
- Not currently be registered on another Learnership or Skills Programme
Applicants should ensure they meet every requirement before submitting an application.
Duties and Responsibilities
During practical workplace training participants may assist with:
Customer Service
- Greeting customers
- Providing friendly assistance
- Answering basic product enquiries
- Directing customers to departments
- Creating a positive shopping experience
Checkout Operations
- Operating checkout systems
- Scanning merchandise
- Processing customer purchases
- Issuing receipts
- Following cash handling procedures
- Maintaining checkout accuracy
Retail Store Support
Learners may assist with:
- Shelf replenishment
- Stock presentation
- Price checking
- Product merchandising
- Store housekeeping
- Customer flow management
Team Support
Participants may:
- Work with supervisors
- Assist experienced colleagues
- Attend training sessions
- Follow workplace procedures
- Complete assigned retail tasks
Responsibilities will depend on operational requirements and the learner’s progress during the programme.
Skills You May Gain
Participants may develop valuable workplace skills including:
Retail Skills
- Point of Sale operations
- Checkout procedures
- Retail administration
- Product handling
- Store operations
- Customer engagement
- Merchandising
- Stock awareness
Customer Service Skills
- Communication
- Active listening
- Professional conduct
- Complaint handling
- Customer interaction
- Service excellence
Workplace Skills
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Reliability
- Accountability
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Professional ethics
Career Opportunities After Completion
Completing the programme may support applications for positions such as:
- Checkout Operator
- Cashier
- Retail Assistant
- Sales Assistant
- Customer Service Assistant
- Shop Assistant
- Retail Administrator
- Merchandising Assistant
- Front Shop Assistant
- FMCG Sales Assistant
- Store Assistant
With additional experience and further study, participants may progress into:
- Senior Cashier
- Department Supervisor
- Store Administrator
- Assistant Store Manager
- Store Manager
- Merchandising Coordinator
- Operations Supervisor
- Retail Trainer
Completion of the programme does not guarantee permanent employment.
Why an NQF Qualification Matters
- An NQF occupational qualification provides nationally recognised evidence of workplace competence.
- Employers often value candidates who have completed occupational programmes because they have practical experience alongside theoretical learning.
The Checkout Operator qualification may improve opportunities within:
- Supermarkets
- Retail stores
- Pharmacies
- Hardware retailers
- Wholesale businesses
- Convenience stores
- Department stores
- Customer service environments
Documents to Prepare
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated CV
- Certified South African ID
- Certified Matric certificate
- Proof of residence if requested
- Supporting certificates where applicable
Ensure all documents are clear, complete and match the information provided in your application.
Application Tips
Tailor Your CV
Highlight:
- Customer service experience
- School leadership
- Volunteering
- Retail exposure
- Computer literacy
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Reliability
Even if you have never worked before, include activities that demonstrate responsibility and commitment.
Demonstrate Willingness to Learn
Clicks is looking for candidates who are eager to develop new skills.
Use your CV and application to show:
- Positive attitude
- Professional behaviour
- Strong work ethic
- Interest in retail
- Willingness to learn from experienced staff
Prepare for Interviews
You may be asked about:
- Why you want to work in retail
- How you handle customers
- Working in a team
- Managing pressure
- Working flexible hours
- Your future career goals
Apply Before the Deadline
Applications are processed online and late submissions may not be accepted.
Where to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Clicks Careers recruitment portal.
Search using the following listing references:
Listing Reference: click_025813
Listing Reference: click_025588
Submit all required documents through the official online application system.
Never pay anyone to apply for a Clicks opportunity.
Best Before:
Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga
- 30 July 2026
Durban
- 1 August 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the advertised closing dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
- South African citizens aged 18 to 29 who have passed Matric and are currently unemployed.
Which provinces are included?
The programme is available in:
- Gauteng
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Durban (KwaZulu-Natal)
What qualification will learners receive?
- Successful participants will receive an NQF Level 2 Checkout Operator Occupational Qualification.
Is previous work experience required?
- No previous work experience is listed as a requirement.
Can I apply if I am already on another learnership?
- No. Applicants must not currently be registered on another Learnership or Skills Programme.
Is Matric compulsory?
- Yes.
Is a stipend mentioned?
- No learner stipend has been stated in the advertisement.
Does the programme guarantee permanent employment?
- No. Completion of the programme does not guarantee permanent employment.
Where will training take place?
- Training consists of classroom learning and practical workplace experience in a Clicks retail store.
When do applications close?
- 30 July 2026 for Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
- 1 August 2026 for Durban.
Editorial Policy
Career27 publishes independently written articles based on official employer advertisements and publicly available recruitment information. Our content follows E-E-A-T principles by presenting verified programme details while avoiding unsupported claims. Where employers do not publish information such as stipends or programme duration beyond what is officially available, we clearly state that the information has not been provided rather than making assumptions.
Applicants should always verify vacancy details, eligibility requirements and application procedures through the official Clicks Careers website before applying. Career27 does not charge applicants for access to employment opportunities and is not involved in recruitment decisions.
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Disclaimer: Programme information was accurate at the time of publication. Applicants should confirm application requirements, programme conditions and any remuneration details through the official Clicks Careers website before applying.
