South Africa’s leading health and beauty retailer, Clicks Group, has opened applications for its Youth Employment Programme 2026, giving unemployed young people an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience while earning a nationally recognised qualification.
The programme combines classroom-based learning with practical workplace training in Clicks retail stores across multiple provinces. Successful participants will complete an NQF Level 2 Checkout Operator Occupational Qualification, helping them build practical retail skills and improve their future employability.
Clicks Youth Employment Programme 2026 Overview
| Company: Clicks Group
| Programme: Youth Employment Programme
| Industry: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain
| Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract
| Employment Equity: Yes
Available Programme Placement
Clicks is recruiting unemployed youth across several provinces.
| Province | Listing Reference | Best Before |
| Gauteng | click_025557 | 08 July 2026 |
| Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga | click_025565 | 08 July 2026 |
| Western Cape | click_025549 | 07 July 2026 |
| Durban | click_025588 | 01 August 2026 |
Applicants should apply for the opportunity available in their preferred province or region.
About the Clicks Youth Employment Programme
The Clicks Youth Employment Programme has been developed to help unemployed young South Africans gain meaningful workplace exposure in the retail industry.
Participants will receive structured classroom training combined with practical work experience inside Clicks retail stores. The programme focuses on developing customer service, retail operations and checkout skills required in today’s retail environment.
What Participants Will Learn
Successful learners will gain practical experience in:
- Retail store operations
- Checkout procedures
- Customer service
- Cash handling
- Point of Sale systems
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Workplace professionalism
- Stock handling
- Retail administration
- Health and beauty retail environment
- Workplace ethics
The programme is designed to prepare young people for entry-level careers within the retail sector.
Clicks Youth Employment Programme 2026 Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- South African citizen
- Between 18 and 29 years old
- Must have passed Matric
- Must be unemployed
- Good communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to work well in a team
- Willingness to learn
- Must not currently be registered on a Learnership or Skills Programme
Applicants who satisfy all the requirements are encouraged to apply before the relevant closing date.
Benefits of the Programme
Participants will benefit from:
- Practical workplace experience
- Classroom-based learning
- Retail industry exposure
- Nationally recognised NQF Level 2 qualification
- Customer service training
- Professional workplace development
- Improved employability
- Valuable retail experience
- Opportunity to develop workplace confidence
- Foundation for future retail careers
Why Consider a Retail Career?
South Africa’s retail industry remains one of the country’s largest employers, offering opportunities in customer service, store operations, merchandising, inventory management and retail leadership.
Programmes such as the Clicks Youth Employment Programme help young people gain practical experience that employers value. Completing a recognised occupational qualification can strengthen your CV and improve your chances of securing permanent employment in retail and related industries.
Skills You Will Develop
During the programme learners will strengthen important workplace skills including:
- Customer service
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Cash handling
- Retail operations
- Attention to detail
- Professionalism
- Adaptability
- Responsibility
- Workplace ethics
These transferable skills are valuable across retail, wholesale, customer service, logistics and other service industries.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for:
- Unemployed Matric graduates
- First-time job seekers
- School leavers
- Young people interested in retail careers
- Applicants seeking practical work experience
- Candidates wanting a nationally recognised qualification
- Individuals looking to improve their employability
Documents to Prepare
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Any additional supporting documents requested during the recruitment process
Ensure all documents are clear and your contact information is accurate before submitting your application.
Application Tips
To improve your chances of being shortlisted:
- Prepare a professional CV.
- Highlight customer service or teamwork experience if available.
- Ensure your contact number and email address are correct.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
- Prepare for interviews by practising communication and customer service scenarios.
Career Opportunities After Completion
Completing the programme can prepare learners for entry-level positions such as:
- Checkout Operator
- Retail Assistant
- Shop Assistant
- Customer Service Assistant
- Cashier
- Sales Assistant
- Store Operations Assistant
- Retail Administrator
Many successful retail professionals begin their careers through structured workplace programmes before progressing into supervisory and management positions.
How to apply for Clicks Youth Employment Programme
- Choose the province that align with your liking
- Follow the application portal listed below
- Attach supporting documents
- Apply as instructed
- APPLY HERE FOR GAUTENG
- APPLY HERE FOR GAUTENG, LIMPOPO AND MPUMALANGA
- APPLY HERE FOR WESTERN CAPE
- APPLY HERE FOR DURBAN
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
- South African citizens between 18 and 29 years old who have passed Matric and are currently unemployed.
Is previous work experience required?
- No. The programme is designed for unemployed youth seeking workplace experience.
What qualification will participants receive?
- Successful participants will receive an NQF Level 2 Checkout Operator Occupational Qualification.
Is the programme available nationwide?
- Current opportunities are available in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Western Cape and Durban.
Can I apply if I am already on another learnership?
- No. Applicants must not currently be registered on another Learnership or Skills Programme.
Why This Programme Matters
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are interested in building a career in retail, this programme is an excellent opportunity to gain recognised training and valuable workplace experience.
