The United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD) division of the Clicks Group has officially opened applications for its W&R SETA Graduate Programme 2026/2027, offering unemployed graduates an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience in South Africa’s pharmaceutical supply chain industry.
The programme offers 12 months of structured workplace experience in Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Human Resources, Infrastructure, Learning and Development, Health and Safety and Key Accounts Management.
Clicks W&R SETA Internship Programme Overview
| Programme: UPD Graduate Programme 2026/2027
| Employer: United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD) – Clicks Group
| Programme: W&R SETA Graduate Programme
| Programme Duration: 12 Months
| Industry: Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
| Employment Type: Fixed-Term Graduate Programme
| Placement: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pinetown
| Age Requirement: 18-35 Years
| Work Experience: No previous work experience
| Best Before: 21 July 2026 and 22 July 2026
About the UPD Graduate Programme
The UPD Graduate Programme has been created to provide unemployed graduates with meaningful workplace exposure in one of South Africa’s leading pharmaceutical distribution companies. Graduates will receive practical training while working in operational environments that support the country’s healthcare supply chain.
Participants will work alongside experienced professionals while developing technical, administrative and leadership skills that improve future employability. The programme forms part of the W&R SETA Graduate Programme 2026/2027, which supports graduate skills development across South Africa.
Graduate Opportunities Available
- Johannesburg (Lea Glen and Rand Leases)
Applications Close: 22 July 2026
Graduates will be placed in:
- Operations
- Supply Chain
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Learning and Development
- Infrastructure
- Key Accounts Management
- Cape Town (Montague Gardens)
Applications Close: 21 July 2026
Available positions include:
- Operations Graduate
- Replenishment and Planning Graduate
- Finance Graduate
- Health and Safety Graduate
Durban (Mahogany Ridge, Pinetown)
Applications Close: 21 July 2026
Available opportunities include:
- Operations Graduate
- Supply Chain Graduate
Programme Overview by Placement:
| Placement | No of Opportunities | Best Before |
| Johannesburg (Lea Glen & Rand Leases) | Multiple | 22 July 2026 |
| Cape Town (Montague Gardens) | 4 Diploma Graduates | 21 July 2026 |
| Durban (Mahogany Ridge) | 2 Diploma Graduates | 21 July 2026 |
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have Grade 12 (Matric)
- Hold the required Degree or Diploma
- Be unemployed
- Have no previous work experience
- Not currently participate in a SETA bursary or learnership programme (Cape Town and Durban opportunities)
- Be available for the full 12-month programme
Qualifications Accepted
Degree Qualifications
The Johannesburg programme accepts graduates with degrees in:
- Supply Chain Management
- Logistics
- Warehouse Management
- Operations Management
- Finance
- Accounting
- Economics
Diploma Qualifications
Applications are invited from graduates holding diplomas in:
Operations
- Supply Chain Management
- Logistics Management
- Warehouse Management
- Procurement
- Inventory Management
- Production Management
- Operations Management
- Retail Business Management
- Business Management
Finance
- Financial Management
- Accounting
- Banking
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Internal Auditing
Human Resources
- Human Resource Management
Learning and Development
- Human Resource Management
- Training
- Learning and Development
Infrastructure
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Management
- Building
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Infrastructure Management
Health and Safety
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Safety Management
- Health and Safety Management
Marketing and Key Accounts
- Marketing Management
- Business Management
- Sales Management
- Retail Business Management
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful graduates will receive workplace exposure in various operational departments including:
- Supply Chain Administration
- Warehouse Operations
- Inventory Management
- Logistics Coordination
- Financial Administration
- Human Resources Administration
- Learning and Development Support
- Health and Safety Administration
- Infrastructure Support
- Business Operations
- Key Account Administration
- Reporting and Documentation
Graduates will work under experienced departmental managers while building professional workplace experience.
Skills You Will Gain
The programme helps graduates develop:
- Warehouse operations
- Pharmaceutical supply chain knowledge
- Inventory control
- Logistics planning
- Financial administration
- HR administration
- Microsoft Office skills
- Data analysis
- Communication
- Business reporting
- Customer service
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Professional workplace behaviour
- Problem-solving
Career Opportunities After Completion
Graduates may pursue careers as:
- Supply Chain Administrator
- Logistics Coordinator
- Warehouse Supervisor
- Inventory Planner
- Procurement Officer
- Finance Administrator
- HR Administrator
- Learning and Development Officer
- Health and Safety Officer
- Operations Coordinator
- Distribution Planner
- Pharmaceutical Operations Officer
The pharmaceutical industry remains one of South Africa’s most stable sectors with continued demand for skilled graduates.
Financial Career Outlook
The pharmaceutical distribution industry continues to expand alongside South Africa’s healthcare sector.
Graduates with practical experience in logistics, finance and operations are increasingly sought after by:
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Retail distribution businesses
- Healthcare suppliers
- Manufacturing companies
- FMCG organisations
- National logistics providers
The experience gained through the UPD Graduate Programme can significantly improve long-term employability and career growth.
Application Tips
To improve your chances of being shortlisted:
- Submit a professional CV.
- Ensure your qualification matches the advertised field.
- Highlight academic achievements and projects.
- Include all certified documents.
- Apply before the deadline.
- Double-check your online application before submission.
Where to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Clicks Group Careers Portal.
Search using the following listing references:
APPLY HERE FOR JOHANNESBURG INTERNSHIP
Reference: click_025716
APPLY HERE FOR DURBAN INTERNSHIP
Reference: click_025726
APPLY HERE FOR CAPE TOWN INTERNSHIP
Reference: click_025725
Best Before:
| Placement | Best Before |
| Johannesburg | 22 July 2026 |
| Cape Town | 21 July 2026 |
| Durban | 21 July 2026 |
Late applications may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
- South African graduates between 18 and 35 years old who are unemployed and meet the qualification requirements.
Is previous work experience required?
- No. Applicants should have no previous work experience.
How long is the programme?
- The programme runs for 12 months.
Is the programme paid?
- The advertisement states that remuneration is market related.
Which provinces are included?
- Gauteng
- Western Cape
- KwaZulu-Natal
Can graduates currently on a SETA programme apply?
- No. Applicants currently participating in a SETA bursary or learnership programme will be disqualified for the Cape Town and Durban opportunities.
What qualifications are accepted?
- Degrees and Diplomas in Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Human Resources, Engineering, Health and Safety, Marketing, Business Management and related fields.
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