Smollan runs several early-career programmes for young South Africans, including learnerships, internships, traineeships and graduate roles. This guide covers what is on offer, who can apply, what to prepare, and how to apply without wasting time.
Direct Application Link
Apply on the official Smollan careers page: https://smollan.com/careers/
I couldn’t verify one single link for a “Youth Opportunities 2026/2027” listing, so the official careers page is the safest starting point. Open the Young Talent section there, then search for the programme that suits you. Individual programmes open and close at different times, so a link on a third-party site may be out of date.
About Smollan
Smollan is a retail solutions company working with major retailers and consumer brands. Its services cover merchandising, sales, activation and technology, helping brands improve product visibility and drive sales. stud
Hiring young people is a stated priority. Smollan says it aims to be an employer of choice for young talent and works with tertiary institutions and professional bodies to bring people into its graduate, trainee, learnership and internship programmes. Its careers page also says more than 2,600 opportunities have been given to young talent.
Types of Youth Opportunities
1. Merchandiser Learnerships
This is the best fit if you have a matric certificate and no work experience. The full-time learnership gives unemployed South African youth workplace experience while building practical merchandising, customer service and sales skills.
Some recent versions were tied to specific stores. One 2026 round linked to selected Shoprite stores was posted on 16 April 2026 and handled through the SA Youth platform. If you see a similar listing, apply through the portal for your preferred store.
2. Field Marketing Learnerships
Applicants for the field marketing learnership must have finished Grade 12 and be over 18. Applying involves uploading an updated CV and searching for the opportunity. It suits people who are outgoing, reliable and comfortable talking to customers.
3. Graduate Internships and Programmes
These are for diploma and degree holders. A recent example was the Data and Technology programme. It was a 12-month SETA-funded contract starting 1 February 2026, with a monthly stipend of R8,000. That round has likely closed, but similar technical, business and marketing programmes tend to come back, so watch the careers page.
4. Design and Creative Internships
Creative roles appear from time to time. One example was a Junior Designer role in Johannesburg with the Trade Intelligence team, described as an entry-level graduate position for building skills in commercial design, reporting and brand execution. Graphic design, visual communication and multimedia graduates should keep an eye out for these.
Who Can Apply?
Requirements vary by programme, but these are the common ones:
- South African citizen or ID holder
- Aged 18 or older
- Grade 12 (matric) for learnerships
- A diploma or degree in a relevant field for graduate programmes
- Unemployed status for most learnerships
- Good communication skills and a willingness to learn
- A smartphone and an email address you check regularly
Always read the exact requirements on the advert you apply for. They override any general list, including this one.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
Having these ready lets you apply quickly if a programme closes early. For the Shoprite-linked merchandiser learnership, applicants were advised to prepare a matric certificate, ID, SARS letter, bank confirmation letter and a smartphone.
- Certified copy of your ID
- Matric certificate (and diploma, degree or academic record if applicable)
- Updated CV, ideally one to two pages
- Proof of bank account
- SARS tax number or letter
- Short cover letter for internships and graduate roles
How to Apply, Step by Step
- Go to smollan.com/careers and open the Young Talent section.
- Create a profile with an email address you use often, then verify it.
- Search for the learnership, internship or graduate programme that matches your qualifications and location.
- Check the closing date and requirements.
- Upload your CV and documents. Use clear scans with readable text.
- Submit, and save a confirmation or screenshot.
- Check your email and SMS regularly, including spam, for assessment or interview invitations.
If you apply through SA Youth, complete and update your profile first, apply early because learnerships can close once enough applications arrive, and check the listing for updates.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply early. Popular learnerships can fill up before the official closing date.
- Tailor your CV. Mention anything related to retail, customer service, teamwork or sales, including volunteering and school leadership roles.
- Keep your contact details accurate. A wrong phone number is a common reason people miss interviews.
- Prepare for basic assessments. Expect simple questions on literacy, numeracy and situational judgement.
- Be ready to travel. Many merchandising roles are placed in stores, so placement may depend on your area.
- Dress neatly and arrive on time if you are invited to an interview.
Benefits of Joining a Smollan Programme
- Workplace experience that employers value
- Structured training. Smollan’s accredited Smollan Academy offers learning experiences aimed at continuous, personalised development.
- A foundation in retail, FMCG, marketing or technology
- A chance to be considered for future roles with the company, though this is never guaranteed
Avoid Scams
Never pay to apply. Legitimate learnerships and internships do not charge application, registration or “placement” fees. Apply only through the official Smollan website or well-known platforms such as SA Youth, and be wary of unofficial WhatsApp numbers or social media posts asking for money or banking details.
Important Notes
- Closing dates were not clearly stated in several listings I found, so check the official page before you apply.
- Third-party job sites change quickly and sometimes reuse old adverts. Confirm details on Smollan’s own site.
- Which programmes are open depends on your location and the time of year.
Final Word
If you are a matric leaver, a diploma holder or a recent graduate, a Smollan programme can be a practical first step into the retail and FMCG industry. Prepare your documents now, then apply through smollan.com/careers as soon as a suitable opportunity opens.
I can also turn this into a Word document or a formatted page if you’d like to publish it.
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