Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme 2026: How to Apply

Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme 2026

Finding your first job can be difficult, especially if you don't have previous work experience. To help unemployed South Africans gain workplace exposure, Pick n Pay has opened applications for its UIF Skills Programme, giving participants an opportunity to develop retail skills while working in selected Hypermarkets.

The programme is aimed at unemployed individuals who want to improve their employability and gain experience in one of South Africa's largest retail companies. 

If you're interested in working in retail, customer service or store operations, this could be a good opportunity to start building your CV.

About the Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme

The Pick n Pay UIF Skills Programme is a workplace training initiative that allows participants to gain practical experience in a real retail environment. During the programme, learners are introduced to different areas of a hypermarket while developing the skills employers look for in the retail sector.

Unlike graduate internships that require a university qualification, this programme focuses on helping unemployed job seekers gain experience that can make it easier to apply for future retail positions.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should meet the requirements outlined by Pick n Pay for the programme, including:

• Be a South African citizen.

• Be currently unemployed.

• Meet the qualification requirements specified for the programme.

• Be willing to participate in workplace-based training.

• Be committed to completing the full programme.

Applicants who have previously worked in retail but are currently unemployed may also find this programme beneficial, depending on the specific eligibility criteria.

What You Will Learn

Participants will be introduced to different aspects of retail operations, including:

• Customer service.

• Merchandising and shelf management.

• Store operations.

• Stock handling.

• Workplace communication.

• Teamwork and professional conduct.

Working in a busy retail environment also helps participants become familiar with the daily responsibilities found in supermarkets and hypermarkets.

Why This Programme Is Worth Considering

Many employers ask for previous work experience, making it difficult for first-time job seekers to compete.

Programmes like this give unemployed youth the opportunity to gain experience while learning how a large retailer operates. The experience you gain can strengthen future applications for retail jobs, learnerships and entry-level positions.

If you're also exploring other opportunities, you can browse our latest retail learnerships, internships in South Africa, and entry-level jobs for unemployed youth to increase your chances of finding suitable employment.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the official Pick n Pay careers platform linked in the opportunity advertisement.

Apply here: Pick n Pay Learnership Application

Before applying, prepare:

• An updated CV.

• Certified copy of your South African ID.

• Certified copies of your qualifications.

• Any additional documents requested during the application process.

As opportunities are limited, it is recommended that eligible applicants submit their applications as soon as possible.