PEP Merchandise Graduate Internship Programme 2026
If you have recently completed a qualification in Fashion Design or Clothing & Production Management, the PEP Merchandise Graduate Internship Programme 2026 offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in South Africa’s retail industry.
PEP is looking for 11 graduates to join its Customer Commerce division. The opportunity is aimed at young South Africans who want to develop their skills in merchandise planning, fashion retail, product development and other areas of the retail business.
Applicants aged 18 to 32 with an N4-N6 Certificate, Diploma or Degree in Fashion Design or Clothing & Production Management are encouraged to apply.
Employer
Employer: PEP
Programme: Merchandise Graduate Internship Programme 2026
Reference Number: PEP-2658
Department: Customer Commerce
Industry: Retail
Location: South Africa
Number of Positions: 11
Employment Type: Contract
Programme Duration: Not specified in the official advertisement
Age Requirement: 18–32 years
Salary: Market-related
Closing Date
Closing Date: 15 June 2026 according to the official advertisement.
Important: The opportunity information supplied for this article was published on 8 August 2026, which is after the closing date stated on the official advert.
Applicants should therefore verify the current status of the vacancy on PEP’s official careers platform before attempting to apply. The discrepancy may indicate that the vacancy information was republished or that the closing date was not updated.
About PEP
PEP is one of South Africa’s well-known retail brands, offering affordable clothing, footwear, homeware, cellular products and other everyday essentials.
The company’s Customer Commerce division operates in areas connected to retail merchandising, product development, planning and customer-focused decision-making.
For graduates entering the fashion and retail industry, workplace exposure at a major retailer can provide valuable insight into how products are developed, planned and ultimately made available to customers.
What Is the PEP Merchandise Graduate Internship?
The PEP Merchandise Graduate Internship is designed for graduates with qualifications related to Fashion Design or Clothing & Production Management.
Successful candidates will gain workplace exposure within PEP’s Customer Commerce division while working alongside experienced professionals.
The official advertisement does not specify the exact duration of the internship.
The programme may provide exposure to areas such as:
- Merchandise planning
- Fashion retail operations
- Buying processes
- Customer and fashion trends
- Product development
- Retail administration
- Commercial decision-making
- Workplace communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 32 years old
- Have an N4-N6 Certificate, Diploma or Degree
- Qualification must be in Fashion Design or Clothing & Production Management
- Have computer literacy
- Have knowledge of MS Office
- Have knowledge of Google Suite
- Have excellent verbal communication skills
- Have excellent written communication skills
- Demonstrate willingness to learn
- Have a positive attitude
- Demonstrate curiosity and initiative
- Be self-motivated
- Be able to work independently
PEP also identifies competencies including:
- Dutifulness
- Planning
- Cooperation
- Listening skills
- Flexibility
- Integrity
- Personal development
- Drive
- Initiative
- Energy
What Does a Merchandise Graduate Do?
The official advertisement does not provide a complete list of daily duties. However, the merchandise environment can involve exposure to activities such as:
- Monitoring fashion and customer trends
- Supporting merchandise buyers
- Product research
- Range planning
- Product development
- Supplier communication
- Stock analysis
- Sales reporting
- Product administration
- Coordinating product samples
- Seasonal planning
The exact responsibilities will depend on the role and department assigned to the successful candidates.
Salary / Stipend
Salary: Market-related.
The official advertisement does not state a specific monthly salary or stipend amount.
Documents Needed
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of qualification or latest academic transcript
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric Certificate
Important: The supplied vacancy information states that certified documents should not be older than three months.
Applicants should ensure that all documents are clear, readable and correctly uploaded.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Graduate internships can help young people bridge the gap between completing their studies and gaining practical workplace experience.
For Fashion Design and Clothing & Production Management graduates, exposure to a major retail environment can help develop an understanding of:
- Fashion merchandising
- Retail operations
- Product development
- Merchandise planning
- Customer trends
- Commercial decision-making
- Professional communication
- Teamwork
The experience may also strengthen a graduate’s CV when applying for future opportunities in fashion, clothing and retail.
Potential Career Opportunities
Experience gained in a merchandise environment may help prepare graduates for future positions such as:
- Merchandise Planner
- Assistant Buyer
- Fashion Buyer
- Product Developer
- Product Coordinator
- Retail Planner
- Clothing Technologist
- Merchandise Administrator
- Fashion Retail Specialist
- Category Assistant
Career progression will depend on individual performance, qualifications, further learning and available vacancies.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through PEP’s official careers platform.
- Visit the official PEP careers website.
- Search for PEP-2658 or the Merchandise Graduate Internship Programme.
- Review the vacancy requirements.
- Prepare your updated CV and supporting documents.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload the required documents.
- Review your information carefully.
- Submit the application if the vacancy is still open.
Because the advertisement lists 15 June 2026 as the closing date, applicants should first verify whether the vacancy is currently accepting applications.
Official Application Link
Applications should be made through PEP’s official careers platform. Do not pay anyone to submit an application on your behalf.
Expert Guidance
Career expert YouthScope Editorial Team advises applicants to prepare all required documents before applying. Ensure your CV is updated, your qualifications are certified where required, and submit your application well before the closing date to avoid technical issues. Always apply only through the employer’s official recruitment website and keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.
For this particular opportunity, applicants should pay special attention to the closing-date discrepancy and confirm the vacancy status directly with PEP before submitting any information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the PEP Merchandise Graduate Internship?
South African citizens aged 18 to 32 who have an N4-N6 Certificate, Diploma or Degree in Fashion Design or Clothing & Production Management may qualify.
How many positions are available?
PEP is recruiting 11 graduates for the Merchandise Graduate Internship Programme.
What qualifications are accepted?
The programme accepts an N4-N6 Certificate, Diploma or Degree in:
- Fashion Design
- Clothing & Production Management
Is previous work experience required?
No previous work experience is listed as a requirement in the supplied official vacancy information.
How much does the internship pay?
The advertisement states that the salary is market-related, but does not provide a specific amount.
What documents are required?
Applicants should prepare an updated CV, certified South African ID, certified Matric Certificate and a certified qualification or latest academic transcript.
Where is the internship based?
The advertisement lists the location as South Africa and places the position within PEP’s Customer Commerce division.
What is the closing date?
The official advertisement supplied for this article states 15 June 2026. However, the vacancy information was published on 8 August 2026, creating a date discrepancy. Applicants should verify the current vacancy status directly through PEP’s official careers platform.
Does meeting the minimum requirements guarantee selection?
No. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or appointment. Graduate opportunities are competitive and candidates are assessed according to the employer’s recruitment process.
Disclaimer
YouthScope shares employment, internship, bursary and learnership opportunities from official employers to help South Africans access career opportunities. We are not the recruiting organisation and do not charge any application fees. Always verify information on the employer’s official website before submitting your application.
Opportunity Verification
✅ Published by: YouthScope Editorial Team
✅ Last Updated: 9 August 2026
✅ Information Source: Official organisation announcement
✅ Status: Reviewed for accuracy
YouthScope shares career information to help South Africans discover opportunities. Applicants should confirm final details with the official organisation before applying.
The YouthScope Editorial Team publishes verified South African learnerships, internships, bursaries, graduate programmes, and career opportunities. Our team researches opportunities from official employers, government departments, SETAs, universities, and trusted organisations to provide accurate career information for South African youth.