Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 – 112 Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
South Africa continues to face high youth unemployment, making structured workplace programmes more important than ever. Learnerships play a critical role in bridging the gap between education and employment by offering practical, real-world experience alongside skills development. One such impactful initiative is the Clover South Africa YES (Youth Employment Service) Learnership Programme 2026, which opens doors for young people to gain meaningful exposure in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.
Clover’s participation in the YES Programme demonstrates its long-standing commitment to youth empowerment, transformation, and sustainable economic growth. Through this programme, unemployed young South Africans can gain valuable hands-on experience, improve their employability, and build a solid foundation for future careers.
Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 – 112 Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
About the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a national initiative aimed at creating work opportunities for unemployed youth in South Africa. The programme partners with private and public sector companies to provide 12-month work experiences that equip young people with practical skills, workplace discipline, and exposure to professional environments.
Participants in YES programmes benefit from:
- Structured work experience
- Industry-relevant skills development
- Improved employability after completion
- Exposure to real workplace expectations
Clover is one of the companies that actively supports this initiative by offering learnership opportunities that align with both national development goals and industry needs.
Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 – 112 Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
Original Article (Unchanged)
Clover South Africa is excited to announce 112 learnership opportunities across the nation for unemployed young individuals through its YES (Youth Employment Service) Programme. These twelve-month positions, titled YES Learner (Merchandiser), offer a chance to gain hands-on experience in sales and the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Successful candidates will be instrumental in ensuring Clover products are well-presented, managing stock efficiently, upholding store display standards, and fostering strong connections with retail partners.
About Clover South Africa
Clover is a leading and highly respected FMCG company in South Africa, known for delivering a wide range of quality dairy, beverage, and other consumer products nationwide. Committed to national transformation and youth empowerment, Clover actively collaborates with the YES Programme. This partnership aims to equip unemployed young South Africans with practical workplace exposure and essential skills. Operating under the guiding principle, “To Be Better for the Benefit of All,” Clover consistently invests in its workforce, local communities, and sustainable expansion, offering genuine avenues for career growth.
Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 – 112 Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
YES Learner (Merchandiser) Learnership Programme
The YES Learner (Merchandiser) learnership is a comprehensive twelve-month initiative designed to immerse participants in the daily operations of Clover’s Sales Execution Department. Learners will be deployed to various Clover facilities and retail locations throughout South Africa, with placements in key areas such as Clayville, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, and Queensburgh. This program presents an excellent chance for young people keen on pursuing careers in sales, merchandising, retail management, or the broader FMCG sector.
Essential Details
- Company: Clover
- Position Title: YES Learner (Merchandiser)
- Reference Number: CLO260121-4
- Type of Engagement: Learnership (part of the YES Programme)
- Department: Sales Execution
- Available Positions: 112
- Location: Nationwide (South Africa)
- Application Deadline: 03 February 2026
Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 – 112 Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
Key Responsibilities
Participants who join the program will undertake a range of crucial merchandising and sales support tasks, including:
- Managing Stock and Orders: This involves accurately controlling and ordering inventory, applying correct stock management procedures both in-store and in back-up areas. Learners will work to minimize returns, complete necessary documentation, prevent stockouts, and place timely orders according to schedules, reporting any issues to the Area Manager.
- Merchandising and Shelf Presentation: A core responsibility will be ensuring that all Clover products on shelves are consistently clean, tidy, and attractively displayed. This includes arranging items according to store layouts and merchandising guidelines, maintaining correct shelf control, updating product information labels, and ensuring fridges are clean and functional. Additionally, learners will correctly display and maintain point-of-sale materials.
- Administrative Tasks and Relationship Building: Learners will manage accurate administrative records, control company crates and equipment as per policy, and cultivate strong professional relationships. This includes engaging effectively with store management, customers, Area Managers, head office teams, and fellow merchandisers. Identifying and capitalizing on opportunities to enhance product visibility within stores will also be a key duty.
Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 – 112 Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for the Clover YES Learner (Merchandiser) program, applicants should fulfill these essential requirements:
- Possess a Grade 12 certificate or an equivalent qualification (NQF Level 4).
- Be proficient in Business English.
- Be prepared to work various shifts, including weekends and public holidays.
- Crucially, candidates must be unemployed young individuals, as per the YES Programme stipulations.
Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 – 112 Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
Desired Skills and Competencies
Clover seeks highly motivated individuals who demonstrate the following key skills and attributes:
- A strong focus on customer satisfaction.
- Excellent communication abilities.
- Effective planning and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in administrative tasks.
- A proactive and action-driven approach.
- The capacity to influence and work collaboratively with others.
- Unwavering honesty, consistency, and professionalism.
- A high degree of commitment, motivation, and strong interpersonal effectiveness.
Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 – 112 Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
Why Join the Clover YES Programme?
Participating in the Clover YES Programme offers numerous benefits:
- Acquire a full year of practical work experience.
- Gain invaluable exposure to the dynamic FMCG and sales sectors.
- Enhance your overall employability and readiness for the professional world.
- Collaborate with a highly respected national brand.
- Develop crucial retail and merchandising expertise.
This program serves as an outstanding foundation for young individuals aspiring to establish careers in sales, retail, marketing, or FMCG operations.
Apply for the YES Clover Learnership 2026.
Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 – 112 Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
Career Growth and Long-Term Benefits
Completing a learnership such as the Clover YES Programme can significantly improve a participant’s career prospects. While permanent employment is not guaranteed, the experience gained is highly valued across the retail and FMCG industries. Former learners often pursue opportunities in:
- Sales and merchandising
- Retail supervision
- Customer service roles
- Marketing support positions
- Supply chain and distribution environments
The workplace exposure helps young people understand professional expectations, time management, teamwork, and accountability.
Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 – 112 Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Ensure their CV is clear, truthful, and well-structured
- Include certified copies of required qualifications
- Highlight any customer service, retail, or school leadership experience
- Apply before the official closing date
Preparing early improves the chances of submitting a complete and accurate application.
Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 – 112 Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the duration of the Clover YES Learnership Programme?
The programme runs for 12 months.
2. Is the Clover YES Learnership paid?
YES learnerships generally provide a monthly stipend, as regulated by the YES Programme.
3. Who can apply for this learnership?
Unemployed South African youth who meet the minimum requirements and hold a Grade 12 qualification.
Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 – 112 Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
4. Is permanent employment guaranteed after completion?
No. While permanent employment is not guaranteed, the experience significantly improves employability.
5. Can I apply if I have no work experience?
Yes. This programme is specifically designed for unemployed youth with little or no work experience.
6. Where will successful applicants be placed?
Placements are nationwide, including major cities and regional Clover facilities.
7. Can I apply if I previously participated in a YES programme?
Eligibility depends on YES Programme rules at the time of application.
Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 – 112 Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
Final Thoughts
The Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 represents a meaningful opportunity for young people seeking a pathway into the world of work. By combining structured learning with real workplace exposure, Clover continues to contribute to youth development and economic inclusion in South Africa.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the closing date and take the first step toward building a sustainable career in the FMCG industry.
Clover South Africa YES Learnership Programme 2026 – 112 Opportunities for Unemployed Youth