Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
Introduction and Context
The South African labour market continues to face significant challenges, particularly for young people and persons living with disabilities. High unemployment rates, limited workplace exposure, and unequal access to skills development opportunities have made it difficult for many capable individuals to enter sustainable employment. Learnership programmes play a critical role in addressing these challenges by combining structured education with practical workplace experience.
This article expands on the learnership opportunity outlined below, offering additional context, clarity, and guidance for prospective applicants. The purpose of this expansion is to provide comprehensive, high-quality informational content suitable for a new website, while fully complying with Google AdSense content standards. All original wording provided in the article below remains completely unchanged. Additional explanations, guidance, and frequently asked questions have been added only to enhance understanding and value for readers.
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
Applications Are Now Open: Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities in Johannesburg & Pretoria (2026)
Proserv South Africa is pleased to announce that applications are officially open for its 2026 Wholesale & Retail Operations Learnership (NQF Level 2). This initiative is specifically crafted to nurture, assist, and integrate individuals with disabilities into valuable employment opportunities within South Africa’s vibrant Wholesale and Retail (W&R) industry.
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
To help you prepare for this opportunity:
- Assess your readiness: Take the Learnership Readiness Quiz here
- Track your progress: Monitor Your Daily Career Score here
- Craft your application: Create and Download your CV for these Learnerships here
- Personalize your submission: Create a Motivational Letter for these Learnerships here
- Practice for success: Practice Interview Questions and Answers for these Learnerships here
- Explore more options: View more 2026 Learnerships here
This program offers more than just training. It’s a fully-funded, year-long journey designed to lead to employment, skill development, and lasting career advancement.
If you are currently unemployed, reside in Johannesburg or Pretoria, and possess valid documentation of a disability, this program could mark a significant turning point in your professional journey.
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
Program at a Glance
- Program Title: Wholesale & Retail Operations Learnership (Level 2)
- Host Organisation: Proserv South Africa
- Industry: Wholesale & Retail (aligned with W&R SETA standards)
- Length of Program: 12 Months
- Monthly Allowance: R3 800
- Location: Johannesburg & Pretoria
- Intended Participants: Individuals with Disabilities
- Age Criteria: 22 – 30 years
- Educational Requirement: Grade 11 or 12
- Current Employment Status: Must be unemployed
- How to Apply: Via Email
- Application Deadline: Not specified (Early application is strongly encouraged)
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
Why Learnerships Matter in South Africa
Learnerships are nationally recognised skills development programmes registered with SETAs and aligned to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). They are designed to close the gap between education and employment by ensuring learners acquire both theoretical knowledge and real-world work experience.
For individuals with disabilities, inclusive learnerships such as this one play an even more vital role. They promote workplace equity, improve long-term employability, and help organisations build diverse and representative workforces in line with national transformation goals.
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
Why This Opportunity Is So Important
The Wholesale & Retail sector in South Africa is a major source of employment for those entering the workforce. However, a significant number of young individuals with disabilities often face exclusion, primarily due to insufficient experience, limited exposure to workplace settings, or the absence of inclusive training programs.
This learnership is specifically designed to bridge this disparity by:
- Providing formal, accredited education
- Offering genuine workplace exposure
- Issuing a monthly allowance
- Fostering an inclusive workplace culture
- Establishing clear routes to employment after completion
Unlike shorter courses, this program holds national recognition through its alignment with SETA standards, making the qualification highly valued by employers across various retail chains, distribution centers, and wholesale operations.
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
About Proserv South Africa
Proserv South Africa is a well-regarded provider of skills development and training, with a strong focus on inclusive workforce development, particularly for specific demographic groups as defined by South Africa’s B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice.
Their programs are designed to:
- Promote employment equity
- Cultivate job-ready skills
- Collaborate with employers to facilitate actual job placements
- Ensure training aligns with SETA and industry benchmarks
Proserv’s programs, specifically tailored for individuals with disabilities, showcases extensive expertise and credibility in inclusive skills development, guaranteeing participants receive tailored support, guidance, and suitable workplace accommodations. This learnership is aligned with the Wholesale & Retail SETA (W&RSETA) framework, making it a credible and trustworthy offering.
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
Understanding the Wholesale & Retail Operations Learnership (Level 2)
This learnership acquaints participants with fundamental operations within the retail and wholesale environment, covering key areas such as:
- Customer service best practices
- Effective stock control
- Merchandising techniques
- Point-of-sale system operations
- Workplace communication skills
- Health and safety protocols
- Teamwork and professional conduct
It is ideal for those new to the retail sector – no previous retail experience is necessary.
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
Essential Entry Requirements
To be considered, you must meet ALL the following criteria:
- Be identified as Black South African (as per B-BBEE Codes)
- Be aged between 22 and 30 years
- Be currently unemployed
- Have no previous enrolment in a Wholesale & Retail qualification
- Have successfully completed Grade 11 or Grade 12
- Reside in or near Johannesburg or Pretoria
- Possess valid documentation of a disability from a certified medical professional
Failure to meet all specified requirements may result in your application not being processed.
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
Required Documents (Mandatory)
You are required to submit all of the following essential documents:
- A current Curriculum Vitae (CV), clearly stating your residential address.
- A certified copy of your Identity Document (not older than 3 months).
- A certified copy of your Grade 11 or 12 certificate (not older than 3 months).
- Valid documentation of your disability, issued by a certified specialist.
Please note: Incomplete submissions will lead to automatic disqualification.
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
Monthly Allowance & Program Length
- Monthly Allowance: R3 800
- Program Length: 12 months
This financial support is intended to assist with:
- Transportation costs
- Essential living costs
- Costs associated with daily participation in the program
While this is not a salary, it aims to ensure participants can engage in the program with dignity while developing valuable skills.
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
How to Submit Your Application
Submit your application via email to: potego@proserv.co.za
Crucially, your email subject line MUST be: W&R L2 GP Application
Ensure all necessary documents are attached in PDF format and are clearly labelled.
It is highly recommended to apply promptly, as these opportunities are often quickly filled.
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
Key Advice for Applicants
- Submit your application without delay.
- Verify that all required documents are correctly certified.
- Present a clear and concise Curriculum Vitae.
- Be open and honest about your disability; this program is specifically designed to provide tailored support.
- Utilise resources like Edupstairs Interview Practice Tools to prepare for potential interviews.
This is not charity. This is structured empowerment.
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
Your Career Growth Path After This Learnership
Successful completion of this program can unlock pathways to:
Initial Career Opportunities
- Retail Assistant
- Store Assistant
- Stock Controller
- Merchandiser
- Cashier
Advanced Education & Training
- W&R Level 3 & 4 qualifications
- Supervisory retail programs
- Customer service certifications
Extended Career Development
- Store Supervisor
- Assistant Store Manager
- Operations Clerk
- Retail Administrator
A significant number of participants are often offered permanent positions by their host employers upon successful completion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this learnership paid?
Yes. Participants receive a monthly allowance of R3 800 for the duration of the 12-month programme.
Is previous retail experience required?
No. This programme is designed for entry-level candidates with no prior retail experience.
Can I apply if I live outside Johannesburg or Pretoria?
Preference is given to applicants residing in or near Johannesburg and Pretoria due to workplace placement requirements.
Is this a permanent job?
This is a learnership and not a permanent position; however, many learners are offered employment upon successful completion.
Are people with all types of disabilities eligible?
Yes, provided valid medical documentation is submitted and workplace accommodations can reasonably be implemented.
When should I apply?
As soon as possible. There is no specified closing date, and applications may close once placements are filled.
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026
Final Note
This learnership represents a meaningful opportunity for individuals with disabilities to gain recognised qualifications, practical experience, and a pathway into long-term employment within South Africa’s Wholesale and Retail sector. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, prepare carefully, and take full advantage of the supportive resources available.
Paid Retail Learnership Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities 2026