If you have just finished a qualification in Fashion Design or Clothing & Production Management, the PEP Merchandise Graduate Internship Programme 2026 is open now and could be the first step into retail.
What the internship is
PEP, one of South Africa’s biggest retail brands, is offering 11 graduate positions in its Customer Commerce division. The role is a contract placement that gives you hands‑on experience in fashion merchandising, buying, product development and retail planning.
- Position: Merchandise Graduate Internship Programme 2026
- Company: PEP
- Reference: PEP‑2658
- Department: Customer Commerce
- Industry: Retail
- Job type: Contract
- Number of places: 11
- Salary: Market related
- Location: South Africa (various stores/warehouses)
- Age: 18 – 32 years
Who can apply
You must meet all of the following criteria:
- South African citizen
- Age between 18 and 32
- Completed an N4‑N6 Certificate, a Diploma or a Degree in Fashion Design or Clothing & Production Management
- Basic computer skills (MS Office, Google Suite)
- Good verbal and written communication
- Willingness to learn, positive attitude and ability to work both independently and in a team
What you will gain
The internship is built to give you practical skills that employers value:
- Understanding of merchandise planning and buying cycles
- Experience with fashion retail operations and seasonal planning
- Exposure to trend analysis, product research and supplier communication
- Improved teamwork, communication and problem‑solving abilities
- First‑hand view of how products move from design to store shelves
- Market‑related remuneration that reflects the role
How to apply – step by step
- Update your CV so it highlights any fashion projects, CAD work, pattern making, retail or visual‑merchandising experience.
- Gather certified copies of the following (must be no older than three months):
- South African ID
- Matric certificate
- Your qualification or latest academic transcript
- Visit the official PEP careers portal and submit your application here: PEP application page.
- Upload a clear, readable PDF of your CV and the certified documents.
- Double‑check all details (phone number, email, dates) before hitting “Submit”.
- Make sure you apply before the advertised closing date of 15 June 2026.
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your CV: Use keywords from the job description such as “merchandise planning”, “buyer support”, “product development”.
- Show your projects: Include final‑year collections, pattern‑making work, CAD files or any retail case studies.
- Highlight soft skills: Give examples of teamwork, initiative, customer service or problem‑solving from internships, part‑time jobs or student activities.
- Proofread: Check spelling, contact details and that every required document is attached.
- Use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when describing any experience.
Possible career paths after the internship
When the internship ends, you may be ready for roles such as:
- Merchandise Planner
- Assistant Buyer or Fashion Buyer
- Product Developer or Coordinator
- Retail Planner or Clothing Technologist
- Merchandise Administrator or Category Assistant
Progression will depend on how well you perform, any additional training you take and the availability of permanent positions.
Frequently asked questions
- Who can apply? South African citizens aged 18‑32 with an N4‑N6, Diploma or Degree in Fashion Design or Clothing & Production Management.
- How many places are available? Eleven (11) graduate internships.
- Is work experience required? No – the advert does not list prior experience as a condition.
- What qualifications are accepted? Only Fashion Design or Clothing & Production Management.
- Will I be paid? Remuneration is market‑related, but the exact amount is not disclosed.
- Which documents must I submit? CV, certified ID, certified Matric certificate, and certified qualification or latest transcript (all dated within three months).
- What if I don’t hear back? PEP states that if you have not been contacted four weeks after the closing date, your application was not successful.
- Does meeting the minimum requirements guarantee a place? No. The programme is competitive and meeting the basics does not assure an interview.
- Does PEP follow Employment Equity? Yes, the company says it follows its Employment Equity guidelines.
- Is the internship only for university graduates? No. Applicants with relevant N4‑N6 certificates or Diplomas are also welcome.
Final thoughts
This internship offers real‑world retail experience that can jump‑start a career in fashion merchandising. If you meet the criteria, prepare a clear CV, gather your certified documents, and submit before 15 June 2026. Even if you are not selected, the application process itself builds valuable job‑search skills and prepares you for future opportunities.
Disclaimer
This article has been prepared by SETA SA using information from the official PEP vacancy advertisement. SETA SA is not the recruiting company and does not influence the hiring process. Applicants should always refer to the official vacancy advert and the PEP application portal for the most current information.
