Coca-Cola (CCBA) Learnerships 2026: Packaging, Sales & Warehousing

Key Takeaways: The Red Brand

• The Opportunity: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) runs massive annual learnerships to train youth in Manufacturing, Sales, and Logistics.
• The Qualification: These are 12-month programmes. You earn a National Certificate (NQF 3 or 4) while working.
• The Stipend: Learners typically earn a market-related stipend (estimated R3,500 – R5,500 per month).
• The Streams:
  • Packaging: For those who love machines (Requires Pure Maths/Science).
  • Sales: For those who love people (Requires Driver’s License).
  • Warehousing: For those who are organized (Math Lit accepted).
• The Portal: You can ONLY apply via the official CCBA Career Site. Coca-Cola does not hire via WhatsApp or Facebook comments.

Working for “Coke” is a dream for many. It is a Top Employer in Africa, offering stability, good training, and a foot in the door of the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) industry.

However, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) is strict. They do not just hire “general workers.” They hire learners into specific technical streams. If you apply for the Packaging Learnership with Math Literacy, the system will automatically reject you.

Here is the definitive guide to the 2026 intake and how to choose the right stream for your Matric results.

1. The Three Learnership Streams

You must choose the lane that fits your profile.

Option A: The Packaging Learnership (Technical)

This is for students who want to work in the factory, operating the massive bottling machines.

• The Role: You learn how to operate, clean, and maintain the high-speed production lines that fill bottles and cans.
• The Requirement:
  • Pure Mathematics: 40%+. (Math Literacy is NOT accepted).
  • Physical Science: 40%+.
  • English: 40%+.
• Why do they need Science? You need to understand pressure, temperature, and chemical mixes.

Option B: The Sales Learnership (Commercial)

This is for the “people person.” You will spend your days visiting spaza shops, retailers, and wholesalers.

• The Role: You are a “Merchandiser” or “Account Developer.” You ensure the fridges are full, the posters are up, and the shop owner is happy.
• The Requirement:
  • Matric: Passed with Maths or Math Lit.
  • Driver’s License: This is often a deal-breaker. Sales reps need to drive company vehicles. If you don’t have a license, your chances are low.

Option C: The Warehousing Learnership (Logistics)

This is for the organized thinkers.

• The Role: You work in the distribution centre (DC). You learn about stock taking, forklifts, and dispatching trucks.
• The Qualification: Often leads to a National Certificate in Freight Handling.
• The Requirement:
  • Matric: Passed with Maths or Math Lit.
  • Physical Strength: You must be physically fit to move stock.

2. General Admission Requirements

To qualify for any of the above, you must meet the “Gatekeeper” rules:

1. Age: 18 – 35 years.
2. Citizenship: South African Citizen (ID Book/Card required).
3. Employment Status: You must be Unemployed at the time of application.
4. No Previous Learnership: You cannot apply if you have already completed the same learnership at another company. (e.g., If you have a Freight Handling certificate from SAB, Coke generally won’t pay for you to do it again).

3. The Application Process (Online Only)

Coca-Cola has stopped accepting paper CVs at the gate. Everything is digital.

Step 1: Go to the Official Portal

• Visit: ccba.erecruit.co or the main CCBA careers page.
• Note: CCBSA (South Africa) is part of CCBA (Africa). Make sure you filter for “South Africa.”

Step 2: Create a Profile

• You cannot just click “Apply.” You must register an account with your email and ID number.
• Upload your documents (ID, Matric, CV) to your profile before you apply.

Step 3: Search for the Job

• Use keywords like “Learner” or “Packaging”.
• Filter by Location (e.g., “Gauteng” or “KZN”).
• Tip: Coke has plants in Midrand, Devland, Phoenix (Durban), Premier (KZN), and Polokwane. Apply to the one closest to you.

Step 4: The Assessment

• After applying, you may receive a link to an online assessment (personality or logic test). Do this immediately.

4. The Stipend and Benefits

While CCBSA does not publish the exact amount in the advert, based on 2024/2025 trends:

• Stipend: Estimated R3,500 – R5,500 per month.
• Uniform: Provided free (Safety boots, high-vis vests, shirts).
• Canteen: Most plants have a subsidized canteen where you can buy a hot meal for very cheap (e.g., R15 – R20).
• Training: You get free classroom training from an accredited provider.

5. The “Mintirho” Confusion

You might see the word “Mintirho” associated with Coca-Cola.

• What is it? The Mintirho Foundation is Coca-Cola’s funding vehicle for Agriculture and Small Businesses.
• Is it a learnership? No. It is a fund for black-owned farmers and suppliers. If you want to start a farm that supplies sugar or lemons to Coke, you apply to Mintirho. If you want a job, you apply for the Learnership.

6. Scam Alert: The “WhatsApp” Trap

Coca-Cola is a massive target for scammers.

The Scam:

You see a Facebook post: “Coca-Cola General Workers needed. R8,000 pm. No Matric. WhatsApp 060…”

The Reality:

1. No WhatsApp: CCBSA never hires via WhatsApp.
2. No Gmail: Recruiting is done via ccbagroup.com or ccbsa.co.za. Never coke.jobs@gmail.com.
3. No Fees: If they ask for R250 for a “medical check” or “badge,” it is a scam.
4. “General Worker”: Coca-Cola rarely advertises generic “General Worker” posts externally. They hire “Learners” or “Operators.”

Summary: Choose Your Stream Carefully

Don’t just apply for “anything at Coke.”

• If you have Pure Maths & Science, apply for Packaging. It has the best long-term career prospects (you can become a Machine Specialist).
• If you have a Driver’s License, apply for Sales.
• If you have Math Lit, apply for Warehousing.

Action Plan:

1. Scan Your Documents: Get your Matric and ID certified today.
2. Create Your Profile: Go to the CCBA career site and set up your profile even if there are no open jobs right now. Turn on “Job Alerts.”
3. Check Weekly: Learnerships often open in January and June.

Disclaimer: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa is an equal opportunity employer. Requirements may change based on the specific operational needs of the plant.