For young, ambitious individuals in and around Goodwood, Cape Town, a remarkable opportunity has arrived to gain valuable work experience and develop essential skills through a Merchandising Internship Programme offered by Managed People Solutions. This programme is designed specifically for unemployed youth, providing a platform to build a career in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector—a dynamic industry with ample growth potential.
What Is the Merchandising Internship Programme?
Managed People Solutions, a reputable company based in Cape Town’s Western Cape, is offering a hands-on internship aimed at empowering youth aged between 18 and 28. The internship runs for 12 to 18 months, depending on the applicant’s qualification level, and is a stepping stone to acquiring industry knowledge and practical merchandising experience.
The programme’s primary goal is to equip interns with the skills and insights needed to excel in merchandising roles within the FMCG sector, one of South Africa’s fastest-growing industries. It is an entry-level contract opportunity, making it ideal for young people who have completed their studies but have little to no prior work experience.
Who Is This Internship For?
This internship is specifically tailored for young individuals who have recently completed either:
- An N6 TVET Certificate, with the internship lasting 18 months as part of an 18-month workplace experience programme, or
- An NCV Level 4 Certificate in a relevant field, with a 12-month internship duration.
No previous work experience is required, making it accessible for fresh graduates and those seeking to enter the workforce. The programme places great importance on the willingness to learn and adapt to a professional environment, which is vital for success in the competitive FMCG sector.
Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 28 and reside in or near Goodwood, Cape Town. This local focus helps ensure that young people in the community can benefit from employment opportunities close to home.
What Will You Do as a Junior Merchandiser?
Successful applicants will join the company as Junior Merchandisers, performing key duties that contribute directly to the retail success of FMCG products. These responsibilities include:
- Determining Stock to Be Merchandised: Junior Merchandisers assess which products need to be displayed and stocked on shelves, ensuring the right items are available to consumers.
- Drawing Stock Requirements: They calculate the quantity of stock needed for merchandising activities, which helps maintain adequate product levels.
- Checking Product Quality: Regular inspection of product vintage, quality, stock rotation, and price tags is crucial to uphold standards and customer satisfaction.
- Executing Merchandising Activities: Following a cycle brief, interns carry out planned merchandising tasks to promote products effectively.
- Feedback Handling: Junior Merchandisers gather and report customer complaints, queries, and requests, acting as a communication link between customers and the company.
- Product and Promotion Knowledge: Staying updated on product details and ongoing promotions ensures accurate communication to both customers and sales teams.
- Recording Activities: Interns keep detailed records of their merchandising work to track progress and outcomes.
- Managing Out-of-Stock Issues: Advising Regional Sales Managers (RSMs) on stock shortages helps maintain product availability on shelves.
- Executing Calls: They carry out merchandising calls as scheduled to maintain regular and effective customer engagement.
Why Choose This Internship?
The Managed People Solutions Merchandising Internship is not just a job; it’s a chance to build a career foundation. Interns gain exposure to the fast-paced FMCG industry while developing skills that make them highly employable in various sectors. With the support and guidance of experienced professionals, interns acquire knowledge that cannot be learned solely through textbooks.
The programme promotes practical learning, offering a real-world environment where young people can test and improve their skills in merchandising, customer service, and stock management. This experience is invaluable in enhancing their resumes and increasing their chances of securing permanent employment.
Additionally, the programme helps to uplift the Goodwood community by targeting local youth and addressing unemployment through skills development and workplace experience.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare their CV, copy of their ID, and a certified copy of their relevant TVET qualification. Applications are submitted online through the Managed People Solutions application form. Applications are open to motivated individuals eager to learn and grow within the merchandising field.
For many young South Africans in Goodwood and nearby areas, this Merchandising Internship Programme is a golden opportunity to gain practical skills, improve employability, and jumpstart a career in the FMCG industry. Managed People Solutions is committed to developing youth talent and providing a supportive environment where interns can flourish professionally.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a promising career, this internship might just be the perfect match. Apply today and unlock your potential with Managed People Solutions.
Check also: UNFPA Internship Programmes (2026)