South African Breweries, part of the global AB InBev group, is offering Sales and Marketing Learnership opportunities for 2026 aimed at young South Africans who want practical exposure in a commercial environment. The programme is designed for individuals interested in sales execution, marketing fundamentals, and brand growth within a highly competitive consumer goods sector.
This learnership provides structured workplace-based learning, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience while developing commercial and customer engagement skills relevant to the fast-moving consumer goods industry.
About the Sales and Marketing Learnership
Programme Purpose and Focus
The Sales and Marketing Learnership is structured to develop future sales and marketing professionals by exposing learners to real operational environments, particularly within the Tavern Class of Trade. The programme focuses on how sales and marketing functions work together to support brand performance, market presence, and sustainable business growth.
Learners are introduced to practical commercial activities rather than purely theoretical learning. This approach helps participants understand how brand strategies are implemented at ground level and how customer relationships influence sales performance.
Learning Environment and Exposure
Participants gain experience in a dynamic commercial setting where they are exposed to day-to-day sales and marketing operations. The programme supports the development of commercial thinking, customer engagement, and an understanding of how brand equity, sales volume, and market share are built and maintained.
Key Responsibilities and Learning Outcomes
Job Purpose
The core purpose of the Sales and Marketing Learnership is to support the implementation of market-driven and differentiated service approaches within SAB’s commercial operations. Learners contribute to building competitiveness within the Tavern Class of Trade while supporting long-term business objectives.
Through practical exposure, learners gain insight into how organisations work toward growth in brand equity, sales volume, market share, competitive advantage, and corporate reputation.
Skills and Competencies Developed
Learners enrolled in the programme develop a strong foundation in commercial aptitude. This includes understanding how different roles within sales and marketing interact across the value chain and how information is used to support decision-making.
Key competencies developed during the programme include the ability to gather and use competitor information, understand pricing and profitability concepts, assess product mix and merchandising strategies, and apply commercial reasoning to support business performance.
These skills are transferable across sales, marketing, and broader business development roles.
Why Consider This Learnership
Career Development Value
The learnership offers exposure to a globally recognised FMCG organisation with established brands and structured commercial processes. Participants gain practical insight into how major brands compete within the South African market and how sales and marketing strategies are executed in real customer environments.
The experience gained through the programme provides a strong foundation for entry-level roles in sales, marketing, and commercial functions, particularly within fast-paced and results-driven industries.
Workplace Experience and Professional Growth
Learners benefit from being part of a professional environment that values curiosity, accountability, and continuous learning. The hands-on nature of the programme allows participants to build confidence, workplace discipline, and practical skills that support long-term career progression.
Who Should Apply
Suitable Candidates
The Sales and Marketing Learnership is suited to motivated individuals who have a genuine interest in sales, marketing, and customer engagement. Applicants should be willing to learn, adaptable to fast-paced environments, and interested in understanding how commercial decisions impact business outcomes.
The programme is ideal for young South Africans seeking structured workplace exposure within a leading consumer goods company.
Application Process and Closing Information
Applications must be submitted through the official SAB recruitment platform using the following link:
https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/abinbev/SAB/details/Sales-and-Marketing-Learnership_30091484
The closing date for applications is 31 January 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that their applications clearly demonstrate an interest in sales and marketing, a willingness to learn, and an understanding of commercial environments.
Career Value of the Learnership
Building Commercial Capability
The programme helps learners develop practical commercial capability by exposing them to real customers, real brands, and real sales challenges. This experience supports long-term employability within FMCG and related sectors.
Supporting Future Opportunities
By focusing on workplace competence rather than theoretical learning alone, the learnership prepares participants for further career opportunities within sales, marketing, and business-focused roles.
Conclusion
The South African Breweries Sales and Marketing Learnership 2026 offers a structured opportunity for young South Africans to gain practical experience within a leading FMCG organisation. Through hands-on exposure to sales and marketing operations, learners develop valuable commercial skills that support long-term career growth.
For individuals seeking meaningful workplace learning and insight into how major brands operate in competitive markets, this learnership provides a credible pathway into professional sales and marketing careers.
