Clicks Group UPD Graduate Programme 2026/2027: Gain Experience in Pharmaceutical Distribution

Clicks Group is offering unemployed South African graduates the chance to gain valuable experience through its United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD) Graduate Programme for 2026/2027. This 12-month programme is designed for individuals with relevant diplomas or degrees who are looking to start their careers in the pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution sector. Opportunities are available in various departments, including operations, finance, and human resources.

Application Closing Date: 22 July 2026
Location: Lea Glen and Rand Leases, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Programme Duration: 12 months
Stipend: Market-related
Minimum Qualification: Diploma or Degree

About the Clicks Group UPD Graduate Programme

The Clicks Group UPD Graduate Programme is a fixed-term contract opportunity aimed at developing young talent within the pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution industry. This programme provides graduates with practical, on-the-job experience across different business units of United Pharmaceutical Distributors. It is a structured learning initiative designed to equip participants with essential workplace skills and industry knowledge.

The programme focuses on providing exposure to core business functions, helping graduates understand the complexities of supply chain management, logistics, and administration within the pharmaceutical sector. It is an excellent entry point for those seeking to build a career in this field.

About Clicks Group

Clicks Group is a leading health and beauty retailer in Southern Africa. Through its various subsidiaries, including United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD), the group plays a significant role in the healthcare and pharmaceutical supply chain. UPD is a major pharmaceutical wholesaler, ensuring that medicines and healthcare products reach pharmacies and other healthcare providers efficiently.

Available Graduate Opportunities

Graduates can be placed in several business areas within UPD. Applicants should apply only for opportunities that align with their completed qualifications. Available areas include:

• Operations and Supply Chain
• Infrastructure
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Learning and Development
• Training
• Key Account Management
• Warehouse Management
• Logistics

What the Graduate Programme Offers

Successful candidates in the UPD Graduate Programme will gain significant benefits, including:

• Twelve months of practical workplace experience.
• Exposure to various departments such as warehouse operations, supply chain processes, and financial administration.
• Opportunities to develop skills in logistics, distribution, and customer service.
• A market-related remuneration package.
• Potential exposure to training coordination, infrastructure projects, and sales administration.
• A chance to build a professional network within the pharmaceutical industry.

Programme Duration and Location

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract programme. The opportunities are based at the UPD branches located in Lea Glen and Rand Leases, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. Successful candidates must be available to work at these specific locations for the entire duration of the programme.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the Clicks Group UPD Graduate Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Have completed Grade 12 or Matric.
• Have successfully completed an eligible diploma or degree.
• Be currently unemployed.
• Have no prior formal work experience.
• Be available for the full 12-month programme duration.
• Be willing to work at the specified Johannesburg branches.

Specific degree or diploma qualifications are required for different areas, as detailed below.

Operations and Warehouse Management Qualifications

• BCom in Supply Chain Management
• Bachelor of Logistics
• BBA in Logistics
• BCom in Operations Management
• Any other relevant Warehouse Management qualification

Finance Degree Qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce in Finance
• BCom Financial Management
• Bachelor of Accounting
• Bachelor of Commerce in Economics

Logistics and Supply Chain Qualifications

• BCom Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• BCom Supply Chain Management
• Bachelor of Logistics
• BBA in Logistics

Human Resources and Learning & Development Qualifications

• Diploma in Human Resource Management

Finance Diploma Qualifications

• Diploma in Financial Management
• Diploma in Accounting
• Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting
• Diploma in Internal Auditing
• Diploma in Banking

Infrastructure Qualifications

• Diploma in Civil Engineering
• Diploma in Construction Management
• Diploma in Building
• Diploma in Electrical Engineering
• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
• Diploma in Infrastructure Management

Key Account Management Qualifications

• Diploma in Marketing Management
• Diploma in Business Management
• Diploma in Sales Management
• Diploma in Retail Business Management

Competencies Required

Applicants should demonstrate a range of skills and personal qualities to succeed in this programme. These include:

• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Ability to work effectively in a team
• Strong attention to detail
• Good organisational ability
• Effective time management
• A willingness to learn and adapt
• Professional conduct at all times
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment
• Customer-service awareness
• Reliability and accountability

Who Should Apply?

This graduate programme is ideal for unemployed South African graduates who have recently completed their studies and are eager to gain practical experience in the pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution sector. If you are looking to kick-start your career, possess the required qualifications, and are ready to commit to a 12-month development programme, this opportunity is for you. It suits individuals who are motivated, detail-oriented, and keen to learn about operations, logistics, finance, or HR within a leading company.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) clearly stating your unemployed status and lack of formal work experience.
• A copy of your South African identity document.
• A copy of your Matric certificate.
• Certified copies of your completed qualification(s).
• A complete academic transcript.
• Any additional documents as requested on the application portal.

Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and submitted as per the application instructions.

How to Apply

Applications for the Clicks Group UPD Graduate Programme 2026/2027 must be submitted online through the official Clicks Group careers platform.

Click here to apply for Clicks Group UPD Graduate Programme 2026/2027

When applying, use the following details to identify the programme:
Programme title: UPD Graduate Programme 2026 – Lea Glen and Rand Leases
Listing reference: click_025716

Complete the online application form accurately and upload all required documents before the closing date.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
• Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
• Applicants must ensure they meet all minimum requirements before applying.
• This programme is designated as an Employment Equity opportunity. Appointments will be made in line with Clicks Group’s Employment Equity requirements.
• If you do not receive feedback within two weeks after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 22 July 2026. It is advisable to submit your application well before this date to avoid any last-minute issues.

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