Ascend Leadership Training Programme 2026 – Apply Now!

Internship

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa

Company: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (A Division of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa)
Head Office Address: 30 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
Job Category: Internships, Graduates & Bursaries
Reference Number: CCB251111-1
Closing Date: 30 November 2025

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) invites ambitious young graduates to apply for its prestigious Ascend – Leaders in Training Programme, an elite development initiative aimed at shaping the next generation of leaders within Africa’s largest Coca-Cola bottling partner.

CCBA is responsible for over 40% of all Coca-Cola beverages sold in Africa, distributing global and local brands across 14 countries and serving more than 800,000 customers. With a workforce of over 14,000 employees, this programme offers an unmatched opportunity to learn, lead, and grow within one of the most influential FMCG environments on the continent.

🌟 What’s in It for You?

As a participant in the Ascend – Leaders in Training Programme, you will begin a transformational journey that includes:

  • 🌍 Exposure to core business functions, including Operations, Commercial, Supply Chain, and Support Services.

  • 🎓 Structured leadership development, including workshops, coaching, and mentorship.

  • 📈 Involvement in high-impact business projects that shape growth and performance.

  • 🤝 Guidance from experienced leaders and industry specialists.

  • 🚀 Access to a dynamic learning environment that rewards courage, innovation, curiosity, and excellence.

This is a launchpad for graduates who are ready to lead with purpose and contribute to Africa’s growth story.

📌 Key Duties & Responsibilities

In this programme, you will:

  • Participate in structured learning, rotational assignments, and job-shadowing opportunities.

  • Apply analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to real business challenges.

  • Work collaboratively in cross-functional teams to support strategic initiatives.

  • Demonstrate leadership through initiative, accountability, and teamwork.

  • Maintain a growth mindset, embracing feedback and new challenges.

🎯 Skills, Behaviours & Competencies Required

What We Expect From You

The ideal candidate is someone who is:

  • Driven to make an impact

  • Curious and thirsty to learn

  • Genuinely caring about people, customers, and communities

  • Ready to take ownership and lead through others

Behavioural Qualities

  • Embraces change and feedback

  • Shows optimism, courage, and adaptability

  • Collaborates well in diverse teams

  • Remains calm and resilient under pressure

Core Competencies

  • Impact-Driven – Able to deliver results in unfamiliar situations

  • Fast-Paced – Thrives in energetic, dynamic environments

  • Influencer – Contributes ideas and shapes outcomes

  • Challenge-Seeker – Enjoys variety and problem-solving

  • Independent – Works effectively with autonomy

  • Empathetic & Inclusive – Supports others and values diversity

🎓 Qualifications & Experience

To qualify, you must have:

Minimum Requirements

  • A completed undergraduate degree (completed in the last 2 years)

  • English proficiency and strong MS Office skills

  • A record of leadership involvement, extracurricular activities, or campus engagement

Preferred Experience

  • Evidence of leadership roles or responsibilities

  • Community involvement, volunteering, tutoring, or student organisation participation

  • Academic achievements showing consistency and effort

This is the programme where your leadership journey begins — Make it Yours.

🛑 Policy Statement

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa is committed to employment equity and diversity, guided by regional requirements and national legislation. Recruitment decisions are based solely on merit and relevant qualifications. CCBA does not accept agency CVs for this role.

🧠 Best CV Tips for This Internship

⭐ Highlight Leadership Activities

Mention roles such as:

  • Team captain

  • Class representative

  • Society chairperson

  • Volunteer leader

⭐ Demonstrate Impact

Use measurable achievements:

  • “Led a team of 10 volunteers during campus food drive.”

  • “Improved reporting accuracy by 25% during group project.”

⭐ Tailor Your CV to FMCG & Leadership

Include:

  • Project management exposure

  • Stakeholder engagement

  • Business acumen

  • Problem-solving experiences

⭐ Keep It Professional

  • Max 2–3 pages

  • Use bullet points and clean formatting

  • Ensure consistent fonts and spacing

  • Include LinkedIn and updated contact details

⭐ Mention Technical Skills

Especially:

  • MS Excel

  • PowerPoint

  • Data analysis

  • Presentation skills

To apply for this job please visit ccba.graduate.erecruit.co.