- Smollan offers a 2026 “Graduate Programme” under its Data & Technology business unit — often referred to via the subsidiary/brand DataOrbis. Adzuna+2LinkedIn+2
- The programme aims to bridge the gap between academic study and real-world application: you’ll work on live projects in retail technology / data analytics / systems within Smollan/DataOrbis. Youth Opportunities Hub+2LinkedIn+2
- It’s framed as more than a short basic internship — a “graduate programme / training scheme” that gives structured exposure, mentorship, workshops, professional development and practical working experience. Adzuna+2LinkedIn+2
✅ What the 2026 Data & Technology Graduate Programme Offers — Role, Benefits & What You Do
According to the public advert / listing:
- Role / Activities
- Analyse data to support IT / retail-tech decision-making. LinkedIn+1
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, clients, and partners. LinkedIn+1
- Work on implementation of new retail-technology solutions — real projects, not just training exercises. Adzuna+1
- Stay current with retail-tech trends, possibly help with system upgrades, data pipelines, analytics/reporting tasks depending on project needs. LinkedIn+1
- Training / Professional Development
- Structured training including workshops for professional & personal development. Youth Opportunities Hub+1
- Mentorship from experienced professionals in the Data & Technology business unit. LinkedIn+1
- Exposure to real-world retail-tech / data-analysis environments: meaningful work, not just shadowing or admin tasks. Adzuna+1
- Stipend / Contract Details
- Monthly stipend: Approximately R 8,000 per month (advertised) for the 12-month programme. Adzuna+1
- Location: Cape Town (Claremont / Western Cape). Hybrid working arrangement (i.e. mixture of on-site & remote work) is indicated. Adzuna+1
- Number of roles: 3 roles advertised for 2026 Data & Technology Graduate Programme. Adzuna+1
🎓 Who Should Apply / Eligibility & What Smollan Looks For
Based on the advert and job listing:
- You should have a completed 3- to 4-year degree — ideally with a STEM major (e.g. Data Science, Computer Science, IT, Information Systems, Statistics, or similar quantitative/technical qualification). LinkedIn+1
- Strong data-analysis skills, including proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, basic functions) — essential. LinkedIn+1
- Having SQL skills or database/technical skills is considered an advantage (not always mandatory, but preferred). LinkedIn+1
- Good analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, ability to work independently or as part of a team, and interest / passion for technology and retail/tech solutions. Youth Opportunities Hub+1
- Willingness to be based in Cape Town (or relocate) if required for the 2026 programme, and commit to a 12-month contract beginning presumably 1 February 2026. LinkedIn+1
📝 What to Know / What to Check Before You Apply — Realistic View & What’s Not Guaranteed
- This programme is labelled a “Graduate Programme / Internship” — but it’s not a multi-year “graduate-trainee with guaranteed employment at the end.” The listing calls it a 12-month programme. Youth Opportunities Hub+1
- Only 3 roles are advertised for 2026 in this stream — meaning competition will likely be high. Adzuna+1
- The sector is retail / retail-tech — so work may involve retail-specific data/technology systems, consumer-data analytics, supply-chain data, not necessarily “pure software engineering.” Good to be flexible about the kind of technical work you’ll do.
- The stipend (R 8,000/month) is modest — so consider cost of living (especially if you relocate to Cape Town) when accepting.
✅ My Assessment: Is Smollan Data & Technology Graduate Programme 2026 Worth It — Yes, Good Option If You Qualify & Are Flexible
I think the Smollan / DataOrbis 2026 Graduate Programme is a strong opportunity, especially if you meet the requirements (STEM degree, data/tech skills, willing to relocate to Cape Town) — and are open to work in retail-technology/data analytics rather than “pure tech dev.”
Why it’s good:
- Real, project-based work (not just internship errands) — good for building a CV and gaining relevant industry experience.
- Mentorship + structured training + exposure to a big company’s data/retail-tech operations.
- If you’re trying to break into data/technology & analytics, it can be a solid bridge between university and industry — especially if you don’t yet have many job offers.
Best for you if:
- You have a data- or tech-oriented degree;
- You’re willing to relocate to Cape Town and accept a modest stipend;
- You’re open to retail/retail-tech context;
- You want a 12-month structured programme to build real-world skills and possibly transition to bigger roles after.
