What you need to know about CCBA Ascend Graduate Program and how to apply 2026

• The “Ascend – Leaders in Training Programme” (sometimes referred to as a graduate / internship programme) is CCBA’s entry-level graduate scheme, aimed at fresh graduates to become the next generation of leaders within the company. ccba.graduate.erecruit.co+2Recruite+2
• CCBA is among Africa’s largest Coca-Cola bottlers — operations span 14 African countries. The programme offers exposure to a broad FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) environment, giving you a chance to learn how a major beverage company works across many business units. ccbagroup.com+2ccba.graduate.erecruit.co+2
• The aim is rotation and development — you’ll rotate through different departments (Operations, Commercial, Supply Chain, Support Services, possibly Finance/HR/Marketing depending on business need), get mentorship, and participate in real projects. SETA SA+2ccba.graduate.erecruit.co+2

🎯 Who Can Apply — Eligibility & What They Look For

To be eligible:

• You must have completed an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s or comparable) recently (typically within the last 2 years). ccba.graduate.erecruit.co+2Careers Portal+2
• No extensive work experience required — the programme is suited for fresh graduates or those with minimal work history. ccba.graduate.erecruit.co+1
• You should have good leadership potential, demonstrated via involvement in campus life, extracurricular activities, societies, volunteer work, or other leadership roles. SETA SA+2Edupstairs+2
• Strong communication skills (especially English), analytical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. SETA SA+2ccba.graduate.erecruit.co+2
• Proficiency with basic office tools (e.g. MS Office) is often expected. Career Page+1

Fields of study: While CCBA does not limit strictly to one discipline — as long as you have a degree and show leadership/ potential. But business-related fields (e.g. business management, supply-chain, marketing, finance, etc.) may align well, given the FMCG / commercial nature of operations. EDU PAGE+2ccba.graduate.erecruit.co+2

🔧 What the Programme Offers — Structure & Benefits

As a CCBA “Ascend” graduate, you can expect:

• Rotational placements across multiple business units — operations, commercial, supply-chain, support services — giving you broad exposure to how a large FMCG business runs. ccba.graduate.erecruit.co+2Shoshanews Careers+2
• Structured learning and development: on-the-job training, coaching/mentorship, workshops or formal training modules to build leadership, commercial awareness, business acumen. SETA SA+2Flex Jobs Space+2
• Real business projects: tasks and responsibilities that contribute to company operations — not purely observational: you’ll be expected to deliver results, solve problems, collaborate across teams. Recruite+2EDU PAGE+2
• A fast-paced, dynamic environment, giving experience in FMCG/consumer goods — great for building transferable business and commercial skills. SETA SA+2ccbagroup.com+2
• Potential pathway to longer-term employment — if you perform well during the training and there’s business need, the programme can be a launchpad for a permanent role. Edupstairs+1

📝 How to Apply — Steps & What to Prepare

1. Check the official CCBA Careers portal — go to the “Graduate Applications” or “Careers” section and look for the “Ascend – Leaders in Training Programme” listing. ccbagroup.com+1
2. Prepare required documents:
   • Updated CV / résumé
   • Certified academic records / degree certificate (showing completion) Shoshanews Careers+1
   • Proof of identity / legal right to work — for South Africa intake this generally means South African ID or valid work permit. ccba.graduate.erecruit.co+1
   • Evidence of leadership / extracurricular / campus involvement (volunteer work, student societies, projects, etc.) — helps your application stand out. SETA SA+1
   • Proficiency in English and MS Office (or willingness to learn) — noted as part of skills requirements. ccba.graduate.erecruit.co+1
3. Apply before the closing date — recent adverts showed a closing date of 30 November 2025 for the 2026 intake. ccba.graduate.erecruit.co+2Careers Portal+2
4. Complete online application via portal — CCBA discourages agency submissions or emailed CVs. Use their official recruitment portal to apply. ccba.graduate.erecruit.co+1
5. If shortlisted — be prepared for interviews/assessments that test leadership potential, problem-solving, fit with corporate culture, communication and teamwork skills.

⚠️ What to Know / What to Consider

• Competition is likely high — many graduates apply. Having leadership or notable extracurricular involvement gives you an advantage.
• The programme is designed for recent graduates — if you completed your degree more than 2 years ago, you may not be eligible.
• While the programme offers training and experience, graduation from the programme does not guarantee permanent employment — continuation depends on performance and business need. Edupstairs+1
• You should be open to rotations — may involve different business units, varied tasks, and possibly fast-paced or demanding work conditions (typical for FMCG companies).

✅ Who Should Definitely Consider Applying

You should apply to CCBA Ascend if you:

• Recently graduated (bachelor’s degree) and are looking for a graduate-entry path into a large, dynamic company rather than immediately entering the job market.
• Want exposure to FMCG / commercial business operations — supply chain, operations, marketing, business support, etc.
• Have shown leadership, initiative, teamwork or extra-curricular involvement during your studies.
• Are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and learning on the job.
• Are open to rotation and variety, and want a structured development programme that builds both technical and soft skills.

https://www.mycareers.co.za/category/learnerships