Learning and Development Administrator at Pepkor Lifestyle: Requirements, Responsibilities, Skills and How to Apply

If you are looking for a career opportunity in Human Resources, training administration, employee development and workplace learning, the Learning and Development Administrator position at Pepkor Lifestyle could be worth considering. The role is suited to an organised and detail-oriented person who enjoys working with people, managing information, coordinating training programmes and supporting employees throughout their learning journeys.

Learning and development has become an increasingly important function for organisations across South Africa. Companies need employees who have the right skills to perform their jobs effectively, while businesses must also manage training records, learnerships, internships, compliance requirements and development programmes.

The Learning and Development Administrator role at Pepkor Lifestyle brings several of these responsibilities together. The successful candidate will support learning initiatives across the organisation while also working with training records, reporting, e-learning, SETA-related administration, learnerships and internships.

This article explains what the position involves, the skills candidates should have, why it can be a valuable career opportunity, possible career progression, interview preparation tips and salary expectations for similar Learning and Development roles in South Africa.

About Pepkor Lifestyle

Pepkor Lifestyle operates within the broader Pepkor group, one of South Africa’s major retail organisations. The business operates in the retail sector and focuses on lifestyle-related products and services through its various retail operations.

Working for a large retail organisation can expose an employee to a complex corporate environment where numerous departments, employees, stores, managers and support functions need to work together.

For a Learning and Development professional, this type of environment can provide valuable experience because training is not limited to a single office or small team. Learning programmes may involve employees at different levels and across different areas of the business.

Pepkor’s broader business environment also means that learning and development can contribute directly to employee capability, operational performance and career progression.

For someone who wants to build a long-term HR career, experience gained within a large corporate and retail environment can therefore be useful when applying for future positions.

What Does a Learning and Development Administrator Do?

A Learning and Development Administrator provides the administrative and operational support required to ensure that workplace learning programmes run effectively.

Although the word “administrator” may make the position sound purely clerical, the responsibilities in this opportunity extend beyond basic administration.

The successful employee will work with training programmes, employee records, learning databases, reporting, e-learning content, compliance documentation, learnerships, internships and different stakeholders.

One of the most important responsibilities is maintaining accurate information.

Training departments often deal with large amounts of information, including:

• Employee training records
• Course attendance
• Training completion
• Learning programme registrations
• Learnership information
• Internship information
• Training providers
• Training expenditure
• Compliance documentation
• SETA-related records
• Learning programme outcomes

A small administrative error can create problems when reports need to be submitted or when an organisation is preparing for an audit.

This is why attention to detail is one of the most important qualities for someone applying for this type of position.

Key Responsibilities of the Learning and Development Administrator

The position covers several important areas of Learning and Development.

1. Learning and Development Administration

The successful candidate will provide administrative support for learning and development initiatives across the business.

This can involve coordinating training interventions, workshops, programmes and other learning activities.

The administrator may need to communicate with employees, managers, training providers and other stakeholders to ensure that programmes run according to plan.

Training records also need to be kept accurate and up to date.

This means candidates should be comfortable working with spreadsheets, databases, documents, emails and other administrative systems.

2. Training Coordination

Training does not happen automatically. Someone needs to coordinate the practical details.

A Learning and Development Administrator may help organise:

• Training dates
• Venues
• Employee attendance
• Facilitators
• Learning materials
• Training providers
• Registrations
• Communication with participants
• Completion records

Strong organisational skills are therefore essential.

The employee may have several programmes running at the same time, meaning that prioritisation and time management are particularly important.

3. Learning Records and Databases

Accurate learning records are an important part of an HR and Learning and Development function.

The administrator will be responsible for maintaining the Learning and Development database and ensuring that information remains accurate.

This may include recording employee participation, tracking course completion and updating programme information.

Candidates who have experience with HR systems, Learning Management Systems or databases may have an advantage.

Basic Excel knowledge is also important because spreadsheets are commonly used to analyse and present learning information.

4. E-Learning and Digital Content

An interesting part of this role is its involvement in digital learning.

The successful candidate will assist with developing and maintaining learning materials for e-learning environments and other training interventions.

This means the role is not restricted to traditional classroom-based training.

As businesses increasingly use online learning platforms, Learning and Development professionals need to understand how digital content can be used to support employee development.

Candidates who have worked with Learning Management Systems, online training platforms, PowerPoint or digital learning content may therefore be able to demonstrate useful experience.

5. SETA and Compliance Administration

Another important component is Skills Development and compliance administration.

The vacancy specifically refers to W&RSETA administration, as well as WSP/ATR, Employment Equity and BBBEE reporting requirements.

For candidates who want to develop a career in South African Learning and Development, knowledge of these areas can be extremely valuable.

Training departments need accurate documentation to demonstrate that learning programmes have been properly administered.

The administrator may therefore assist with maintaining records and supporting submissions and audits.

A candidate does not necessarily need to know everything from day one, but an understanding of workplace skills development and a willingness to learn can strengthen an application.

6. Learnerships and Internships

The position also involves coordinating learnership and internship programmes.

This could include supporting:

• Recruitment of learners and interns
• Selection administration
• Onboarding
• Programme documentation
• Learner records
• Communication with stakeholders
• Monitoring learner progress
• Liaising with training providers
• Liaising with relevant SETA representatives

This is particularly valuable experience for someone who wants to specialise in talent development.

Learnerships and internships can require significant administrative coordination because there are multiple parties involved.

7. Reporting

Reporting is another major responsibility.

Learning and Development departments need reliable information to understand whether training initiatives are achieving their intended objectives.

The administrator may be required to prepare or maintain reports relating to training participation, programme completion and compliance.

This is where analytical thinking becomes important.

Being able to collect information is one thing. Being able to identify errors, interpret information and present it clearly is another.

Why This Job Is Worth Applying For

There are several reasons why candidates interested in HR and Learning and Development should consider this opportunity.

Exposure to a Major Corporate Environment

Working within a large retail organisation can provide exposure to structured HR processes and corporate systems.

This experience can strengthen your CV and make it easier to demonstrate practical experience when applying for future HR roles.

Opportunity to Specialise in Learning and Development

Many HR professionals eventually choose a specialised area.

These can include:

• Recruitment
• Payroll
• Employee relations
• HR administration
• Talent management
• Organisational development
• Learning and Development

This position provides an opportunity to develop specifically in Learning and Development.

Experience With Learnerships and Internships

Experience administering learnership and internship programmes can be particularly useful in the South African employment environment.

Candidates can develop knowledge of programme administration, learner support, reporting and stakeholder management.

Exposure to Compliance

The role also provides exposure to W&RSETA, WSP/ATR, Employment Equity and BBBEE-related requirements.

These are useful areas of knowledge for people building careers in HR and workplace skills development.

Development of Digital Skills

The involvement in e-learning and Learning Management Systems means that successful candidates can develop digital workplace skills alongside traditional HR administration.

This is increasingly valuable as organisations move towards technology-supported employee development.

Skills That Increase Your Chances of Getting the Job

Meeting the minimum requirements is important, but certain skills can make an application stronger.

Strong Microsoft Excel Skills

Excel is one of the most useful tools for an L&D administrator.

Candidates should ideally understand:

• Sorting and filtering
• Basic formulas
• Data validation
• Tables
• Pivot tables
• Data cleaning
• Basic reporting

You should be able to explain how you have used Excel to manage or analyse information.

Attention to Detail

Learning and Development involves substantial amounts of data and documentation.

A candidate must be able to identify mistakes before they become larger problems.

Communication

You may communicate with employees, managers, training providers and other stakeholders.

Good written and verbal communication is therefore essential.

Organisation

You may have to coordinate several training programmes simultaneously.

Being organised can help ensure that deadlines are not missed.

Analytical Thinking

Reports should not simply contain numbers.

A strong administrator should be able to understand what the numbers mean and identify unusual results or potential problems.

Customer Service

The role involves supporting employees and stakeholders.

A professional and helpful attitude can make a significant difference to the learner experience.

Technology Skills

Experience with HR systems, LMS platforms, reporting tools and Microsoft Office can strengthen your application.

Candidates should also be open to learning new technology.

Qualifications and Experience

The vacancy requires Grade 12 as the basic educational requirement, while a relevant qualification in Human Resources, Learning and Development, Education, Training or a related field is beneficial.

Previous experience in Learning and Development, Training Administration or a related HR environment is also relevant.

Candidates with experience in retail may have an additional advantage because they may already understand some of the operational realities of a large retail organisation.

Experience with learnerships, internships, Learning Management Systems and e-learning platforms can also strengthen a candidate’s profile.

Career Growth Opportunities

A Learning and Development Administrator role can serve as a foundation for several career paths.

With experience, a candidate could potentially progress into positions such as:

Learning and Development Coordinator

This position generally involves greater responsibility for coordinating learning programmes and stakeholders.

Learning and Development Specialist

An L&D Specialist may become responsible for specific learning programmes, skills development initiatives or organisational learning projects.

Training Coordinator

Candidates can also specialise in training coordination, working closely with facilitators, employees and training providers.

Skills Development Facilitator

With appropriate experience and professional development, an individual may pursue a career focused on workplace skills development and SETA-related processes.

Talent Development Specialist

Experience in employee development can also lead towards talent management and organisational development.

Learning and Development Manager

With sufficient experience, leadership ability and relevant qualifications, an L&D professional can progress into management.

The exact career path will depend on qualifications, performance, experience and opportunities available within an organisation.

Interview Preparation Tips

If you are invited to an interview, preparation is essential.

Research the Company

Learn about Pepkor Lifestyle and the wider Pepkor group.

Understand the retail environment and think about why employee training is important in a business with a large workforce.

Understand Learning and Development

Be prepared to explain what Learning and Development means to you.

You could discuss how effective training can improve employee capability, productivity, compliance and career development.

Prepare for Excel Questions

Because the role involves reporting and data, you may be asked about your Excel experience.

Be prepared to explain which functions you know and how you have used Excel in real situations.

Prepare Examples

Instead of simply saying that you are organised, provide an example.

For instance, describe a situation where you had multiple deadlines and explain how you prioritised your work.

You can use the STAR approach:

Situation: What was happening?

Task: What were you responsible for?

Action: What did you do?

Result: What happened afterwards?

Prepare for Stakeholder Questions

You could be asked how you would deal with an employee, manager or training provider who has not supplied information on time.

Your answer should demonstrate professionalism, communication, follow-up and escalation where necessary.

Understand Confidentiality

HR departments handle employee information.

Demonstrate that you understand the importance of confidentiality, responsible information handling and professional conduct.

Demonstrate Learning Agility

If you do not have experience with every system mentioned in the job requirements, do not pretend that you do.

Instead, explain how you have learned new systems in the past and demonstrate your willingness to develop.

Similar Jobs Available

Candidates interested in this opportunity can also search for related positions such as:

• Learning and Development Administrator
• Training Administrator
• HR Administrator
• Training Coordinator
• Learning Coordinator
• HR Development Administrator
• Skills Development Administrator
• Skills Development Facilitator
• Talent Development Administrator
• Learning Management System Administrator
• Training Officer
• Junior HR Officer
• Human Resources Administrator
• Talent Management Administrator
• Organisational Development Administrator

Searching for these job titles can help candidates discover additional opportunities within retail, manufacturing, financial services, telecommunications, logistics and other industries.

Industry Salary Expectations

Salary for Learning and Development positions in South Africa can vary significantly depending on experience, qualifications, location, industry and the size of the employer.

Entry-level or junior Learning and Development administration positions may commonly fall in the region of approximately R12,000 to R20,000 per month, while candidates with stronger experience and specialist knowledge may find opportunities in the R20,000 to R35,000+ per month range.

More experienced Learning and Development specialists, Skills Development professionals and managers can earn substantially more depending on their responsibilities and qualifications.

These figures should be treated as general market estimates rather than a guaranteed salary for this specific position. The actual package offered by an employer may differ.

Candidates should consider the complete employment package rather than looking only at the basic salary. Benefits, bonuses, retirement contributions, medical aid, training opportunities and career development can all contribute to the overall value of an employment opportunity.

How to Make Your CV Stand Out

If you are applying for a Learning and Development position, your CV should be specifically tailored to the role.

Do not simply submit the same CV you use for every HR vacancy.

Highlight experience involving:

• Training administration
• Employee records
• HR databases
• Excel
• Reporting
• Learnerships
• Internships
• Training coordination
• SETA administration
• WSP/ATR
• BBBEE
• Employment Equity
• Learning Management Systems
• E-learning
• Stakeholder communication

If you have completed relevant HR or training-related projects, include them where appropriate.

Your CV should also clearly show your qualifications and employment history.

Who Would Be a Good Fit for This Position?

The ideal candidate is likely to be someone who enjoys structured work but is also comfortable interacting with people.

You may be a good fit if you are:

• Organised
• Reliable
• Detail-oriented
• Comfortable with data
• Interested in HR
• Good with Excel
• A strong communicator
• Able to meet deadlines
• Comfortable working with different stakeholders
• Interested in employee development
• Willing to learn new systems
• Able to work independently
• Comfortable working as part of a team

Someone who dislikes administrative work or struggles to maintain accurate records may find the position challenging.

Final Thoughts

The Learning and Development Administrator opportunity at Pepkor Lifestyle is an interesting option for candidates who want to establish or strengthen a career in Human Resources and workplace learning.

The role combines traditional administration with training coordination, digital learning, reporting, compliance, learnerships, internships and stakeholder support. That combination can provide valuable practical experience and expose the successful candidate to several areas of modern Learning and Development.

The strongest applicants should not only focus on having the required qualification. They should demonstrate their ability to work accurately with information, communicate professionally, manage competing priorities and learn new systems.

Excel skills, knowledge of HR and Learning and Development processes, exposure to SETA administration and experience with learning systems can all strengthen an application.

For candidates hoping to build a long-term career in HR, this type of position can be an important stepping stone towards roles such as Learning and Development Specialist, Skills Development Facilitator, Talent Development Specialist or L&D Manager.

If you are passionate about helping employees develop their skills while also enjoying administration, data, technology and coordination, this could be the type of opportunity that provides a strong foundation for your career in Learning and Development.