Mr Price Retail Skills Development Programme (2026)

South Africa’s youth face a significant challenge in securing employment, with 62% of young people aged 15 to 24 unemployed (Stats SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey Q1 2023).

The JumpStart Retail Skills Development Programmes aim to change this by providing essential skills for retail and manufacturing roles, allowing unemployed youth to enter the workforce and build successful careers.

Here’s how JumpStart is helping to close the employment gap.

What is the JumpStart Retail Skills Development Programme?

• Focus: Equip unemployed youth with retail and manufacturing skills.
• Objective: Empower young people to pursue careers in sectors crucial to South Africa’s economy.
• Skills: Offers hands-on training that prepares candidates for real-world retail and production roles.
• Result: Increases employability and provides career pathways in retail and manufacturing.

JumpStart Programmes for Matriculants

The JumpStart programme offers a variety of training programmes specifically designed for youth who have completed their Matric. These programmes are structured to help participants secure entry-level positions and start their career journeys.

1. Retail Frontline Programme

• Target Group: Youth with a Matric qualification interested in customer-facing retail roles.
• Focus: Training in customer service, sales techniques, and operational retail skills.
• Outcome: Prepares candidates for entry-level positions in retail stores and customer service roles.
• Skills Gained: Communication, customer interaction, product knowledge, sales tactics.

2. Retail Sales Programme

• Target Group: Youth interested in retail sales positions.
• Focus: Focuses on skills required for sales positions within retail environments.
• Outcome: Provides participants with knowledge of selling techniques, handling customer queries, and meeting sales targets.
• Skills Gained: Product promotion, sales strategy, handling objections, customer relationship management.

3. Retail Essentials Programme

• Target Group: Youth looking to specialize in retail operations beyond sales roles.
• Focus: Specialises in stock management, inventory control, and retail business operations.
• Outcome: Provides a strong foundation in behind-the-scenes retail functions, preparing candidates for managerial or operational roles in the future.
• Skills Gained: Stock management, inventory handling, logistics, store layout.

4. Warehousing Basics Programme

• Target Group: Youth interested in warehousing and logistics within the retail sector.
• Focus: Teaches the basics of warehouse management, stock control, and supply chain operations.
• Outcome: Prepares candidates for roles in warehouse operations, including stock management and distribution.
• Skills Gained: Warehouse safety, stock tracking, distribution management, logistics.

5. Production Programme

• Target Group: Youth interested in the manufacturing side of retail.
• Focus: Training in production line work, quality control, and safety protocols.
• Outcome: Prepares candidates for entry-level positions in production and manufacturing roles, crucial for supplying retail goods.
• Skills Gained: Quality control, machine operation, safety standards, production efficiency.

The Importance of Retail and Manufacturing Skills in South Africa

• Economic Impact: Retail and manufacturing are major contributors to South Africa’s economy, providing millions of jobs.
• Industry Demand: Both sectors require a skilled workforce to operate efficiently, and demand for skilled workers is consistently high.
• Skills Gap: Despite the high demand, there is often a mismatch between available jobs and skilled candidates. JumpStart seeks to bridge this gap by providing targeted training.
• Career Paths: Offering a wide range of entry-level positions in retail, warehousing, sales, and production, JumpStart provides opportunities for career growth and stability.

No Fees to Apply – A Lifeline for Youth

• Free Training: The JumpStart programme ensures there are no application fees, removing financial barriers for youth who wish to gain valuable skills.
• Protection from Scams: The programme is committed to helping young people avoid scams that might ask for payment in exchange for training.
• Equal Opportunity: By offering the programme for free, JumpStart ensures that all South African youth have an equal chance to succeed, regardless of their financial background.

Application Process for the JumpStart Programme

• Eligibility: Youth with a Matric qualification can apply for any of the five available programmes, but applicants can only apply for one programme.
• Documents Required: Candidates should prepare their Matric certificate, ID, and any relevant experience or qualifications before applying.
• Step-by-Step Process:
  1. Review the available programmes to choose the one that best aligns with career interests.
  2. Ensure all required documents are ready and submitted according to the application guidelines.
  3. Submit the application before the deadline.
• No Fees: As mentioned, there are no application fees, ensuring that all youth have an opportunity to access these life-changing programmes.

The Benefits of Participating in the JumpStart Programme

• Employment Readiness: JumpStart equips youth with the skills employers seek, giving them the confidence to thrive in their chosen roles.
• Hands-on Experience: Participants gain valuable real-world experience, making them more attractive to potential employers.
• Industry Recognition: The skills learned in the JumpStart programme are recognised by leading retail and manufacturing companies across South Africa.
• Career Growth: With the foundation laid by the programme, participants have the chance to grow in their careers, from entry-level positions to managerial roles.
• Job Placement: Many graduates of the programme are offered permanent roles by companies they have trained with, thanks to their newly acquired skills and experience.

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Why Retail and Manufacturing Careers Matter for South Africa’s Youth

• Job Creation: Retail and manufacturing are among the largest job creators in South Africa, offering a wide range of entry-level to managerial roles.
• Economic Growth: As the retail and manufacturing sectors expand, there is a growing need for skilled workers, meaning more opportunities for youth.
• Building a Strong Workforce: Investing in skills development ensures South Africa has a future-ready workforce that can support the country’s economic development.
• Reducing Unemployment: Programmes like JumpStart help reduce youth unemployment by providing them with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the workforce.

Apply Here

The JumpStart Retail Skills Development Programmes offer a clear path to employment for South Africa’s youth. By providing no-cost training in areas such as retail sales, warehousing, production, and operations, JumpStart empowers young people to pursue fulfilling careers in two of the country’s most significant industries. The programme is a stepping stone for unemployed youth, providing them with the tools and skills they need to build successful futures in retail and manufacturing.

With no application fees and a focus on hands-on experience, JumpStart is committed to breaking the barriers to employment and giving South Africa’s youth the chance to succeed in a competitive job market.