Truworths, one of South Africa’s leading and most popular fashion retailers, is offering an exciting Traineeship Programme to help young, talented individuals break into the fashion industry. This programme provides a comprehensive platform for individuals eager to learn, grow, and contribute to the fast-paced world of fashion.

Whether you’re interested in fashion design, merchandising, buying, or planning, the Traineeship Programme at Truworths offers an opportunity to develop skills, gain industry experience, and set the foundation for a successful career.

1. Trainee Fashion Designer

The Traineeship Programme at Truworths offers aspiring designers the chance to gain real-world experience while contributing to the design of fashionable, trendy clothing that speaks to the South African market. Based at Truworths’ Head Office in Cape Town, this position allows trainees to hone their skills while working alongside some of the best in the business.

Key Responsibilities of a Trainee Fashion Designer

Trend Research: Staying up-to-date with international and local trends to forecast the fashion direction for the South African market.
Assisting Buyers: Helping the buying team build fashion ranges that incorporate exciting, yet commercially viable, color palettes, fabrics, and key looks.
Collaboration: Working on various ad-hoc design projects as part of a team, contributing fresh ideas and creative solutions.
International Exposure: Potentially attending international trade fairs to gain insights from the fashion capitals of the world and incorporate this knowledge into your designs.

Required Qualifications and Skills

A fashion design qualification or a related qualification.
Knowledge of fabric and garment construction to ensure the creation of practical yet stylish designs.
Graphic design skills (a plus), particularly in software like Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, to assist in the development of product ranges.

The Traineeship Programme in fashion design is ideal for those who are passionate about creating clothing that embodies both global trends and local cultural nuances. This role provides excellent exposure and experience to help jump-start your career in the fashion design industry.

2. Trainee Fashion Graphic Designer

For those who are equally passionate about fashion and graphic design, the Traineeship Programme offers a perfect fit. The Trainee Fashion Graphic Designer position gives trainees the opportunity to work closely with fashion designers, buyers, manufacturers, and print mills to bring to life stunning graphics and designs that perfectly complement Truworths’ fashion lines.

Key Responsibilities of a Trainee Fashion Graphic Designer

Creating Graphics and Prints: Designing placement graphics, branding, and all-over prints for various fabric types and garment styles.
Trend Research: Identifying and analyzing print and fashion trends locally and internationally, adapting them for the South African market.
Collaboration: Working with buyers and designers to ensure the graphical designs reflect the latest trends and meet market demands.
Production Preparation: Preparing designs for production from a technical standpoint, ensuring they are production-ready.

Required Qualifications and Skills

A qualification in graphic design, surface/textile design, fashion design, or a related field.
Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
Knowledge of various print techniques (screen prints, digital prints) is highly beneficial.

The Traineeship Programme for Fashion Graphic Designers offers an exciting creative outlet for individuals looking to merge art with fashion, designing graphics that transform garments into trendsetting fashion pieces.

3. Trainee Buyer

For those with a keen eye for business, the Traineeship Programme offers the role of Trainee Buyer—a position that allows trainees to work closely with suppliers, designers, and planners to ensure that Truworths provides customers with the best fashion at the best prices. Buyers are integral to fashion retail, balancing creativity with business acumen to make the right product decisions.

Key Responsibilities of a Trainee Buyer

Creative and Conceptual Input: Working with the team to develop fashion ranges that are both forward-thinking and commercially viable.
Product Analysis: Analyzing products and trends to ensure that the range appeals to the target market.
Supplier Relations: Building and optimizing relationships with suppliers to ensure the best products are sourced.
Negotiation and Budgeting: Managing budgets and negotiations with suppliers to ensure that Truworths gets the best deal.

Required Qualifications and Skills

A creative qualification, preferably a fashion degree or diploma.
Strong negotiation skills and a passion for the fashion industry.
A keen sense of business and trends, with the ability to make decisions based on customer preferences.

As part of the Traineeship Programme, the Trainee Buyer position offers a unique chance to merge creativity with business strategy, making it an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in both fashion and commerce.

4. Trainee Planner

If you have an analytical mindset and enjoy working with numbers, the Trainee Planner position in the Traineeship Programme is the ideal role for you. As a planner, you’ll play a critical role in supporting the business’s purchasing decisions, analyzing sales data, and ensuring that fashion products are in stock and available when needed.

Key Responsibilities of a Trainee Planner

Business Analysis: Reviewing financial trends and product sales data to provide strategic input.
Forecasting and Stock Management: Predicting future sales and managing stock levels to ensure that product demand is met.
Financial Planning: Developing and monitoring the financial plans that support the range of products offered.
Performance Optimization: Analyzing and improving product performance to enhance sales.

Required Qualifications and Skills

A B.Com, B.SC, or other numerate tertiary qualification.
Strong analytical and organizational skills, with a passion for numbers and retail trends.
Comfort with working with systems and technology to track and improve business performance.

The Traineeship Programme in planning provides an excellent foundation for individuals looking to build a career in retail merchandising and business strategy. It’s an exciting role for those who enjoy problem-solving and working with data.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should upload their CV, portfolio, ID, Matric Certificate, and any relevant academic transcripts to their Truworths Career Website profile. Each position has specific qualifications and requirements, so ensure that all your documents are in order before submitting your application.

Apply Here!

Truworths’ Traineeship Programme offers unparalleled opportunities for individuals passionate about fashion and retail to gain invaluable experience and jump-start their careers. From Trainee Fashion Designer roles to Trainee Buyer, Trainee Planner, and Fashion Graphic Designer, each position is designed to provide hands-on experience and a solid foundation in the fashion industry.

With exposure to international trends, cutting-edge retail strategies, and mentorship from industry leaders, this Traineeship Programme will set you on the path to success in the fast-paced world of fashion and retail.

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