South Africa’s high unemployment rate is a critical challenge, particularly among young people. The Mr Price Foundation’s JumpStart program is tackling this issue head-on by equipping unemployed youth with essential skills and connecting them to career opportunities in the retail and supply chain sectors. This innovative initiative not only provides job seekers with valuable training but also helps employers access work-ready talent tailored to the retail industry’s needs.
What is the JumpStart Program?
The JumpStart program is a work-readiness initiative that has been running successfully for over a decade. It includes multiple tailored modules such as:
- Retail Sales Programme (RSP): A two-week training experience focused on customer service roles, offering life skills, sales theory, and real-world experience in retail settings.
- Retail Frontline Programme: Entry-level employment readiness with a focus on in-store operations.
- Professional Retail Programme (PRP): A more advanced, eight-month internship targeting graduates, preparing them for specialized retail roles through a combination of classroom, online, and hands-on learning.
Skills Development for Success
The program emphasizes both hard and soft skills, with courses covering personal development, communication, emotional growth, and practical workplace competencies. Participants leave the program with:
- Credible work experience.
- Certifications to boost their CVs.
- A solid foundation in customer engagement, product knowledge, and workplace readiness.
Bridging the Gap to Employment
JumpStart stands out by being demand-driven, aligning its training to the specific needs of the retail industry. While employment after completing the program isn’t guaranteed, the initiative’s strong industry partnerships increase the chances of job placement. For example, 21 graduates were recently employed at Mr Price’s Fourways Mall store.
A Nationwide Initiative
Training sessions are held in major cities, including Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria, with recruitment targeting South African youth aged 18–33 years. The program is accessible to those who meet the basic requirements, such as holding a matric certificate, being unemployed, and having no criminal record.
Impact and Recognition
The program has earned accolades for its contribution to youth employment and skills development, including recognition from NEPAD for its innovative approach to addressing unemployment in Africa.
If you’re passionate about retail and looking to build a meaningful career, JumpStart offers a stepping stone to a brighter future. Visit the Mr Price Foundation’s JumpStart page for more details on how to apply and get started.