Dreaming of a career in retail with one of South Africa’s top fashion retailers? The Mr Price Foundation’s JumpStart Programme offers a dynamic pathway for unemployed youth to gain skills, work experience, and a shot at landing jobs with Mr Price Group or other retail giants. With applications open for 2025, this is your chance to break into the retail industry, even without prior experience. Here’s your guide to applying for Mr Price jobs through the JumpStart Retail Frontline Programme (RFP) and Professional Retail Programme (PRP).
Why Join the JumpStart Programme?
The Mr Price Foundation, established in 2005, has trained over 57,000 unemployed youth since 2007, with 53% securing jobs post-training. JumpStart is a free, SETA-accredited work readiness initiative that equips you with retail skills and hands-on experience, boosting employability in a country with a 45.5% youth unemployment rate. While not a direct recruitment agency, JumpStart partners with Mr Price Group (including Mr Price, Mr Price Home, Mr Price Sport, Miladys, and Sheet Street) and other retailers like SPAR to create a talent pipeline. Participants gain skills in customer service, merchandising, and store operations, making them prime candidates for entry-level roles like shop assistant or cashier at Mr Price stores.
Programme Highlights
- Retail Frontline Programme (RFP): A 2-week course for Matriculants, including online life skills, in-person training, and 1 week of in-store experience.
- Professional Retail Programme (PRP): An 8-month internship for graduates, offering advanced retail training and 5 months of work experience.
- Stipend: PRP offers stipends (approximately ZAR 3,000–5,000/month, based on 2024 data of R622,000 for 15 interns). RFP is typically non-paid but provides free training.
- Outcome: No job guarantee, but 70%+ of PRP graduates and many RFP participants secure jobs with Mr Price or partners.
What Will You Do in the JumpStart Programme?
Retail Frontline Programme (RFP)
Designed for Matriculants, this 2-week programme prepares you for entry-level retail roles:
- Online Life Skills Course: Covers personal development, communication, work ethic, and job prep (requires 200MB data and a smartphone/laptop).
- In-Person Training: 2 days of retail skills training (e.g., customer service, merchandising).
- Work Experience: 1 week in a Mr Price store, assisting with sales, stock handling, or customer queries.
- Outcomes: Build a professional CV, gain interview skills, and learn retail basics like store operations and customer engagement.
Professional Retail Programme (PRP)
For graduates, this 8-month programme targets specialized roles:
- Training: Cloud-based learning, classroom sessions, and group projects on retail value chain topics (e.g., merchandising, logistics, store management).
- Work Experience: 5 months in Mr Price Group or partners like Powerhouse Clothing or Bata, working on real-world projects.
- Outcomes: Develop skills in planning, sustainability, and business operations, with 85% of graduates employed since 2017.
Who Can Apply?
Retail Frontline Programme (RFP)
- Eligibility:
- South African citizen, aged 18–33
- Matric (Grade 12, NQF Level 4) with no specific subject requirements
- Unemployed and not studying full-time
- No criminal record
- Passionate about retail and customer service
- Bonus: Prior retail or customer-facing experience (e.g., volunteering) is helpful but not required.
Professional Retail Programme (PRP)
- Eligibility:
- South African citizen, aged 18–35
- Diploma or degree (or final-year student) in BCom, Operations Management, Business Management, Retail Management, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Clothing Management, or related fields
- Unemployed and not in another internship
- Based in or able to relocate to Durban (training hub)
- Bonus: Interest in retail value chain roles (e.g., merchandising, planning).
General Requirements
- Access to a smartphone/laptop and 200MB data for online components
- Commitment to complete the full programme
- Certified copies of ID and qualifications
- Ability to attend training in major cities (e.g., Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town)
How to Apply for JumpStart Programmes
Applications are open now but are demand-driven, meaning availability depends on your area’s postal code. Apply early to secure a spot before 31 October 2025 (based on similar programme timelines). Follow these steps:
- Prepare Your Documents:
- Updated CV highlighting any retail, customer service, or teamwork experience
- Certified copy of your South African ID (within three months)
- Certified copy of Matric certificate (RFP) or diploma/degree/academic record (PRP)
- Optional: A cover letter explaining your passion for retail and Mr Price
- Submit Your Application:
- Visit www.mrpricefoundation.org or https://www.rbslearning.co.za/
- Click “Apply” under JumpStart Retail Frontline Programme or Professional Retail Programme
- Create an account, complete the online form, and upload documents
- Select your programme carefully (you can only apply for one)
- For RFP, complete an online pre-assessment (200MB data required)
- Deadline: Apply by 31 October 2025 (assumed; confirm via the website)
- Avoid Scams: JumpStart is free. Never pay fees or share bank details. Report scams to info@mrpricefoundation.org.
If you forget your login details, WhatsApp your name, surname, and ID number to +27 76 887 9336 or reset your password at https://www.rbslearning.co.za/.
What to Expect After Applying
The JumpStart selection process ensures work-ready candidates:
- Online Pre-Assessment: Tests retail aptitude (RFP applicants).
- Application Review: HR verifies qualifications and eligibility.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates attend in-person or virtual interviews with regional coordinators.
- Background Checks: ID, qualifications, and criminal records are verified.
- Programme Start: Successful applicants begin in 2025, with RFP lasting 2 weeks and PRP 8 months.
Contact your regional coordinator (details in your candidate letter) if you’re not contacted within 6 months post-training.
Tips for a Standout Application
To shine in the JumpStart process:
- Tailor Your CV: Highlight any customer-facing or teamwork experience, even informal (e.g., school events).
- Write a Cover Letter: Share your enthusiasm for retail and Mr Price’s vibrant brand.
- Certify Documents: Ensure ID and qualifications are certified within three months.
- Prepare for Assessments: Brush up on basic math and communication for the RFP pre-test.
- Check Availability: Confirm training is open in your area (e.g., Johannesburg, Cape Town) via postal code during application.
- Apply Early: Submit well before 31 October 2025 to avoid missing out.
Why This Opportunity Matters
South Africa’s retail sector, employing over 2 million people, is a key economic driver. JumpStart’s RFP and PRP address the skills gap, with 30,500 graduates employed since 2007. The RFP equips Matriculants for roles like shop assistant, while the PRP prepares graduates for specialized positions like merchandising or store management. With Mr Price Group’s 2,000+ stores and partnerships with SPAR and others, your training is recognized industry-wide, boosting your chances for jobs at Mr Price or beyond.
Conclusion
The Mr Price Foundation’s JumpStart Programme for 2025 is your gateway to a retail career with Mr Price Group or other leading retailers. Whether you’re a Matriculant applying for the 2-week Retail Frontline Programme or a graduate aiming for the 8-month Professional Retail Programme, you’ll gain skills, experience, and employability. Prepare your CV, certified ID, and qualifications, and apply online at www.mrpricefoundation.org or https://www.rbslearning.co.za/ by 31 October 2025. Don’t miss this free, transformative opportunity—jumpstart your retail future today
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