Unemployed and unskilled youths aged 18 to 34 are implored to apply for specialist training and educational programmes at the Shoprite Group throughout the year.?
With youth unemployment at a staggering 63,9%, the group’s talent attraction and development strategy places a strong focus on offering early careers to unemployed youngsters.?
Through its Retail Readiness Programme the group has invested more than R586 million into more than 32 000 learners since 2016.?Arguably the largest and most successful skills development initiative undertaken by a South African retailer, the seven-week programme equips unemployed youth with the basic skills required to work in a retail environment or to start their own business.?
On successful completion of the programme, participants receive NQF-level 3 part-qualifications.??
“I went from a student in the Retail Readiness Programme to trainee manager and then assistant manager in just over a year,” said Amanda Ngobese, Assistant Manager at Usave Richmond, Pietermaritzburg. “The Shoprite Group recognised my talents and supported me in my career journey. If you’re keen to learn there’s always someone willing to teach you something here at Shoprite.”
As the most high-impact employment creator in the YES Initiative the group has created 7 387 work opportunities for youth since 2018.?Its learners receive 12 months on-the-job training at various in-store service departments, including the bakery, deli and fresh foods.?
Upon successful completion of the Retail Readiness Programme or YES Initiative, many learners are offered the opportunity to join the group, with 1 427 doing so in 2022.?
“When I finished the YES programme in 2020, my then-manager encouraged me to apply for the management trainee programme,” said Phenyo Mogale, Sales Manager at Shoprite Northam, Limpopo. “I’ve had the opportunity to work in a number of stores and the journey has been incredible and also full of surprises. Shoprite has given me opportunities to not only learn about the business, but also to grow with the business.”? To apply for one of the group’s youth development programmes: • Send a WhatsApp to 087 240 5709 and select Job Opportunities;•Visit https://shoprite.jobs;•Submit your CV at the nearest Shoprite, Checkers or Usave supermarket.? For more information, visit the Shoprite Group’s Youth Opportunities web page.
