Mr Price JumpStart Programme 2025: Kickstart Your Retail Career

Programme Reference: JumpStart 2025
Location: Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria (area-specific, based on demand)
Programme Type: Non-paid skills development training (2 weeks to 8 months, depending on the programme)
Closing Date: Ongoing for Professional Retail Programme; Retail Frontline Programme typically March–October 2025 (check website for updates)
Empower Your Future with the Mr Price JumpStart Programme
Are you a matriculant eager to launch a career in retail? The Mr Price JumpStart Programme, powered by the Mr Price Foundation, offers unemployed South African youth aged 18–33 a transformative opportunity to gain in-demand retail and manufacturing skills. Established in 2005, this non-profit initiative addresses South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis—over 62% for those aged 15–24—by equipping participants with practical training, life skills, and work experience to boost employability. With no cost to apply and partnerships with leading retailers like Mr Price Group and SPAR Group, JumpStart is your gateway to a rewarding career in retail!
Programme Overview
The JumpStart Programme offers five tailored training tracks for matriculants and one for tertiary graduates, designed to prepare participants for entry-level to specialized retail and manufacturing roles. While employment is not guaranteed, successful graduates gain a competitive edge through credible work-readiness experience and access to a talent pipeline for employer partners. Training is demand-driven and held in major cities like Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.
Available Programmes for Matriculants
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Retail Frontline Programme (RFP): A 2-week course for entry-level retail roles (e.g., shop assistant, cashier, merchandiser). Includes a 5-day online life skills course, in-person training, interviews, and 1 week of hands-on retail experience.
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Retail Sales Programme (RSP): A 2-week high-energy programme for customer-facing roles, blending life skills, sales theory, role-play, and in-store experience. Ideal for outgoing individuals passionate about customer service.
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Retail Essentials Programme (REP): A 6-month programme combining 30% classroom learning (store location, customer focus, merchandising) with 70% workplace experience, preparing participants for supervisory roles.
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Warehousing Basics Programme: A 2-week course for entry-level warehousing roles, including online life skills, in-person training, and practical experience.
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Production Programme: A 6-month course focusing on manufacturing skills for industries like clothing and footwear, with hands-on training.
Programme for Graduates
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Professional Retail Programme (PRP): An 8-month internship for diploma/degree holders (or final-year students) in fields like Retail Management, B.Com, Fashion Design, or Operations Management. Includes classroom learning, self-study, group projects, and 4 months of work experience. In 2024, over 70% of PRP graduates secured employment with Mr Price Group.
All programmes begin with a 5-day life skills course covering communication, conflict resolution, time management, work ethic, and career planning, ensuring participants are well-rounded and workplace-ready.
Why Join the JumpStart Programme?
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Free Training: No application or participation fees (beware of scams requesting payment).
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Skills Development: Gain industry-relevant skills in retail, sales, warehousing, or manufacturing.
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Practical Experience: Hands-on work experience in real retail or warehouse environments.
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Increased Employability: Graduates are added to a talent pipeline for partners like Mr Price Group and SPAR, with many securing permanent roles.
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Personal Growth: Build confidence, emotional intelligence, and soft skills through comprehensive training.
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Nationwide Reach: Training in major cities, tailored to local industry demand.
Eligibility Criteria
For Matriculant Programmes (RFP, RSP, REP, Warehousing, Production):
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South African citizen, aged 18–33.
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Grade 12/Matric certificate (at least one commerce subject for REP).
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Currently unemployed and not studying.
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No criminal record.
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Access to a smartphone/computer and 200MB data for online components.
For Professional Retail Programme (PRP):
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South African citizen, aged 18–33.
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Diploma/degree (or final-year student) in Retail Management, B.Com, Operations Management, Fashion Design, or related fields.
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No criminal record.
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Access to a smartphone/computer and 200MB data.
Note: Training availability is demand-driven. Check your area’s eligibility using your postal code on the JumpStart website.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the 2025 JumpStart Programme:
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Visit the Official Website: Go to www.mrpricefoundation.org/jumpstart and navigate to the “Programmes” section.
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Create an Account: Register with a valid email and phone number.
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Select a Programme: Choose one programme (e.g., Retail Frontline, Professional Retail) based on your qualifications and interests. You cannot apply for multiple programmes.
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Complete the Application:
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Fill out the online form with your personal details, education, and relevant experience.
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Upload your CV, certified Matric certificate (and academic transcripts for PRP), and ID.
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Take the Online Pre-Test: Complete a suitability assessment for retail (requires 200MB data and a smartphone/computer).
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Check Availability: Enter your postal code to confirm training availability in your area. If none, check back later or subscribe to the newsletter for updates.
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Await Response: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for assessments and interviews.
Important Notes:
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Deadlines: Retail Frontline and Retail Sales Programmes typically open from March to October (e.g., 1 March–15 October 2025, based on previous cycles). Professional Retail Programme applications are ongoing for 2025. Check www.mrpricefoundation.org for exact dates.
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Scam Alert: JumpStart is free. Do not pay for applications or share details with unverified sources. Contact info@mrpricefoundation.org or 0800 212 535 for verification.
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Forgotten Login: Reset your password at www.rbslearning.co.za or WhatsApp your name and ID to 076 887 9336.
Success Stories
JumpStart has empowered thousands of South African youth. In 2024, the Professional Retail Programme graduated 15 interns, with over 70% securing jobs at Mr Price Group. Graduates like Suhail Rajah from Durban have built thriving retail careers, while others, like Martin John Steenkamp, won the 2023 DFF Fashion Innovation Award. The Retail Essentials Programme in the Western Cape saw all seven graduates from areas like Philippi and Delft secure permanent employment in 2024, showcasing JumpStart’s impact.
Why Choose JumpStart?
With partnerships across Mr Price Group, SPAR Group, and other retailers, JumpStart aligns training with industry needs. The programme’s blend of theory, practical experience, and mentorship ensures you’re ready for roles like shop assistant, cashier, merchandiser, or supervisor. In 2024, Mr Price Foundation invested over R25 million in JumpStart, demonstrating its commitment to tackling youth unemployment.
Apply Today
Don’t miss your chance to transform your future! Visit www.mrpricefoundation.org/jumpstart to apply for the 2025 JumpStart Programme. For updates, join the Mr Price Foundation newsletter or follow their official Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages.
For enquiries, contact info@mrpricefoundation.org or call 0800 212 535.
Disclaimer: Programme availability and deadlines may vary. Always verify details on the official Mr Price Foundation website. JumpStart is not a recruitment agency and does not guarantee employment. Beware of scams requesting payment.
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