YES Programme 2026/2027 – 12-Month Retail

YES Programme 2026/2027 – 12-Month Retail On-the-Job Training Opportunity | Shoprite Group

Are you a motivated young South African aged 18–34 who is unemployed and ready to gain real workplace experience in the retail sector? The Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026/2027, in partnership with the Shoprite Group, is now open for applications. This is a fully structured 12-month fixed-term on-the-job training opportunity designed to equip you with practical retail skills, boost your employability, and open doors to future career opportunities — including potential permanent placement upon successful completion.

If you are searching for YES Programme jobs 2026, Shoprite youth employment opportunities, 12-month retail training contracts, unemployed youth retail programmes Gauteng / Western Cape / KwaZulu-Natal / Limpopo, first work experience for matriculants, or Retail Readiness Programme opportunities, this is your chance to take that important first step into the world of work with South Africa’s largest retailer.

About the YES Programme with Shoprite Group

The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a collaborative initiative between business, government, and labour aimed at addressing youth unemployment in South Africa. Through this programme, Shoprite Group — the country’s leading retail employer — offers young people meaningful, hands-on training in a fast-paced retail environment. Participants will receive comprehensive exposure across various areas of store operations while earning a stipend and building a professional track record.

This is more than just a job — it is a structured learning experience that combines practical training, mentorship, and personal development to prepare you for long-term success in retail or even entrepreneurship.

Programme Overview

• Duration: 12 months (fixed-term contract)
• Sector: Retail (across Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, and other formats)
• Training Areas: Customer service, sales, merchandising, stock management, cash handling, visual display, and store operations
• Start Date: Opportunities available from 2026 onwards
• Location: Various stores nationwide (Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Free State, North West, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga)

Why Join the YES Programme at Shoprite?

• Gain 12 months of valuable, recognised work experience that stands out on your CV.
• Develop essential retail skills including customer service excellence, sales techniques, stock control, and teamwork.
• Earn a monthly stipend while learning in a professional retail environment.
• Receive structured training, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Increase your chances of permanent employment after successful completion.
• Be part of South Africa’s biggest private-sector employer with over 160,000 team members.
• Work in a dynamic, customer-focused environment with clear career pathways.
• Contribute to a company that serves millions of South Africans every day.
• Benefit from a supportive culture that values youth development and transformation.
• Take the first step towards financial independence and long-term career growth.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

To qualify for this YES opportunity, you must:

• Be a South African citizen aged 18 to 34 years old.
• Be currently unemployed.
• Have completed Grade 10 (or equivalent) — Matric (Grade 12) is highly advantageous.
• Hold a Retail Readiness Programme (RRP) qualification (advantageous).
• Be available and committed to a full 12-month fixed-term contract.
• Not have been employed permanently with a single employer for more than 1 year.
• Not be studying full-time during the contract period (April 2026 – March 2027).
• Not have participated in or been registered on the YES programme before.
• Arrange your own accommodation and transportation (if applicable).

Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Act.

What You Will Learn and Do

Participants will receive hands-on training and be expected to:

• Deliver excellent customer service and build positive relationships with shoppers.
• Assist with sales, product advice, and handling customer queries.
• Maintain high merchandising and store presentation standards.
• Participate in stock receiving, counting, and replenishment.
• Support cash handling and administrative tasks where required.
• Learn visual merchandising, promotions, and seasonal displays.
• Work collaboratively with store teams to achieve daily targets.
• Uphold hygiene, safety, and company standards at all times.
• Grow personally through feedback, training sessions, and mentorship.
• Demonstrate reliability, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic every day.

How to Apply

Apply online via the official Shoprite Careers portal: https://apply.shoprite.jobs/register

Make sure your application clearly shows that you meet all the YES eligibility criteria. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments.

Closing Date: Applications are open — apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the programme? 12 months fixed-term contract.

Is Matric compulsory? Grade 10 is the minimum, but Matric is highly advantageous.

Will I receive a stipend? Yes — participants receive a market-related monthly stipend.

Is previous retail experience required? No — this is a training programme for unemployed youth.

Can I apply if I have studied before? Yes, as long as you are currently unemployed and meet the other criteria.

Will there be permanent employment after the contract? High-performing participants often receive permanent offers, but this is not guaranteed.

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This YES Programme 2026/2027 with Shoprite Group is a genuine opportunity to gain credible work experience, develop marketable skills, and improve your future employability in the retail sector. Thousands of young South Africans have already benefited from similar programmes — now it’s your turn.

If you are ready to take this important step, apply today at: https://apply.shoprite.jobs/register

Shoprite Group – Growing Together, Serving Millions.