In the face of South Africa’s pressing youth unemployment—hovering around 45–64%—the Shoprite Group has stepped up, offering transformative opportunities through its Retail Readiness Programme (RRP). Since its launch in 2016, this initiative has become a cornerstone of youth empowerment, equipping young South Africans with the skills and confidence to step into the retail sector despite lacking previous work experience.
What is RRP?
The RRP is a structured, multi-week training initiative blending theory and hands-on practice in retail store environments:
- Programme structure: Typically, five weeks of in-store practical training, followed by two weeks of classroom-based theory.
- Certification: Graduates earn an NQF‑level 3 certificate, boosting their employability.
Who it Targets
- Age: Young South Africans aged 18–34
- Qualifications: At minimum a Grade 10 pass; however, matric is preferred.
- Experience: No prior work experience required—making it a gateway for first-time job seekers.
Why It Matters
- Massive investment: Shoprite has invested nearly R600–700 million, training over 38,000 youth since 2016. In 2023 alone, 4,065 learners were trained and 1,293 secured jobs within the Group.
- Real impact: Graduates like Sanelisiwe Nyandeni and Dewald Elrick Boer have progressed from RRP and YES to managerial roles, with Sanelisiwe enrolling in university and Dewald serving as a trainee manager in Pretoria.
- Pathway to YES: Completing the RRP qualifies learners for the Youth Employment Services (YES) initiative—twelve months of job experience in-store—often with further absorption into the company.
Tangible Outcomes
- Job placements: Of those trained in 2023, nearly 30% joined the Shoprite Group. Many continue into management training, retail operations, or even open their own businesses.
- Entrepreneurial focus: The programme goes beyond basic retail tasks—linking participants with entrepreneurial and workplace skills, empowering them to thrive in a competitive job market.
How to Apply
Eligibility: South African citizens aged 18–34 with Grade 10 (Grade 12 preferred).
APPLY FOR THE SHOPRITE RETAIL READINESS PROGRAMME (RRP) HERE
Why RRP Stands Out
- No entry barrier: Previous experience isn’t required—this levels the playing field for disadvantaged youth.
- Hands-on learning: The 5-week in-store immersion delivers practical retail skills and nurtures real teamwork.
- Formal accreditation: The NQF‑level 3 certificate demonstrates tangible achievement, valuable for career progression.
- Career pipeline: Graduates benefit from a clear progression route—RRP → YES → management or entrepreneurship.
Our Conclusion
The Shoprite Retail Readiness Programme is more than just a learnership—it’s a launching pad. By bridging the gap from unemployment to meaningful work, Shoprite is enabling thousands of youths to write new life chapters. Through skills-building, qualification, and employment pathways, RRP plays a pivotal role in transforming South Africa’s retail landscape—one young person at a time.
Empower youth. Fuel futures. RRP leads the way.
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