South Africa continues to face a youth unemployment crisis, with rates hovering around 45–64 % in recent years. As Africa’s largest private sector employer, the Shoprite Group is on the frontlines of transformation with the Retail Readiness Programme (RRP) and the flagship Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative. Both initiatives are not just about jobs—they’re about building brighter futures.
What is the YES Programme?
Launched in 2018, the YES Programme is a collaborative, business-led partnership with government and labour aimed at reducing youth unemployment. It provides:
- 12 months of structured, on-the-job training across various store disciplines—baking, deli, fresh produce, customer service, inventory, and more
- Lifecycle support: from employer exposure during training to pathways for entrepreneurship or permanent employment upon completion.
- Massive scale: over 11,000 participants have been placed, with the Shoprite Group alone creating more than 9,450 YES opportunities since 2018
How YES Complements RRP
YES is built on the foundation of the Retail Readiness Programme, a seven-week intensive training that combines 5 weeks in-store and 2 weeks classroom theory, culminating in an NQF‑level 3 qualification. RRP equips candidates with retail essentials; YES then immerses them in real work environments for a year, significantly enhancing their skill set and employability.
The Impact Behind the Numbers
The statistics speak volumes:
- 187,000+ youth jobs created across private sector through YES
- R10.9 billion invested in youth salaries
- 56 % of participants are women, and 75 % come from social-grant households—underscoring its inclusive reach.
- YES alumni include hundreds of entrepreneurs and managers who’ve risen through actual experience to leadership roles.
Why Shoprite Invests in Youth
The benefits are far-reaching:
- For youth: It’s a pathway from unemployment to qualifications, real skills, career growth, and entrepreneurship.
- For business: Companies like Shoprite gain talented, experienced staff, stronger B‑BBEE scores, and contribute to national socio‑economic progress.
- For communities and the economy: YES infuses local economies with R10.9 b in wages, stabilizes households, and builds talent reservoirs.
How You Can Get Involved
Eligible South African youth (ages 18–34) with Grade 10–12 or an RRP qualification can apply
APPLY FOR THE SHOPRITE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (YES) PROGRAMME FOR 2025 HERE
Shoprite’s commitment—evident in over R386 million invested and training nearly 19,000 youth in recent years—marks it as a leader in youth development.
The Bigger Picture
YES isn’t just a programme—it’s a transformative bridge from education to employment, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. It’s a powerful model showing how private sector leadership, aligned with government goals, can reshape lives and economies. For youth across South Africa, YES at Shoprite offers not just a job—but a future.
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