Large retailer Shoprite says it expects to reach its target of empowering more than 12,000 youths (aged 18-29 years) to enter the retail sector or start their own business by the end of June.<\/p>\n
Arguably the largest skills development initiative ever undertaken by a South African retailer, the Shoprite Group\u2019s Retail Readiness programme launched in February 2016.<\/p>\n
Following the successful completion of an 8-week training programme, participants receive an NQF-level 3 qualification. Since the programme\u2019s inception, a total of 8,688 young people have been employed in Shoprite or Checkers stores, the group said.<\/p>\n
The current training block will end on 22 June. The next one is expected to kick off in July 2018 and applications are still open.<\/p>\n
“South Africans with matric can apply for the programme at our recruitment centres in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria,” said Moga Pillay, the Group\u2019s spokesperson on skills development.<\/p>\n
“This programme is a direct challenge to the crippling effects of youth unemployment. More than half of young South Africans are unemployed.<\/p>\n
“It also enables us to improve on the quality of recruits filling vacancies at our stores, since those who have completed the programme have a good understanding of how our business works and the factors that influence our ability to grow,” Pillay said.<\/p>\n
Those who are not absorbed into the group\u2019s workforce have the necessary basic skills to start their own business or to be employed elsewhere in the retail sector.<\/p>\n
Participants of the programme are provided with the basic business principles to understand the financial, legal and business requirements of setting up and running a small to medium enterprise in conjunction with a large retailer, Shoprite said.<\/p>\n
Three weeks of theory is followed by five weeks of in-store training in various departments like the deli, bakery, as well as fruit and vegetables. Participants are paid a weekly stipend during their time in the store.<\/p>\n
The retailer provided a list of 10 tips for job applicants:<\/p>\n