As in many parts of the world, youth unemployment in South Africa is one of the leading crisis. The Shoprite YES Learnership Program is one of the few places where hope can be found. Order from the South Africa government, Shoprite’s program YES initiative is aligned with. It offers more than just work experience — it is a gateway to lifelong employability.
What is the Shoprite YES Learnership?
The program gives young South Africans work experience, vocational and personal skills within the South African YES program. The YES program is a private-public partnership designed to create a million opportunities for South African Youth to gain work experience in businesses across the nation.
As the largest retailer in Africa, Shoprite has embraced this vision fully. As part of the learnership program, Shoprite hires unemployed youth with no work experience, but trains them within the business to promote retail operations, distribution, finance, and customer service.
Who Can Apply?
The Shoprite YES Learnership is tailored for:
South African citizens from 18 to 34 years old
Holders of Matric (Grade 12 or equivalent)
Individuals who are unemployed and have no history of permanent employment
Young individuals who are willing to learn and develop in the dynamic retail sector.
In addition to the above, applicants must embody reliability, commitment, and a genuine desire to develop a career, instead of just searching for a job.
Structure of the Program
The program offers participants a full 12 months of paid work experience in one of Shoprite’s numerous operational branches. In this duration, learners receive:
Training learning the defined roles by seasoned employees
Essential work skills that include communication, collaboration, and time management
A stipend that is above zero which is a hindrance for some.
Career coaching and mentorship to support in defined professional and personal milestones.
This model of teaching equips learners for real employment which is more pertinent in this dynamic economy.
Real Impact, Real Stories
The YES learnership program from Shoprite gave and continues to give individuals opportunities, impacting thousands and changing their lives. A significant number of learners have been employed by the company, while some have leveraged their experience for opportunities elsewhere.
There are numerous examples of success—notably, young individuals who were once unemployed and dispirited, and are now confidently managing teams in bustling retail outlets. These individuals gained far more than a paycheck through the learnership; they were provided, dignity, an opportunity, and a future.
Why It Matters
Initiatives such as the Shoprite YES Learnership have a far-reaching impact beyond the individual, as they are designed to transform entire communities. Through its investment in the youth of South Africa, Shoprite is making a positive contribution towards the country’s social and economic development. Focused investment in young people bolsters economic advancement, drives innovation, mitigates poverty, and fortifies the economy to be more inclusive.
How To Apply
To learn more, visit a Shoprite store, or apply online through the Shoprite Careers Portal. The application process contains the following steps:
Application submission online
Assessment and application review
Interview
Evaluation of performance and potential for placement
Final remarks
The key takeaway is that the YES Learnership is a means of aiding corporate social responsibility, and a means of address strategic investment aimed at South Africa’s future. Through the development of targeted employment pathways for the youth, Shoprite is strategically aiding in the development of a robust future workforce.
The learnership is, in essence, a commencement for a lifelong journey towards growth and development, self-sufficiency, and success.
