If you want to work at Mr Price, Sheet Street, Miladys, or Mr Price Sport, the Mr Price Learnership 2026 (JumpStart Programme) is one of the best ways to enter the retail industry.
While it is not a traditional 12-month SETA learnership, JumpStart works like a learnership-style training programme that prepares unemployed youth with retail skills, workplace experience, and job opportunities.
Many participants secure permanent store jobs after training.
Here’s everything you need to know.
If you’re new to workplace training programmes, first read our complete guide explaining what learnerships are and how they work in South Africa.
👉 How SETA Learnerships Work (Step-by-Step Beginner Guide)
What Is the Mr Price JumpStart Learnership?
Mr Price JumpStart is a free retail work readiness and skills training programme run by the Mr Price Foundation.
It helps young people become:
- Shop assistants
- Cashiers
- Sales associates
- Stock controllers
- Retail store staff
Think of it as:
👉 Learnership-style training + job preparation + placement support
Instead of long classroom study, the focus is practical, hands-on retail work.
Why Mr Price Offers This Programme
Many young South Africans:
- Have Matric but no work experience
- Struggle to get their first job
- Don’t understand workplace expectations
Retail employers need workers who are:
- professional
- reliable
- customer-friendly
- confident
JumpStart teaches exactly these skills.
Who Can Apply?
You typically qualify if you are:
- South African citizen
- Aged 18–33 years
- Unemployed
- Interested in retail or sales
- Matric preferred
- Little or no work experience
This programme is perfect for:
- First-time job seekers
- School leavers
- TVET students
- Youth needing work experience
You can also explore other opportunities designed for beginners such as SETA learnerships, internships, and bursaries.
What Will You Learn?
Training focuses on real retail skills.
Workplace Skills
- Professional behaviour
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Time management
Retail Skills
- Operating tills/cash registers
- Assisting customers
- Packing shelves
- Merchandising stock
- Handling payments
Job Readiness
- CV writing
- Interview preparation
- Confidence building
- Customer service training
After completion, you are store-ready.
Is It a Paid Learnership?
This is important:
JumpStart is not always paid like SETA learnerships.
- Training is free
- Some placements may offer stipends
- Many learners get hired into paid retail jobs afterward
So the benefit is:
👉 Better employment chances rather than guaranteed monthly pay
If you prefer programmes that pay a monthly allowance, see our guide on paid learnership stipends and how funding works.
👉 Are SETA Learnerships Paid? (Stipend & Allowance Explained)
How Long Is the Programme?
The programme is shorter than normal learnerships.
It may last:
- A few days to a few weeks
- Depends on intake and location
It’s designed for fast entry into work.
Where Can You Work After Training?
Successful participants may get opportunities at:
- Mr Price
- Mr Price Sport
- Sheet Street
- Miladys
- Other retail partners
Many stores prefer hiring JumpStart graduates first.
How to Apply for Mr Price Learnership 2026
Follow these steps:
Step 1 – Visit Mr Price Careers Page
Search:
Mr Price JumpStart Programme application
Step 2 – Register Online
Create a profile and upload:
- CV
- ID
- Contact details
Step 3 – Complete Screening
You may be invited for:
- Online assessments
- Interviews
- Training sessions
Step 4 – Attend Training
If selected, you join the training programme.
Documents You May Need
Prepare:
- Certified ID copy
- CV
- Matric certificate
- Proof of address
- Contact number & email
Benefits of This Programme
Here’s why it’s popular:
- No experience needed
- Free training
- Builds confidence
- Improves employability
- Real retail skills
- Possible job placement
- National brand exposure
It’s one of the easiest ways to enter the retail industry.
You may also consider applying for government or SETA programmes that offer longer training and formal qualifications.
👉 What Is a SETA in South Africa and How Does It Work?
Tips to Get Selected
- Apply early
- Use a neat CV
- Be punctual
- Dress professionally
- Show positive attitude
- Be willing to work weekends & holidays
Retail employers value attitude more than marks.
JumpStart vs SETA Learnership – What’s the Difference?
JumpStart
- Short training
- Work readiness focused
- Not always paid
- Faster job placement
SETA Learnership
- 12 months
- Monthly stipend
- Formal qualification
- Longer training
Both are useful — choose based on your goals.
Related Career Opportunities You Should Explore
- Clover Merchandiser YES Learnerships 2026
- RMA Learnerships 2026: Requirements, Stipend & How to Apply
- NSFAS Funding Guide 2026
Final Thoughts
If you want to start working quickly and gain real retail experience, the Mr Price Learnership 2026 (JumpStart Programme) is a smart first step.
It helps you:
- build skills
- gain confidence
- improve your CV
- access job opportunities
Apply early to secure your spot.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Is Mr Price JumpStart a real learnership?
It is learnership-style training but shorter and more practical than SETA learnerships.
Is the programme free?
Yes, training is free.
Do I get paid?
Not always during training, but you may get paid once hired.
Do I need experience?
No experience required.
What qualification do I need?
Matric is preferred but not always required.
Where does training happen?
At selected centres or retail stores nationwide.