- JumpStart Professional Retail Programme equips 15 graduates with the tools to succeed as future retail leaders.
- The retail industry is benefiting from young professionals with fresh insight and experience.
- Applications are now open for the 2025 JumpStart Professional Retail Programme.
DURBAN, 03 December 2024 – Mr Price Foundation is celebrating the graduation of 15 talented interns from its 2024 JumpStart Professional Retail Programme, showcasing a powerful commitment to developing future retail leaders. Over 70% of the class of 2024 have already secured employment with Mr Price Group trading divisions.
The JumpStart Professional Retail Programme (PRP) stands out as a bespoke post-graduate internship designed to accelerate professional work readiness and empower young talent to thrive in and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The practical work experience is carefully curated to include core functions in the retail value chain such as production, logistics, planning/merchandising, store management and sustainability.
Selected from over 700 applicants, these interns completed a comprehensive nine-month programme that combines classroom instruction, self-study, group projects, and hands-on work experience across various business functions. Since its inception in 2017, 91 interns have graduated from Mr Price Foundation’s Professional Retail Programme, with an 85% employment rate.
The Foundation invested R1.8 million in this year’s programme, with R622,000 paid directly to interns as stipends. Since the launch of JumpStart in 2007, Mr Price Foundation has trained over 57,000 unemployed youth with over 30,500 (53%) gaining employment post-training. Overall, there has been R120 million invested in JumpStart from 2013 to date.
In the 2024 cohort, three outstanding interns were recognised for their exceptional performance. Selection is based on a combination of academic performance, attitude and their final Business Improvement Projects, and reflects the dedication, commitment, flair and ambition of the interns in building successful careers in retail.
Luyanda Nkosi from Mtubatuba won the Cutting Edge Award, an accolade for the highest achiever with a consistently positive attitude. Mbalenhle Ngubane from Greytown received the Best Fit Award, and Lindelani Masondo from Pongola was honored with the Hang in There Award.
“Mr Price Foundation is delighted to develop the next generation of young retail leaders,” said Mr Price Foundation Executive Director Octavius Phukubye.
“The industry requires new ways of thinking and talented young people who are passionate and excited about the career opportunities in retail. The benefit is a two-way street – our interns gain professional skills while employers benefit from their insights, creativity and fresh energy,” Phukubye continued.
JumpStart Programme Manager Yurissa Sawers highlighted the interns’ significant growth, noting their increased confidence, emotional intelligence, and the ability to produce high quality work. In their final showcase, interns presented Business Improvement Projects that offered solutions to real-world retail challenges, demonstrating their ability to recognise and drive business operational efficiencies.
The JumpStart Professional Retail Programme uniquely bridges the gap between tertiary education and workplace readiness. With a blend of five months’ practical experience, the programme offers interns a compelling value proposition that ensures that they are significantly better prepared for professional careers in retail.
The programme is designed on a collaborative model that includes capable faculty, knowledgeable business experts and passionate leaders from Mr Price Group who act as mentors throughout the programme. For the work experience, the 2024 cohort of interns were hosted by Mr Price Group, Powerhouse Clothing, Ninian & Lester, Zentex, Alley Cat, ALC, Oh Two Printing, Seamless Technologies, Hedcor, Equator Belts, Headwear24, and Bata.
“To enable this level of professional and personal growth for the interns requires considerable investment from our work experience host partners. They are collectively part of this journey. We thank them for helping us nurture future talent,” said Sawers.
“We congratulate the class of 2024! We are immensely proud of their achievement and look forward to seeing them thrive in their careers in future. The 2025 intake is now open, and I hope that more young people will apply and take advantage of the growth and future of the retail sector,” added Phukubye.
Applications for the 2025 JumpStart Professional Retail Programme are now open.
For further information visit https://www.mrpricefoundation.org/jumpstart-retail-skills-programmes/professional-retail-programme/. Eligible applicants must be South African citizens aged 18 to 33, holding a diploma or degree (or completing their final year of study in 2024) in a retail-related field.
Caption: The Class of 2024 from Mr Price Foundation’s JumpStart Professional Retail Programme celebrated their graduation from the nine-month “pressure cooker” which equips them with tools to be future retail leaders. The “Fabulous Fifteen” were elated, as they are on the brink of stepping into their retail careers. © Tim Lubbe / Mr Price Foundation
Caption: (Left to Right) Mr Price Foundation Executive Director Octavius Phukubye, JumpStart Programme Manager Yurissa Sawers, Luyanda Nkosi (Cutting Edge Award), Lindelani Masondo (Hang in There Award), Mbalenhle Ngubane (Best Fit Award) and Head of Mr Price Foundation Karen Wells share in the jubilation of the graduation of the Professional Retail Programme Class of 2024. © Tim Lubbe / Mr Price Foundation
EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Three outstanding graduates of the Professional Retail Programme are recognised each year for their exceptional performance. Selection is based on a combination of academic excellence, attitude and the quality of their final Business Improvement Projects.
- The Cutting Edge Award recognizes the highest achiever, combining top academic performance with a consistently positive attitude. This accolade is awarded to a graduate who embodies a successful and cutting-edge retail professional.
- The Best Fit Award is presented to an individual who secures second place overall and demonstrates a natural alignment with the retail industry through their enthusiasm, energy and confidence.
- The Hang in There Award celebrates an intern who displays enthusiasm, dedication and a determination to overcome challenges on the path to success.
MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA ARE INVITED TO CONTACT MR PRICE FOUNDATION TO SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW WITH MR PRICE FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OCTAVIUS PHUKUBYE.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT
Pierre Tostee
Head of Communications
Mr Price Foundation
