These are some of the best retail training programmes and learnerships you can apply for in 2025 if you are a South African. From recruitment agencies, skills training providers and big retail stores.
Retail Training Programmes and Learnerships to Apply for in South Africa
South Africa’s retail sector is massive, covering everything from fashion and groceries to tech and furniture. If you’re a young person looking for a way in, retail training programmes and learnerships are one of the best starting points. These programmes don’t just hand out theory—they give you workplace exposure, a stipend, and in many cases a recognised qualification.
Here’s a look at some of the best places where you can find retail courses, wholesale learnerships, and frontline training opportunities in 2025.
TFG (The Foschini Group)
TFG, home to brands like Foschini, Markham, Totalsports, and @home, is one of the biggest fashion and lifestyle retailers in South Africa. Beyond selling clothes, they’ve built a reputation for youth workplace programmes.
Each year, TFG provides year-long training programs for young people without jobs. Some of these programs don’t require a special degree, only a high school diploma. Trainees work in TFG shops, factories, or call centers.
This training is officially recognized and part of the National Qualifications Framework, so you earn a formal certificate.
TFG also takes part in the YES4Youth program, which gives young individuals a full year of paid work experience. An added benefit is that trainees can use TFG’s online learning materials, and YES participants even get a smartphone with training apps that they can keep after finishing.
The most exciting part is that many trainees who perform well are hired for permanent positions within TFG, offering a real way to start a career in fashion retail.
GP Retail Academy
GP Retail Academy is a specialized organization that concentrates on helping people grow in retail jobs. Their courses aim to get students ready for direct customer roles, managing stores, and learning about wholesale.
They partner with retail businesses to place students directly into the field. You can begin with introductory courses such as customer service or store management, and for those seeking advancement, they also offer leadership training to assist with promotions.
Besides apprenticeships, they also provide brief retail classes. These are useful for quickly acquiring particular skills while still working towards a complete certification later on.
Mr Price Foundation – Retail Frontline Programme
The Mr Price Foundation offers a program called the Retail Frontline Programme (RFP) to help young people in South Africa find jobs in retail. While not a complete training program with a full degree, it functions similarly, teaching you the necessary skills for entry-level positions.
The program begins with an online course on life skills, followed by in-person classes, interviews, and a short, one-week experience working in a retail store. It focuses on important areas like helping customers, selling products, and being prepared for a job – essentially, the fundamental knowledge you’ll need to start working in retail.
To be eligible, you must be a South African citizen, aged 18 to 33, unemployed, and have completed Matric (Grade 12).
You will also need a phone or computer with internet access, as the initial part of the training is conducted online. Additionally, you must not have a criminal record.
After finishing the program, many participants are placed in stores owned by the Mr Price Group, such as Mr Price, Mr Price Home, Sheet Street, Power Fashion, and Miladys. Sometimes, they also help participants connect with other retail companies. You can also explore top training programs for easy job opportunities.
The programme doesn’t promise a permanent job, but it makes you more employable and gives you a better chance of getting hired. Thousands of young people have already gone through RFP and landed entry-level jobs in stores across the country.
Retail Solutions
Retail Solutions offers more than just training; they are a complete partner for retail businesses, helping with staffing and skill development. Their services include finding and hiring employees, assisting with human resources, and providing staff training programs, such as learnerships in wholesale and retail that are approved by SETA.
For those wanting to learn, this means you might be placed in a retail training program that an employer typically pays for. These programs cover a wide range, from basic retail tasks (like working in a store, helping customers, or managing inventory) to training for supervisors and managers if you wish to advance your career.
What makes Retail Solutions stand out is their network. They’ve partnered with big retail names such as Checkers, Game, Makro, SPAR, Builders Warehouse, and BUCO. That gives learners a real chance to train in established stores and get exposure to how large retailers operate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about starting a career in retail, there’s no shortage of options in South Africa. From big players like TFG and Mr Price to specialist training providers like Edutel, GP Retail Academy, and Retail Solutions, there’s a path for every level of learner.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel For Daily Updates: JOIN HERE
The key is to look for programmes that not only offer accredited retail training but also give you workplace exposure and a chance at permanent employment. With retail being one of the biggest employers in South Africa, retail learnerships and wholesale training programmes can be the quickest way to get your foot in the door.
Leave a Reply