JumpStart 2026: A Chance to Learn and Grow in Retail, Fashion and Production
If you’re a South African between 18 and 33 who is looking for a real job but doesn’t have a lot of experience yet, the Mr Price JumpStart Training Programme 2026 could be a great fit. This program is not a job offer yet, but it gives you hands‑on training in areas like retail, pattern making, and production. After finishing, you will receive a certificate that many employers in the fashion and retail industry will recognise, giving you a real edge when you start looking for work.
What the JumpStart Program Does
The program is part of the Mr Price Foundation’s effort to help young people who are currently unemployed. It blends classroom lessons with work‑place practice and lets you learn from people who already work in the industry. You’ll get to:
- Learn real skills – whether you’re into designing clothes or helping customers in a store.
- Work in a real environment – you’ll spend time inside stores, factories or production lines.
- Be mentored – experienced professionals will show you the ropes and give career advice.
- Improve your soft skills – teamwork, talking with customers and being professional at work.
- Earn a certificate – this helps you stand out when you apply for jobs.
The goal is to turn you into a ready‑to‑work person who can fit into South Africa’s growing retail, manufacturing and fashion markets.
Who Can Apply
- Age: 18–33 years old.
- Education: If you have a diploma, a degree, or you’re finishing one, especially in fashion, retail management or manufacturing.
- Job status: You must be unemployed when you apply.
- Time commitment: You need to be ready for a full‑time program that mixes theory and practice.
These rules help make sure the program helps the young people who need it most.
Paths You Can Choose
There are three main tracks you can pick from for the 2026 intake, each aimed at a different part of the industry.
1. Pattern Making
This track is a six‑month course that teaches you how to design and create patterns for clothing. You’ll learn:
- Pattern creation techniques.
- How to turn patterns into finished garments.
- Real‑world practice inside a production environment.
You’ll also have a mentor from the fashion world to guide you.
2. Retail Professional
If you want a career in a store, this path is for you. You’ll cover:
- Excellent customer service.
- Managing inventory and arranging products on shelves.
- Workplace behaviour and basic leadership skills.
3. Other Options
In some years, the program may also include training in warehousing, basic retail skills, or management roles. All paths keep a mix of classroom learning and hands‑on work.
Why It Matters
Completing the program can do more than just add a line to your CV. Many graduates find jobs in retail or production, and they also gain confidence and useful life skills. By learning a trade, you can help yourself and your community do better, and you’ll be part of a larger movement that strengthens South Africa’s economy.
How to Apply
- Go to the official Mr Price Foundation page – the application form is online.
- Fill in your details and upload a certified copy of your South African ID and your academic certificates or transcripts.
- Choose one training path that interests you.
There isn’t a hard closing date, but it is a good idea to apply early because spots are limited. A few tips:
- Double‑check that all documents are correct before you upload.
- Keep your application simple and clear.
- Pick just one program path so the reviewers know your focus.
Apply for JumpStart 2026 now Click here to start the application
Keep in Mind
The program is still accepting applications. If you want to join, act quickly. Once enough people sign up, the intake may close. This is a competitive and transformative chance to learn a skill that could open doors for your future.
