The Shoprite Group opened its second Retail Simulation Store at Boland College’s Worcester Campus on Thursday, 9 June 2016. This is part of the Group’s Learning and Development Strategy which aims to build relationships with public institutions, while investing in youth skills development.

The simulation store will assist the college with in-service training for students where retail is an area of specialisation. The store resembles a mini Shoprite supermarket with various service departments at which learners will be given practical training on operating a till, stock taking and other key areas used in retail operations. 

The establishment of the simulation store serves to further strengthen Shoprite’s partnership with the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&R Seta). This comes after the Group set up its first simulation store at Northlink TVET College in the Western Cape during 2015.   The establishment of the simulation stores is aligned to the objectives of the Department of Higher education and training’s (DHET) grant regulations, which seek to improve the quality and quantity of labour market information through effective workplace skills plans for W&R Seta. 

Brenda Basson, Programme Manager at Boland College says the simulation store will provide learners with much needed exposure as it is a fully functional mini Shoprite supermarket. “Learners can gain first-hand experience in a controlled yet friendly environment,” she says.

Basson adds that Boland College is accredited with the W&R Seta for a number of skills programmes and the retail industry can benefit specifically in the Drakenstein and Breede Valley regions where employees can be sent for training at the college to gain practical experience at the simulation store.

According to Statistics South Africa, the unemployment rate in the first quarter of 2016 increased by 2,2% to 26,7% compared to the last quarter of 2015. However, the trade industry has increased the employment rate year-on-year, signifying a need to train the youth for industries such as retail. The unemployment rate and education are inversely related; learners will benefit from training in the simulation store which will enhance their employability. In addition, the experience gained aids the entire retail sector by broadening the pool of potential employees who have an aptitude and passion for retail.

The Shoprite Group believes that education of the youth is of utmost importance for the social upliftment, economic growth and the prosperity of future generations.

Shoprite plans to roll out similar simulation stores nationally, to assist in developing skills, especially amongst the youth.