Shoprite Group is inviting applications from suitably qualified young graduates for several YES for Youth: HR Apprentice opportunities across South Africa. The positions offer recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience in Human Resources while developing valuable skills in recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, HR administration, reporting and people technology.
The opportunities are offered on a 12-month contract through the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme. Successful candidates will work alongside experienced HR professionals and gain exposure to different aspects of Human Resources within Shoprite’s Meat Market business.
These opportunities may be particularly suitable for graduates who have recently completed a qualification in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field and are looking to gain workplace experience and establish a career in the HR sector.
Vacancy: YES for Youth: HR Apprentice
Job Type: Contract
Programme Duration: 12 months
Field: Human Resources
Closing Dates: 26 or 27 August 2026, depending on the vacancy
Locations: Bloemfontein, Centurion, Greenacres, Brackenfell and Canelands, Verulam
About the Shoprite YES for Youth Programme
The Youth Employment Service is a business-led initiative established in partnership with government and labour to provide meaningful employment opportunities and workplace experience to young South Africans.
The programme is designed to help young people develop practical skills that can improve their employability and provide a foundation for future career opportunities. The Shoprite HR Apprentice positions provide participants with the opportunity to apply knowledge gained through their studies in an actual working environment.
During the 12-month programme, apprentices can gain exposure to various HR functions and develop an understanding of how Human Resources operates within a large organisation.
The role also provides an opportunity to learn from experienced HR professionals while contributing to everyday HR activities and projects.
Available HR Apprentice Opportunities
Shoprite has advertised several YES for Youth HR Apprentice positions in different locations.
Northern Cape
Job Title: YES for Youth: HR Apprentice
Reference Number: SHO260825-2
Job Type: Contract
Location: Bloemfontein, Northern Cape
Closing Date: 27 August 2026
Category: Human Resources
Gauteng
Job Title: YES for Youth: HR Apprentice
Reference Number: SHO260824-9
Job Type: Contract
Location: Centurion, Gauteng
Closing Date: 27 August 2026
Category: Human Resources
Eastern Cape
Job Title: YES for Youth: HR Apprentice
Reference Number: SHO260824-8
Job Type: Contract
Location: Greenacres, Eastern Cape
Closing Date: 27 August 2026
Category: Human Resources
Western Cape
Job Title: YES for Youth: HR Apprentice
Reference Number: SHO260824-2
Job Type: Contract
Location: Brackenfell, Western Cape
Closing Date: 27 August 2026
Category: Human Resources
KwaZulu-Natal
Job Title: YES for Youth: HR Apprentice
Reference Number: SHO260824-10
Job Type: Contract
Location: Canelands, Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal
Closing Date: 26 August 2026
Category: Human Resources
Applicants should carefully check the reference number and location before submitting an application, particularly where more than one HR Apprentice vacancy is available.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful HR Apprentices will receive exposure to a variety of Human Resources activities. One of the key responsibilities will be supporting the recruitment process.
This can include assisting with job postings, screening candidates and coordinating interviews. These activities can help graduates understand how recruitment works from the initial vacancy through to the selection process.
Apprentices will also assist with the onboarding of new employees. This involves supporting activities designed to help new employees settle into the organisation and understand their workplace responsibilities.
Employee engagement is another important area of the role. Apprentices may contribute to initiatives designed to support a positive workplace environment and improve employee experience.
The position also includes HR administration. Accurate record keeping is an important part of Human Resources, and apprentices will be expected to assist with maintaining HR records and completing administrative tasks.
Another responsibility involves assisting with HR reports and analysing information to support decision-making. This provides graduates with an opportunity to strengthen their administrative, analytical and reporting skills.
Successful candidates will also receive exposure to people technology systems and tools. As organisations increasingly rely on digital HR systems, developing confidence with HR technology can be valuable for graduates building careers in the field.
The role may also involve participation in HR projects and initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and employee experience.
Candidates will work alongside experienced HR professionals, providing an opportunity to learn workplace practices and gain practical knowledge that may not be available through academic study alone.
General administrative support may also be required depending on the needs of the HR team.
Minimum Requirements
- Shoprite is looking for recently qualified candidates who have an interest in developing a career in Human Resources.
- Applicants should have a recently completed degree or diploma in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field.
- A basic understanding of recruitment processes and the employee lifecycle is advantageous because the position involves supporting activities throughout different stages of an employee’s journey within an organisation.
- Candidates should also have basic computer skills and be comfortable using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- A willingness to learn new HR information systems and digital tools is important because the role includes exposure to people technology.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. HR professionals regularly communicate with employees, managers, candidates and other stakeholders, making professional communication an important part of the role.
- Good organisational skills are also important. The apprentice may be required to assist with several tasks at the same time, maintain records, prepare information and meet deadlines.
- Attention to detail is particularly important when working with employee records and HR reports. Small errors in HR information can create administrative problems, so candidates should be accurate and careful when handling information.
- The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment is also required. Candidates should demonstrate initiative and be willing to learn from experienced colleagues.
- Knowledge of South African labour legislation and compliance is considered advantageous but is not essential.
- Shoprite is also looking for candidates who demonstrate a positive attitude, strong work ethic and commitment to learning and personal development.
Skills That Can Be Developed
- The HR Apprentice programme can provide graduates with practical experience across several areas of Human Resources.
- Participants can develop recruitment and candidate management skills through exposure to job advertising, candidate screening and interview coordination.
- The onboarding responsibilities can help apprentices understand how organisations introduce new employees and ensure that relevant administrative processes are completed.
- HR administration can strengthen organisational skills, record management and attention to detail, while reporting activities can help participants improve their Excel, data analysis and reporting abilities.
- Working alongside HR professionals can also help participants develop professional communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Exposure to people technology can provide additional experience with digital systems used to manage employee information and HR processes.
- These skills can be useful when applying for future positions such as HR Administrator, HR Assistant, Recruitment Administrator, Recruitment Consultant, Human Resources Officer and other entry-level HR positions.
Who Should Apply?
- The opportunities are aimed at recent graduates who are looking for practical workplace exposure and want to establish themselves in Human Resources.
- Candidates who have completed a Human Resources qualification and have limited or no formal workplace experience may find the programme particularly relevant because it provides an opportunity to gain experience in a professional environment.
- Applicants should carefully review the requirements before applying and ensure that the qualification listed on the application matches the requirements of the advertised position.
- Because several positions have been advertised in different locations, applicants should select the vacancy that corresponds with their preferred or suitable location and use the correct reference number.
Application Information
Interested candidates should submit their applications before the relevant closing date.
For the Northern Cape, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Western Cape positions, the listed closing date is 27 August 2026.
The KwaZulu-Natal position in Canelands, Verulam has a listed closing date of 26 August 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible rather than waiting until the closing date. Before submitting an application, candidates should check that their personal information, contact details, qualifications and supporting documents are accurate.
The correct reference number should also be used when applying for the relevant vacancy.
Final Considerations
The Shoprite YES for Youth HR Apprentice opportunities provide recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience while developing skills in several areas of Human Resources.
The 12-month contract can provide valuable exposure to recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, HR administration, reporting, people technology and HR projects.
For graduates who have completed a qualification in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field, gaining practical experience can be an important step towards entering the competitive HR job market.
Candidates interested in these opportunities should review the individual vacancy details carefully, confirm that they meet the requirements and submit an application before the applicable deadline.