Apply for the Mr Price Group Workplace Experience Programme 2026 in Durban. A three-week internship for final-year students in Buying (Apparel, Homeware) and Planning streams.
Final-year students seeking practical exposure in the retail industry now have an exciting opportunity through the Workplace Experience Programme (WEP) offered by Mr Price Group. This annual internship initiative is designed to provide students from across South Africa with hands-on experience at the company’s headquarters in Durban.
The programme spans three weeks and is tailored for final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students who are eager to explore careers in retail buying and planning. Participants will gain valuable insight into the operations of one of South Africa’s leading retail groups while developing professional skills and industry knowledge.
What is the Workplace Experience Programme?
The Workplace Experience Programme (WEP) is a structured internship designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical workplace experience. Each year, the Mr Price Group invites selected students to its headquarters, where they engage in real-world projects, job shadowing, and collaborative learning sessions.
During the programme, participants are introduced to key business functions, corporate culture, and the dynamic environment of retail operations. The experience aims to provide a realistic preview of working within the retail sector while equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in entry-level roles after graduation.
Students will work alongside experienced professionals, gaining exposure to decision-making processes, trend analysis, product development, and supply chain coordination. The short but intensive format ensures that participants maximize learning within a limited timeframe.
Available Streams
The Workplace Experience Programme offers multiple streams aligned with core retail functions. These streams allow students to focus on areas relevant to their academic background and career interests.
Buying Stream – Apparel
The Buying Stream in Apparel is ideal for students interested in fashion retail and product sourcing. Participants in this stream will gain insight into how fashion trends are identified, how product ranges are developed, and how buying decisions impact store performance.
Students will observe the process of selecting merchandise, negotiating with suppliers, and planning product assortments. They will also learn about consumer behavior, seasonal trends, and brand positioning within the apparel market. This exposure provides a strong foundation for those aspiring to careers as buyers or merchandise specialists. 👗
Buying Stream – Homeware
The Buying Stream in Homeware focuses on household products and lifestyle merchandise. Participants will explore how product ranges are curated to meet customer needs while maintaining competitive pricing and quality standards.
Students will learn about sourcing strategies, product design considerations, and the importance of aligning merchandise with market demand. Exposure to supplier interactions and range planning will help participants understand the broader retail value chain. This stream is particularly suitable for students interested in home décor, lifestyle retail, and product development. 🏠
Planning Stream
The Planning Stream is designed for analytically minded students interested in data-driven retail decision-making. Participants will gain exposure to merchandise planning, sales forecasting, and inventory management.
Students in this stream will observe how planners use data to determine stock levels, allocate products to stores, and monitor performance. They will also learn about demand forecasting, budgeting, and performance analysis. These skills are essential for careers in retail planning, analytics, and supply chain management. 📊
Learning Outcomes
The Workplace Experience Programme is structured to provide meaningful learning outcomes. Participants can expect to:
- Gain exposure to retail business operations
- Understand buying and planning processes
- Develop teamwork and communication skills
- Learn from experienced retail professionals
- Participate in practical assignments and projects
- Build professional networks within the industry
These outcomes help students transition more confidently from academic studies into the workplace.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is open to final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students from across South Africa. Ideal candidates include those studying fashion, retail management, business, supply chain, marketing, or related fields.
Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm for retail, willingness to learn, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication and analytical skills will also be advantageous.
Why Join the Programme?
Participating in the Workplace Experience Programme provides students with valuable industry exposure and the opportunity to experience the corporate culture of Mr Price Group. The programme also helps students clarify career paths, gain practical knowledge, and enhance their employability.
Additionally, students benefit from networking opportunities and mentorship from experienced professionals. This exposure can lead to future internship or graduate opportunities within the retail sector.
Application Details
- Programme: Workplace Experience Programme (WEP)
- Streams: Buying (Apparel), Buying (Homeware), Planning
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Target Group: Final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Organisation: Mr Price Group
The Workplace Experience Programme offers a valuable opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience in retail buying and planning. Those interested in launching careers in the retail industry are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this immersive learning experience.
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