Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) X9: Requirements, How to Apply and How to Improve Your Chances

Finding your first job after matric can be difficult. Many employers ask for work experience, but how do you gain experience when nobody has given you a chance yet?

The Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) programme aims to help address this challenge by giving eligible unemployed young South Africans an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience.

Eskom is currently advertising the Youth Employment Service (YES) X9 opportunity, which is linked to Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga. If you are between 18 and 34 years old and have completed Grade 12, this opportunity may be worth exploring.

This guide explains what the programme involves, who can apply, how to check whether you meet the requirements and how to prepare a better application.

Eskom YES X9 Opportunity Details

Here are the important details from the advertisement:

• Company: Eskom
• Programme: Youth Employment Service (YES) X9
• Listing reference: eskom_006965
• Department: Human Resources
• Position grade: YY1
• Location: Kendal Power Station, Mpumalanga
• Industry: Electricity, Energy and Water Supply
• Job category: Administration
• Contract: Temporary, 12 months
• Remuneration: Market related
• Closing date: 16 September 2026
• Listing status: Online

Although the opportunity is linked to Kendal Power Station, Eskom states that successful candidates may be placed in its operations across different divisions and provinces in South Africa.

What Is the Eskom YES Programme?

The Youth Employment Service, also known as YES, is an initiative that helps unemployed young people gain work experience.

Eskom is offering eligible youth the opportunity to enter the workplace and learn how a large organisation operates. This can be especially helpful for people who have completed matric but have not yet found a permanent job.

During the 12-month contract, successful applicants may gain experience in a professional environment, improve their communication skills and learn how to work with colleagues.

The exact duties will depend on the department and location where each person is placed. The advertisement does not provide a detailed list of daily responsibilities.

It is important to understand that this is a temporary work-experience opportunity. It does not guarantee a permanent position at Eskom after the contract ends.

Who Can Apply for Eskom YES X9?

Before applying, you should check whether you meet all the minimum requirements.

According to the advertisement, applicants must:

1. Be South African citizens.
2. Be between 18 and 34 years old.
3. Have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
4. Not have been permanently employed by one employer continuously for more than one year.
5. Not be studying full time during the year of employment.
6. Not have participated in or registered for the YES initiative before.

Applicants will go through a recruitment process. If successful, they may be placed in Eskom operations across its divisions.

What Does the Employment Requirement Mean?

The advert states that applicants should not have been permanently employed by one employer continuously for more than one year.

This does not necessarily mean that you must have never worked before. However, you should carefully check your employment history to see whether you meet the condition.

If you are unsure whether your previous employment affects your eligibility, contact the recruitment team for clarification.

Can Students Apply?

The advertisement states that applicants should not be studying full time in the year of employment.

If you are planning to study full time during the year of the YES placement, you should consider this requirement carefully before applying.

Can Someone Who Has Never Worked Apply?

Yes. The purpose of the YES programme is to help eligible unemployed young people gain workplace experience.

If you have never had a formal job, you can still apply as long as you meet the other requirements.

You can use your matric qualification, school activities, volunteer work and other genuine skills to show that you are ready to learn and work with others.

What Skills Does Eskom Look For?

The advertisement lists several skills and personal qualities that applicants should have.

These include:

• Teamwork.
• Leadership.
• Communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Integrity.
• Professionalism.
• Customer focus.
• Negotiation skills.
• Liaising skills.
• Politeness.
• Promptness.
• Energy and enthusiasm.
• Assertiveness.
• The ability to work independently and take initiative.

You do not need to claim that you are perfect in every area. Instead, think about the skills you already have and how you can continue improving them.

For example, if you worked on group projects at school, you may have developed teamwork and communication skills. If you helped people in your community, you may have gained experience dealing with different people.

The advert also mentions knowledge of Eskom’s policies and procedures. If you have never worked at Eskom before, do not claim to know its internal policies. Show that you are willing to learn and follow instructions.

How to Apply for Eskom YES X9

If you want to apply, you should use the official Eskom recruitment platform.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Eskom Website

Go to the official Eskom website and look for the careers or vacancies section.

Always make sure that you are using a genuine Eskom website or recruitment platform.

Step 2: Find the Correct Vacancy

Search for:

Youth Employment Service (YES) X9

Check that the listing reference is eskom_006965.

Also confirm that the closing date is 16 September 2026.

Step 3: Read the Application Instructions

Open the vacancy and carefully read the instructions provided by Eskom.

The application system may ask for personal details, education information and other supporting documents.

Only provide information that is true and accurate.

Step 4: Complete Your Application

Enter your details carefully. Make sure your name, contact number, email address and qualification information are correct.

If you are asked about your previous employment or YES participation, answer honestly.

Step 5: Review Your Information

Before submitting, check your application for mistakes.

Make sure you have selected the correct vacancy and that your information matches your documents.

Step 6: Submit Before the Closing Date

Submit your application before 16 September 2026.

If the system provides an application reference or confirmation, save it for your records.

How to Improve Your Chances of Being Selected

Meeting the minimum requirements is important, but it does not guarantee that you will be selected.

You can improve the quality of your application by following these tips.

1. Prepare a Clear CV

Your CV should be easy to read and contain information that is relevant to the opportunity.

Include the following:

• Your full name and contact details.
• A short personal profile.
• Your Grade 12 or equivalent qualification.
• Any additional training or certificates.
• Previous work experience, if you have any.
• Volunteer or community experience.
• Computer skills, if you have them.
• Communication and teamwork skills.

You do not need to create a long CV. A simple and professional CV is better than one filled with unnecessary information.

2. Write a Good Personal Profile

Your personal profile should explain who you are, what you can offer and why you want the opportunity.

Here is an example:

“I am a motivated South African matriculant seeking an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience through the Eskom Youth Employment Service programme. I am a hardworking and reliable individual with good communication skills and a willingness to learn. I work well with others, take responsibility for my tasks and am eager to develop my professional skills in a workplace environment.”

Only use this example if it accurately describes you.

3. Be Honest About Your Experience

If you have never worked before, do not make up work experience.

Instead, explain the skills you have gained through school, volunteering, community activities or other responsibilities.

Being honest about your qualifications and experience is important during the recruitment process.

4. Show That You Are Willing to Learn

Employers understand that young applicants may not have extensive work experience.

Show that you are ready to learn new skills, follow instructions, communicate respectfully and take your responsibilities seriously.

A positive attitude can help you adapt to a new workplace.

5. Check Your Contact Details

Make sure your telephone number and email address are correct.

If Eskom wants to contact you about your application, incorrect contact details could prevent you from receiving important information.

Check your email regularly, including your spam folder.

6. Apply for the Correct Vacancy

Eskom may advertise different opportunities in different locations.

Always check the job title, listing reference and closing date before submitting your application.

This will help you avoid applying for the wrong position.

What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting your application, Eskom will assess candidates through its recruitment process.

If you are successful, you may be placed in one of Eskom’s operations across its divisions.

The advertisement states that the contract will last 12 months.

However, it does not guarantee that every applicant will be contacted or that the placement will lead to permanent employment.

The advert also states:

“If you have not been contacted within 28 days after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.”

Keep your contact details updated and continue applying for other suitable opportunities while waiting for a response.

Important Things to Remember

Before applying for Eskom YES X9, keep the following points in mind:

• You must be a South African citizen.
• You must be between 18 and 34 years old.
• Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification is required.
• You should not have participated in or registered for YES before.
• You should not be studying full time during the year of employment.
• The contract is temporary and lasts 12 months.
• The remuneration is listed as market related.
• Your placement may be in an Eskom operation outside your preferred location.
• Meeting the requirements does not guarantee selection.

Beware of Job Scams

When applying for jobs, be careful of people who promise guaranteed employment in exchange for money.

Do not pay someone who claims they can secure you a position at Eskom.

Use official recruitment channels and be cautious when sharing personal information with unknown people.

If you receive a suspicious message about the opportunity, verify it through Eskom’s official recruitment contact details.

For assistance with this advertisement, the supplied listing provides the following email address:

recuitmentgx@eskom.co.za

Check the spelling of the email address carefully against the official advertisement before contacting the recruitment team.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply if I only have Grade 12?

Yes. The advert lists Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification as the minimum education requirement.

You must still meet the other eligibility conditions.

2. Is the Eskom YES programme a permanent job?

No. The advertised opportunity is a temporary 12-month contract.

It does not guarantee permanent employment after the placement ends.

3. Can I apply if I have no work experience?

Yes. The programme is designed to help eligible unemployed young people gain workplace experience.

4. How much does Eskom YES X9 pay?

The advertisement lists remuneration as market related. It does not provide a specific monthly salary.

You should confirm the actual payment details through the official recruitment process.

5. Where will successful applicants work?

The opportunity is linked to Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga. However, Eskom states that successful applicants may be placed in operations across its divisions and provinces.

6. What is the closing date?

The application closing date is 16 September 2026.

7. What if I have registered for YES before?

The advertisement states that applicants who have participated in or registered for the YES initiative before should not apply for this opportunity.

Final Takeaway

The Eskom Youth Employment Service X9 opportunity could be a useful starting point for young South Africans who want to gain workplace experience and improve their future employment prospects.

If you meet the minimum requirements, prepare a clear CV, check your information carefully and apply through the official Eskom recruitment process before 16 September 2026.

Remember that this is a temporary opportunity, and selection is not guaranteed. Even if you are not selected, continue looking for other work-experience programmes, learnerships, internships and entry-level jobs that can help you build your career.