Eskom invites unemployed South African youth to apply for the YES Programme 2026. Get paid work experience through 12-Month Youth Employment
Eskom YES Programme Overview
The Eskom YES Programme (Youth Employment Service Programme) is a 12-month paid work experience opportunity created to help unemployed South African youth gain real workplace exposure and improve their chances of securing permanent employment.
📌 Eskom YES Programme Details & Requirements
- Programme Name: Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme
- Location: Western Cape
- Programme Duration: 12 Months (Fixed-Term Contract)
- Closing Date: 12 February 2026
- Industry: Electricity, Energy and Water Supply
- Job Category: Retail, FMCG, Wholesale and Supply Chain
- Remuneration: Market Related
✅ Who Should Apply for Eskom YES Programme
This opportunity is suitable for:
- Unemployed South African youth seeking their first job experience
- Matriculants and post-matric graduates with limited or no work experience
- Young people interested in energy, electricity, retail, and supply chain sectors
- Motivated candidates ready to learn and build a professional career
- Youth who want to strengthen their CV with Eskom workplace experience
Eskom YES Programme 2026: Youth Employment Service Opportunity
Breaking into the job market can be challenging for many young South Africans, especially those who lack formal work experience. To help bridge this gap, Eskom is participating in the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme, a national initiative designed to provide unemployed youth with structured work exposure and skills development.
The Eskom YES Programme 2026 offers a 12-month fixed-term contract for qualifying candidates in the Western Cape. This opportunity is ideal for young people who want to gain practical experience in the electricity, energy, and utilities sector while improving their employability.
Placement Areas in the Western Cape
Participants in the Eskom Youth Employment Service programme may be assigned to various operational sectors, including:
- Boland Sector: Worcester
- Helderberg Sector: Grabouw, Somerset-West, Polkadraai
- Overberg Sector: Caledon
- Garden Route: George
- Khayelitsha
- Tableview Sector: Bellville, Kraaifontein
- West Coast Sector: Malmesbury, Vredenburg, Vredendal
Understanding the Youth Employment Service (YES) Initiative
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a collaborative programme between government and the private sector, led by the Presidency. Its primary goal is to reduce youth unemployment by providing young people with their first meaningful work experience.
Through this initiative, companies like Eskom commit to hosting young participants, offering them hands-on training, mentorship, and real workplace responsibilities.
Eligibility Criteria and Minimum Requirements
To be considered for the Eskom YES Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be between 18 and 34 years old
- Must have Grade 12 (Matric) or an equivalent qualification, or a post-matric certificate or programme
- Must not have been permanently employed by a single employer for more than 12 months
- Must not be studying full-time during the year of employment
- Must not have previously participated in the YES initiative
What You Will Do in the Eskom YES Programme
While tasks may differ depending on the sector and department, participants can expect to gain exposure to:
- Customer service and retail operations
- Basic administrative and office duties
- Support roles in distribution and operations teams
- Introduction to supply chain and service delivery processes
- Workplace communication, teamwork, and professional conduct
This structured exposure helps participants understand how a large organisation operates and prepares them for future roles in energy, utilities, retail, and logistics sectors.
Personal Attributes and Behavioural Expectations
Eskom seeks candidates who demonstrate strong personal values and professional behaviour. Ideal candidates should show:
- Integrity: Ethical conduct and honesty in all tasks
- Professionalism: Respect, punctuality, and accountability
- Customer Orientation: Willingness to assist and engage positively with customers and colleagues
These attributes are essential for building a strong professional reputation and career foundation.
Benefits of Joining the Eskom Youth Employment Service Programme
Participating in the Eskom YES Programme offers several key benefits:
- Paid 12-Month Work Experience: Participants receive a fixed-term contract with market-related remuneration.
- Industry Exposure: Learn how South Africa’s electricity and energy distribution systems operate.
- Skill Development: Build technical, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
- Enhanced CV: Experience with a reputable organisation like Eskom strengthens your job applications.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Learn from experienced professionals and supervisors.
- Career Pathway: The programme can open doors to further training, internships, or permanent employment.
For many young people, this programme serves as a stepping stone into the formal job market.
How to Apply for the Eskom YES Programme
Follow these steps to submit your application for the Eskom Youth Employment Service programme:
- Visit the official Eskom careers or recruitment portal.
- Search for the listing using the reference number eskom_003088.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal and educational information.
- Upload required documents, including your CV, certified ID copy, and Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Review your information and submit your application before 12 February 2026.
Here is the official link: https://eskomcareers.ci.hr/applicant/index.php?controller=Listings&method=view&listingid=da30bbfa-d776-40d9-9af1-c845aeef07af
Tip: Tailor your CV to highlight your education, skills, volunteer work, or any informal experience that shows your willingness to learn and work.
Important Information for Applicants
- If you are not contacted within 28 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
- Eskom promotes equality, diversity, and employment equity, and may give preference to under-represented designated groups.
- Eskom maintains a smoke-free workplace environment for employees and visitors.
- For application support, candidates can contact the Candidate Support team at Candidate.support@ci.hr.
Why This Programme Is Important for Youth Employment
South Africa’s youth unemployment rate remains high, making initiatives like the Eskom YES Programme extremely valuable. By providing real work experience, the programme helps young people transition from education to employment.
Participants gain practical knowledge, workplace discipline, and professional networks that can significantly improve their future career prospects. For communities in the Western Cape, the programme also contributes to local skills development and economic empowerment.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Being Selected
- Prepare a clear and professional CV with updated contact details.
- Include a short motivation explaining why you want to join the Eskom Youth Employment Service programme.
- Ensure all supporting documents are certified and legible.
- Apply early to avoid missing the deadline due to technical issues.
- Demonstrate eagerness to learn and a positive attitude during any assessments or interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Eskom YES Programme a permanent job?
No. The programme is a 12-month fixed-term contract designed to provide work experience. However, it can improve your chances of securing permanent employment in the future.
2. Can I apply if I have worked before?
Yes, as long as you have not been permanently employed by a single employer for more than 12 months and you have not previously participated in the YES initiative.
3. Do I need a tertiary qualification to apply?
No. A Grade 12 certificate or equivalent qualification is sufficient, although post-matric qualifications may be advantageous.
Final Thoughts
The Eskom YES Programme 2026 is a valuable opportunity for young South Africans who want to gain their first formal work experience in the energy sector. With structured training, real workplace exposure, and market-related remuneration.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, do not miss this opportunity. Apply before 12 February 2026 and take the first step toward a brighter professional future.
Disclaimer: Careers focus shares learnerships and Internships information for guidance only and is not responsible for recruitment outcomes. For more learnerships, internships, and job opportunities, visit https://careersfocus.co.za/ regularly and stay updated with the latest youth opportunities in South Africa.
Karabo Ntswaki – Author of CareersFocus.co.za
Karabo Ntswaki is passionate about empowering South Africans with reliable, verified, and easily accessible information about careers and education. Through CareersFocus.co.za, Karabo’s mission is to support students, job seekers, and young professionals by providing accurate guidance on learnerships, internships, bursaries.
Her vision is to make CareersFocus.co.za the most trusted online source in South Africa for career and educational information, helping individuals overcome barriers, make informed decisions about professional goals. you can contact me at info@careersfocus.co.za or our website https://careersfocus.co.za/