The Nedbank YES Programme 2026 offers unemployed South African youth a 12-month paid work experience to build skills, gain exposure, and improve employability.

Nedbank YES Programme 2026 Quick Overview

The Nedbank YES Programme 2026 is a 12-month paid work experience initiative created to help unemployed South African youth gain real exposure to the workplace and improve their chances of long-term employment.

The Nedbank YES Programme 2026 focuses on:

👩🏽‍💼 Hands-on workplace experience
🛠️ Development of practical, transferable job skills
💸 A monthly stipend to support transport and basic living costs
📈 Improved employability through real-world exposure

Unlike learnerships or internships, the Nedbank YES Programme places participants directly into active working environments, helping them build confidence, discipline, and professional experience that employers value.

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Nedbank YES Programme 2026: A Practical Pathway into Paid Work Experience for South African Youth

South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis remains one of the country’s most urgent economic and social challenges. For many young people, the problem is not a lack of willingness to work, but the absence of practical work experience that employers demand. This is where initiatives like the Nedbank YES Programme play a meaningful role in bridging the gap between education and employment.

The Nedbank Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026 is designed to provide unemployed young South Africans with real, paid workplace exposure, helping them gain the confidence, skills, and professional habits required in today’s labour market. Unlike short-term interventions, this programme offers a structured, 12-month work opportunity that can significantly improve long-term employability.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the Nedbank YES Programme, who qualifies, what participants gain, and how to apply.

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What Is the Nedbank YES Programme?

The Nedbank YES Programme is part of the national Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, a collaboration between businesses and government aimed at reducing youth unemployment. Nedbank, as a committed corporate partner, hosts eligible young people across various departments and partner workplaces.

Participants are placed in real working environments where they contribute meaningfully while gaining hands-on experience. This is not classroom-based training or simulated work — it is on-the-job exposure aligned with workplace expectations.

Importantly, the YES Programme is not a learnership, internship, or apprenticeship. It focuses on workplace readiness and exposure rather than formal qualifications.

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Why the Nedbank YES Programme Matters in 2026

As competition for entry-level jobs intensifies, employers increasingly look for candidates who understand workplace culture, teamwork, time management, and accountability.

The Nedbank YES Programme directly addresses this issue by:

• Providing paid work experience
• Improving youth employability profiles
• Helping participants build a verifiable work history
• Supporting personal and professional development

For many participants, the programme becomes a stepping stone into permanent employment, further studies, or other structured opportunities.

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What the Nedbank YES Programme Offers

Once accepted into the Nedbank YES Programme, participants receive several practical benefits that reduce barriers to participation and support daily living costs.

1. Twelve Months of Work Experience

Participants are employed for 12 months, allowing enough time to develop meaningful skills and demonstrate growth.

2. Monthly Stipend

A monthly allowance is provided to help cover basic needs such as food, transport, and living expenses. This makes participation accessible to youth from different socio-economic backgrounds.

3. Exposure to Professional Work Environments

Participants gain experience in structured, professional workplaces where they learn:

• Workplace ethics and conduct
• Communication and teamwork
• Time management and responsibility
• Basic administrative and operational skills

4. Improved Employment Prospects

While permanent employment is not guaranteed, many YES participants find that their experience significantly improves their chances of securing future opportunities.

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Who Can Apply for the Nedbank YES Programme?

To ensure the programme reaches those who need it most, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria.

You may qualify if you:

• Are between 18 and 29 years old
• Have completed Matric
• Are currently unemployed
• Are not studying full-time or part-time
• Are South African citizens
• Are classified as African, Coloured, or Indian in line with the BBBEE Act definition of “black people”
• Have not previously participated in a YES Programme with another organisation

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee placement, but it is essential for consideration.

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Key Things to Know Before Applying

Before submitting your application, it is important to understand the nature of the programme.

• The Nedbank YES Programme is not a learnership
• No formal qualification is awarded
• Participation does not guarantee permanent employment
• The programme is time-limited to 12 months

However, the value lies in experience, exposure, and employability growth, which many employers value just as highly as qualifications.

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Skills You Can Gain Through the Nedbank YES Programme

Although roles differ depending on placement, participants commonly develop transferable skills that apply across industries, including:

• Professional communication
• Customer service skills
• Basic digital and administrative competence
• Problem-solving abilities
• Workplace discipline and accountability

These skills remain relevant long after the programme ends and strengthen future job applications.

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How the Nedbank YES Programme Supports Youth Employability

From an employability perspective, the Nedbank YES Programme addresses one of the biggest hiring barriers: “no experience.”

By the end of the programme, participants can demonstrate:

• A full year of work experience
• A professional reference
• Exposure to real business operations
• Evidence of reliability and workplace readiness

For recruiters, this reduces risk. For participants, it opens doors.

Related YES Programme Opportunities

Applicants may also be interested in other YES Programme opportunities, including the TFG YES Programme 2026, which offers placements across various retail locations in South Africa.

Note: since Nedbank yes Programme applications have closed you can Apply for other yes Programmes and Learnerships such as:

• Nyda YearBeyond Programme
• Sasol Artisan Learnerships
• Shoprite Group YES Programme and 2026 Bursary Fund
• TFG YES Programme Intern Opportunities 2026
• Grain Handeling Learnership
• Contact Centre Learnership
• Ceta Supply Chain Management Internship

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How to Apply for the Nedbank YES Programme 2026

Applying for the Nedbank YES Programme is a straightforward online process.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements
2. Prepare your personal details and Matric information
3. Access the official Nedbank YES Programme application page
4. Complete the online application form accurately
5. Submit your application before the closing date

👉 Application Link: https://nedbankex.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bJGXD9sthG9Kn6C

Applications closed on the 13 February 2026, and late submissions are not considered.

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Tips to Improve Your Chances of Selection

While selection is competitive, you can improve your chances by:

• Providing accurate and complete information
• Using an active phone number and email address
• Checking your email regularly after applying
• Being honest about your employment and study status

Avoid submitting multiple applications, as this can negatively affect your chances.

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Why CareersFocus.co.za Recommends the Nedbank YES Programme

At CareersFocus.co.za, we prioritise opportunities that provide real value, transparency, and long-term impact for young South Africans. The Nedbank YES Programme meets these criteria by offering paid, structured workplace exposure within a reputable organisation.

For youth who have completed Matric and are struggling to enter the job market, this programme represents a practical and realistic starting point.

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Final Thoughts

The Nedbank YES Programme 2026 is more than a temporary placement — it is a chance to gain confidence, workplace exposure, and a foothold in the labour market. While it does not promise instant employment, it provides something equally important: experience that employers trust.

For many young South Africans, saying “YES” to this opportunity could be the first step toward long-term career growth.