Explore YES4 Youth learning programme opportunities. Access learnerships, requirements, application steps and career benefits for South African youth.

YES4 Youth Learning Programme: The Complete Guide

Updated for South Africa’s youth employment landscape on the 18 january 2026

Youth unemployment continues to be one of South Africa’s biggest challenges. Many young people leave school eager to work but lack the skills, experience, or opportunities to secure stable employment. The YES4 Youth learning programme—better known simply as YES (Youth Employment Service)—was created to close that gap by giving young South Africans real workplace exposure, accredited training, and a pathway to long-term employability.

This pillar post explores everything you need to know about the YES4 Youth learning programme, available learnerships, requirements, how to apply, benefits, success stories, and how to position yourself for selection.
Whether you are a first-time job seeker or someone looking to upskill, this guide will give you clarity and direction.

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1. What Is the YES4 Youth Learning Programme?

The YES4 Youth learning programme is a national initiative established through a partnership between government, business, and labour. Its purpose is to create 12-month work experience opportunities for unemployed South Africans aged 18–34.

Unlike short training courses, YES focuses on:

• Real workplace experience
• Practical skills development
• Accredited learning content
• A digital CV and reference letter from the host company

The programme is designed to give youth the type of experience employers expect when hiring—something many young people cannot access on their own.

YES4 Youth placements happen across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Retail
• Banking
• Mining
• Agriculture
• Logistics
• Communications
• Technology
• Business administration
• Sales and customer service
• Manufacturing
• Tourism

This diversity makes the YES4 Youth learning programme one of the most accessible opportunities for unemployed youth in South Africa.

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2. Why the YES4 Youth Programme Matters in South Africa

The national youth unemployment rate consistently ranks among the highest in the world. Many young people have qualifications but struggle to secure their first job because employers want experience.

YES solves this by enabling companies to create temporary work opportunities without long-term hiring risk. In return, companies earn B-BBEE benefits, while young people gain the experience and confidence needed to compete in the job market.

For youth, the programme represents:

• A chance to build a professional track record
• An opportunity to learn workplace behaviour
• The ability to earn an income or stipend
• A stepping stone into permanent employment

This combination of learning and real-world practice is what makes the YES4 Youth learning programme so impactful.

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3. Who Qualifies for the YES4 Youth Learning Programme?

To apply, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Mandatory Requirements

• Be a South African citizen
• Be aged 18–34
• Be unemployed at the time of applying
• Have a valid South African ID
• Not be studying full-time
• Not have participated in YES before

Recommended Attributes

These are not compulsory, but they improve the chances of selection:

• A Matric certificate (not always required)
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to learn new skills
• Punctuality and reliability
• Basic computer literacy
• Positive attitude and commitment

Because different companies host YES participants, each partner may have additional criteria specific to a role—for example, a driving licence, language requirement, or minimum education level.

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4. List of YES Learnerships & Sectors Available

Although YES is not a learnership programme by default, many host companies combine YES with accredited learnerships so participants earn both experience and NQF-aligned qualifications.

Here are some common learnerships and job roles linked to the YES4 Youth learning programme:

Business & Administration

• Office Administration Learnerships
• Business Management Learnerships
• Data Administration and Clerical Support
• Call Centre & Customer Service

Retail & Sales

• Retail Assistant Learnership
• Merchandising Learnership
• Sales Consultant Training
• Cashier Training

Finance & Banking

• Financial Services Learnership (NQF 4–5)
• Call Centre Banking Support
• Credit Control Training
• Insurance Sales

ICT & Digital Skills

• IT Support Technician Learnership
• Digital Marketing Learnership
• Coding and Software Fundamentals
• Cloud Computing Basics

Logistics & Transport

• Warehouse Operations Learnership
• Supply Chain Assistant
• Inventory and Dispatch Support
• Driving and Delivery Roles (where licence required)

Tourism & Hospitality

• Front Desk Training
• Hospitality Learnerships
• Guest Relations
• Food and Beverage Support

Agriculture & Rural Development

• Farm Assistant Training
• Livestock and Crop Handling
• Agri-Business Basics
• Food Production Learnerships

Manufacturing & Engineering

• Production Line Learnership
• Health and Safety Training
• Maintenance Assistant
• Quality Control Assistant

Because company needs change throughout the year, the available roles and learnerships also shift. It’s important to continuously check official recruitment portals for updated listings.

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5. How to Access the YES4 Youth Learning Programme

To avoid scams, always use recognised channels. You do not need to pay to apply for YES.

Step 1: Register on the Official YES Portal

Create a profile on the official YES/Mobi website.
This is where your CV, education details, and location are stored. Companies use this database to shortlist candidates.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You may need:

• Certified ID
• Updated CV
• Highest qualification
• Contactable references

Step 3: Apply Through Partner Companies

Many companies advertise YES placements through:

• Company career portals
• Job boards
• Social media recruitment pages
• Recruitment agencies
• Local community centres

Step 4: Respond When Contacted

If a company is interested, they will contact you for:

• Interview
• Screening
• Background checks
• Placement confirmation

Step 5: Begin Your 12-Month Learning Journey

Once accepted, participants start with onboarding and begin both workplace tasks and digital learning modules.

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6. Benefits of the YES4 Youth Learning Programme

The programme offers numerous advantages beyond just a stipend.

1. Real Work Experience

Participants gain 12 months of experience that can be added to their CV—a major advantage when applying for future jobs.

2. Accredited Learning

Some roles include SETA-accredited learnerships, certificates, or digital skills modules.

3. Professional Reference

At the end of the programme, participants receive:

• A verified reference letter
• A digital CV
• Work performance report

These documents significantly boost employability.

4. Monthly Stipend

While not a traditional salary, the stipend helps cover transport, meals, and basic needs during the programme.

5. Workplace Confidence

YES participants often report major improvements in:

• Communication skills
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Professional behaviour

6. Increased Employability

A high percentage of YES graduates secure permanent roles either at the host company or elsewhere because they now have experience and references.

7. Networking Opportunities

Participants build professional relationships that may open doors long after the programme ends.

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7. Real Success Stories from YES Participants

While each participant’s journey is unique, several common success trends have emerged.

Story 1: From Unemployed Graduate to Call Centre Professional

A 24-year-old graduate joined a YES4 Youth learning programme at a major telecommunications company. Through a combination of digital learning and supervised practice, she developed strong communication skills. Upon completion, she secured a permanent job as a customer service agent—something she struggled to achieve before YES due to lack of experience.

Story 2: Retail Placement Leads to Management Track

A young man from a rural community joined YES through a retail chain. He started as a shelf packer, but his commitment led to recognition. After the programme, he was offered a full-time position and later moved into a junior supervisory role.

Story 3: ICT Learnership Opens Doors in Tech

A 22-year-old participant took part in a YES-linked IT support learnership. After completing the NQF qualification and gaining real support experience, he was hired by a tech company as a junior IT technician.

Story 4: Agriculture Training Creates Entrepreneurship Pathway

Through YES agricultural training, a participant learned practical farming techniques. After completing the programme, he joined a cooperative and eventually started a small-scale vegetable business in his community.

These stories demonstrate that the YES4 Youth learning programme offers meaningful, life-changing opportunities across different industries.

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8. Tips to Increase Your Chances of Being Selected

YES placements are competitive, but you can improve your chances by following these tips:

1. Keep Your CV Simple and Clear

Highlight:

• Matric or highest qualification
• Volunteer work
• Short courses
• Skills such as customer service, English communication, or computer literacy

2. Use Proximity to Your Advantage

Many companies prefer candidates who live near their workplace.

3. Apply Early and Often

Check portals weekly and apply consistently.

4. Prepare for Interviews

Practice answers for:

• “Tell me about yourself.”
• “Why do you want this opportunity?”
• “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

5. Stay Professional

Use a working phone number and email address, and respond quickly to messages.

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9. Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

• Paying for fake YES placements
• Using an outdated CV
• Ignoring interview messages
• Applying only once and waiting
• Providing incomplete documents
• Using slang or informal communication with recruiters

Avoiding these errors can significantly increase your chances of acceptance.

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10. Final Thoughts: Why YES4 Youth Matters for the Future of South African Youth

The YES4 Youth learning programme continues to be one of the most effective youth employment interventions in the country. It combines practical training, hands-on experience, professional development, and industry exposure into a single life-changing opportunity.

For thousands of young South Africans, YES has been the turning point that transformed unemployment into purpose, learning, recognition, and long-term career growth.
By investing time and effort into applying, preparing, and committing to the process, any young person can use YES as a stepping stone to a more secure future.

If you are looking for a programme that can boost your employability, improve your skills, and open doors to permanent job opportunities, the YES4 Youth learning programme is one of the best places to begin.

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