Eskom YES Programme 2026: 25 Youth Employment Opportunities for South African Youth
Finding a first job can be one of the biggest challenges facing young people in South Africa. Many employers require previous work experience, but gaining that experience can be difficult when a person has never had the opportunity to enter the workplace. The Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026 is designed to help address this challenge by giving young unemployed South Africans an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience.
For the 2026 intake, Eskom is offering 25 YES opportunities for young people who are looking to develop their skills, gain professional exposure and strengthen their CVs. The programme is particularly relevant to Matriculants, graduates and young people with little or no previous work experience.
The opportunity offers approximately 12 months of workplace experience within Eskom’s Operations environment. For someone trying to establish a career, this type of experience can be extremely valuable because it allows participants to learn how a professional organisation operates while developing skills that can be used when applying for future opportunities.
Eskom YES Programme 2026
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a youth employment initiative that provides unemployed young South Africans with an opportunity to gain meaningful workplace experience.
The Eskom YES Programme is aimed at young people who may have completed their schooling or further education but have not yet secured an opportunity to enter the formal workplace.
The 2026 intake provides 25 positions. Successful candidates will spend around 12 months gaining exposure to a professional working environment and developing practical workplace skills.
The experience can be particularly useful for young people who have qualifications but struggle to find employment because employers often request previous experience.
Rather than simply adding another qualification to their CV, participants can gain actual workplace exposure, learn from experienced employees and develop an understanding of professional responsibilities.
Programme Details
Company: Eskom
Programme: Youth Employment Service (YES)
Number of Positions: 25
Contract Type: Internship
Duration: 12 months
Industry: Electricity, Energy & Water Supply
Target Group: Matriculants, graduates and candidates with little or no experience
Reference: eskom_006424
Reference Number: 50904987LM
Closing Date: 24 August 2026
Remuneration: Market related
Who Is the Eskom YES Programme For?
The opportunity is intended primarily for unemployed young South Africans who need an opportunity to obtain workplace experience.
This can include young people who have recently completed Grade 12 and are looking for their first employment opportunity. It can also include graduates and other candidates who have completed post-Matric studies but have not yet been able to establish themselves in the labour market.
For many young job seekers, the biggest problem is not necessarily a lack of education. Instead, it is the lack of practical workplace experience. A programme such as YES can help candidates bridge that gap.
Participants can potentially leave the programme with a stronger CV, workplace references, practical knowledge and a better understanding of professional working environments.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should carefully review the applicable requirements before submitting their applications.
The information provided for the opportunity indicates that candidates should generally:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 34 years old.
- Have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
- Have post-Matric certificates, programmes or qualifications where applicable.
- Be unemployed and seeking workplace experience.
- Meet the relevant Eskom YES Programme selection criteria.
Candidates should remember that meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically mean that an applicant will be selected.
Eskom may assess applications according to its recruitment processes, available positions, programme requirements and other selection criteria.
Why Workplace Experience Matters
One of the most difficult stages of starting a career is getting the first opportunity.
A young person can have a Matric certificate, diploma, degree or other qualification and still find that many vacancies require previous experience.
This creates a difficult situation: employers want experienced candidates, while young people need employers to give them their first opportunity.
The Eskom YES Programme can help candidates overcome part of this barrier by providing structured workplace exposure.
During the 12-month programme, participants can learn how to work with supervisors and colleagues, follow workplace procedures, communicate professionally and complete responsibilities within an organisational environment.
These experiences can become valuable additions to a CV.
Skills Participants Can Develop
A workplace programme can provide more than experience in a specific role. It can also help young people develop transferable skills that are useful across many industries.
Participants may have opportunities to improve their:
Communication Skills
Professional communication is important in almost every workplace. Participants can learn how to communicate with colleagues, supervisors and other stakeholders in an appropriate and professional manner.
Teamwork
Most organisations require employees to work as part of a team. YES participants can gain experience working with different people and contributing towards shared objectives.
Time Management
Workplaces operate according to schedules, deadlines and priorities. Participants can learn how to organise their responsibilities and complete assigned tasks within expected timeframes.
Problem-Solving
Workplace environments can present unexpected challenges. Participants may learn how to identify problems, seek guidance and contribute to practical solutions.
Professional Conduct
Entering the workplace provides young people with an opportunity to understand expectations around punctuality, accountability, communication, workplace behaviour and following organisational policies.
Safety Awareness
Because Eskom operates within the electricity and energy sector, workplace safety and compliance can be important aspects of the working environment. Participants should be prepared to follow all applicable safety instructions and procedures.
Administrative and Operational Skills
Depending on their placement, candidates may gain experience with administrative processes, operational activities, record keeping, communication and other duties associated with their assigned environment.
Building a Stronger CV
A major advantage of completing a workplace programme is the ability to demonstrate practical experience on a CV.
Before joining the programme, a young applicant may have little to list under work experience. After completing a 12-month placement, the candidate may be able to describe responsibilities, skills, training and achievements gained during the programme.
Participants should therefore take the programme seriously from the beginning.
They should keep track of the duties they perform, training they receive, projects they contribute to and skills they develop.
This information can later be used when applying for jobs, internships, learnerships and graduate programmes.
Exposure to Eskom’s Working Environment
Eskom is a major organisation operating within South Africa’s electricity and energy sector.
For young people interested in operational, administrative, technical or professional environments, gaining experience within such an organisation can provide useful exposure to large-scale organisational processes.
The exact duties of successful YES participants will depend on their placement.
Applicants should therefore be willing to learn and adapt to their assigned working environment.
They should also understand that workplace experience comes with responsibilities. Participants will be expected to follow instructions, respect workplace policies, behave professionally and complete assigned duties.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The Eskom YES Programme may be worth considering for:
- Unemployed Matriculants.
- Young graduates.
- Candidates with post-Matric qualifications.
- Young people looking for their first workplace experience.
- Candidates with limited employment history.
- Young South Africans interested in developing professional skills.
- Applicants interested in gaining exposure to the electricity and energy sector.
If you fall into one of these categories and meet the stated requirements, you should carefully review the official vacancy information before submitting an application.
Documents Applicants Should Prepare
Candidates should prepare their application information before beginning the recruitment process.
Depending on what is requested during the application, applicants may need documents such as:
- An updated CV.
- South African identity document.
- Grade 12 certificate.
- Relevant post-Matric qualifications or certificates.
- Other supporting documents requested by Eskom.
Candidates should ensure that all information provided is truthful and accurate.
It is also important to make sure that names, qualification details, dates and other information on the application correspond with the candidate’s official documents.
How to Prepare a Strong CV
Your CV is often one of the first things a recruiter sees, so it should be clear and easy to understand.
A good CV should clearly show your education, qualifications, skills and relevant experience.
Young applicants without formal employment experience should not assume that they have nothing useful to include.
They can highlight relevant projects, volunteer experience, computer skills, communication abilities, academic achievements and other activities that demonstrate useful capabilities.
However, applicants should avoid adding information that is false or exaggerated.
Apply Before the Closing Date
The stated closing date for the Eskom YES Programme 2026 is 24 August 2026.
Applicants should avoid leaving their application until the final day.
Last-minute applications can be affected by technical problems, missing documents, incorrect information or other issues.
Preparing early gives applicants time to check their information and correct mistakes before submitting.
Candidates should also make sure that they follow the application instructions provided in the official vacancy.
Prepare for the Selection Process
Submitting an application is only the beginning.
Candidates who progress through the recruitment process may be required to participate in further assessments or selection activities.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to explain:
- Their educational background.
- Their skills.
- Their career interests.
- Why they want workplace experience.
- Why they are interested in the opportunity.
- What they hope to learn.
- How they can contribute to the workplace.
Candidates should answer honestly and professionally.
Is the Eskom YES Programme Permanent Employment?
No.
The opportunity is described as a 12-month internship/YES workplace experience programme.
Applicants should understand the difference between gaining workplace experience and receiving a permanent employment offer.
Completing the programme does not automatically guarantee permanent employment with Eskom.
However, the experience gained can potentially strengthen a participant’s profile when applying for other employment opportunities in the future.
Important Programme Conditions
Candidates should carefully consider the conditions associated with the YES Programme.
The programme is designed to provide meaningful workplace experience to young people who need an opportunity to enter the workplace.
Applicants with significant previous permanent employment history may need to check whether they satisfy the applicable YES programme conditions.
Candidates should also understand that the programme requires professionalism and commitment throughout the placement.
Being selected means accepting the responsibility of attending work, completing assigned duties, following workplace rules and cooperating with supervisors and colleagues.
Benefits of Gaining First-Work Experience
The value of first-work experience extends beyond the duration of the programme.
A participant can develop an understanding of how workplaces operate, including expectations around attendance, deadlines, communication and accountability.
They may also become more comfortable participating in meetings, communicating with colleagues and taking responsibility for assigned tasks.
These experiences can help candidates feel more prepared when applying for future jobs.
Another potential benefit is networking. Working alongside experienced people can introduce young participants to professional environments and allow them to learn from people who have already established careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Eskom YES Programme open to unemployed youth?
Yes. The programme is aimed at young South Africans who are seeking workplace experience, particularly candidates who need an opportunity to gain meaningful first-work exposure.
How many opportunities are available?
The 2026 intake provides 25 positions.
How long does the programme last?
The programme lasts approximately 12 months.
What qualification is required?
The stated minimum educational requirement is Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification, with post-Matric qualifications or certificates applicable to relevant candidates.
Can graduates apply?
Yes. Graduates can apply if they meet the applicable programme requirements.
What is the age requirement?
The stated age range is 18 to 34 years.
Must I be a South African citizen?
Yes. South African citizenship is listed among the requirements.
Is this a permanent job?
No. It is a 12-month YES workplace experience opportunity presented as an internship. Completion does not guarantee permanent employment.
What is the closing date?
The stated closing date is 24 August 2026.
How many months of experience will participants receive?
Successful candidates are expected to gain approximately 12 months of workplace experience.
Beware of Recruitment Scams
Young job seekers should always be careful when responding to employment advertisements.
Legitimate recruitment processes should not require applicants to pay someone to secure a job.
Applicants should be suspicious of individuals who claim they can guarantee selection in exchange for money.
Candidates should use official Eskom recruitment channels and verify vacancy information before submitting personal documents.
Never share sensitive information with people claiming to represent Eskom unless you have confirmed that the communication is legitimate.
Final Advice to Applicants
If you are unemployed and looking for your first opportunity to enter the workplace, the Eskom YES Programme 2026 may be an opportunity worth considering.
The programme provides 25 opportunities and is designed to give young people practical workplace exposure over a 12-month period.
Applicants should not view the opportunity only as a way to earn income. The experience, skills, professional behaviour and knowledge gained during the programme can also be valuable when applying for future opportunities.
Take time to prepare your CV, check your qualifications, confirm that you meet the requirements and make sure your application is complete.
Most importantly, do not wait until the last minute.
Closing Date
The stated closing date for applications is:
24 August 2026
Young people interested in the programme should submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that they follow the official application instructions.
Eskom YES Programme 2026 Summary
Company: Eskom
Programme: Youth Employment Service (YES)
Number of Opportunities: 25
Duration: 12 months
Age Requirement: 18–34 years
Citizenship: South African
Minimum Education: Grade 12 or equivalent
Target Applicants: Unemployed youth, Matriculants and graduates
Contract: Internship
Industry: Electricity, Energy & Water Supply
Reference: eskom_006424
Reference Number: 50904987LM
Remuneration: Market related
Closing Date: 24 August 2026
The Eskom YES Programme 2026 represents an opportunity for young South Africans to take an important step towards building their careers. With 25 positions available and a 12-month workplace experience period, successful participants can gain practical exposure, develop transferable skills and strengthen their CVs.
For unemployed young people who have been struggling to obtain that first opportunity because of the experience barrier, gaining workplace exposure can make a meaningful difference.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your documents carefully, submit an accurate application and make sure you apply before 24 August 2026.