Published: December 29, 2025
Author: Ontonda Teczo
Eskom YES Learnerships 2026 offer unemployed youth in KwaZulu-Natal real work experience through the national YES Programme
Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most painful realities. For many young people, finishing matric does not lead to work, but to years of waiting, rejection, and uncertainty. Against this backdrop, opportunities like the Eskom YES Learnerships 2026 feel less like handouts and more like a practical step forward.
Eskom has officially opened applications for its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026, targeting unemployed youth in KwaZulu-Natal. The programme focuses on customer services and administrative exposure, offering real workplace experience rather than empty promises.
For young people who have never had formal employment, this could be a meaningful entry point into the world of work.
What the Eskom YES Learnerships 2026 Are About
The YES Programme is a national initiative led by the Presidency to help young South Africans gain their first paid work experience. Eskom’s participation aligns with this goal by placing successful candidates within its customer services and administrative environments.
Under the Eskom YES Learnerships 2026, participants will be placed in the Retail – Customer Services Department within the Central East Cluster. Locations include Westville and Mkondeni in KwaZulu-Natal.
This is not permanent employment. Instead, it is a structured, fixed-term opportunity designed to help young people build confidence, workplace discipline, and employability skills that many employers demand but rarely help develop.
Programme Details You Should Know Before Applying
Understanding the basics of the programme helps applicants avoid confusion and false expectations.
The programme falls under the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, with a YY1 task grade. It is classified as a student job, with market-related remuneration, meaning participants receive a stipend rather than a full salary.
The official closing date is 02 January 2026, and late applications will not be considered. Applicants should also note that placement depends on Eskom’s operational needs, not personal preference.
Those who are not contacted within 28 days after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
Who Qualifies for the Eskom YES Programme?
Many young people miss opportunities simply because they overlook eligibility requirements. The Eskom YES Learnerships 2026 have clear criteria.
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be between 18 and 34 years old
- Have Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent
(Post-matric certificates or N3 Electrical Engineering are advantageous but not mandatory)
In addition, applicants must:
- Not have been permanently employed by one employer for more than 12 months
- Not be studying full-time during the programme period
- Never have participated in or registered for the YES initiative before
- Be willing to undergo Eskom’s full recruitment and selection process
These conditions exist to ensure the programme reaches those who genuinely need first-time exposure to work.
What Eskom Looks for Beyond Qualifications
Formal qualifications alone are not enough. Eskom places strong emphasis on behavioural competencies, especially in customer-facing environments.
Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate:
- Integrity in handling information and responsibilities
- Professionalism in appearance, communication, and conduct
- A customer-focused mindset, especially when dealing with public queries
These soft skills are often what young job seekers lack opportunities to develop, making the YES programme valuable beyond the certificate it provides.
Employment Equity and Inclusion at Eskom
Eskom has reiterated its commitment to employment equity and diversity. In line with its Employment Equity Plan, preference may be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
Importantly, youth living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, a reminder that inclusion is not just policy language but part of recruitment practice.
Why the Eskom YES Learnerships Matter in Today’s Economy
For many unemployed youth, the biggest barrier to employment is not a lack of ability, but a lack of experience. Employers want experience, yet few are willing to provide it.
Programmes like the Eskom YES Learnerships 2026 help break this cycle. Participants gain:
- Exposure to a real working environment
- Practical customer service and administrative skills
- A stronger CV that reflects actual workplace experience
- Better readiness for future job interviews and opportunities
While the programme does not guarantee permanent employment, it significantly improves a young person’s chances in a highly competitive job market.
How to Apply for Eskom YES Learnerships 2026
Applications must be submitted online through Eskom’s official recruitment platform.
➡️ Apply via Eskom’s careers portal
Applicants are advised to prepare the following before applying:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate or relevant qualification
For guidance on preparing a strong CV, you can also read our internal guide on how to apply for jobs without work experience on seta-services.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Eskom YES Learnership a permanent job?
No. It is a fixed-term youth employment opportunity designed to provide work experience, not permanent employment.
Can I apply if I am currently studying part-time?
Yes, as long as you are not studying full-time during the year of employment.
What happens after the programme ends?
Participants exit the programme with workplace experience, references, and improved employability. Some may apply for other opportunities within or outside Eskom.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Applicants must be between 18 and 34 years old at the time of application.
Will I be paid?
Yes. Participants receive a market-related stipend for the duration of the programme.
Final Thoughts for Applicants
The Eskom YES Learnerships 2026 may not solve unemployment overnight, but for many young people, it represents something rare: a real chance to start. In a country where thousands apply for every vacancy, opportunities that focus on development rather than experience are worth serious consideration.
If you meet the requirements and are ready to learn, this programme could be one step closer to breaking the cycle of unemployment.
