Are you a young South African looking for your first work experience? Eskom is offering an exciting opportunity through the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026, aimed at helping unemployed youth gain valuable workplace experience.
The Eskom YES Programme 2026 is open to South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 34 who meet the programme requirements. Successful candidates will receive a 12-month contract and may be placed within Eskom Operations across different divisions and provinces in South Africa.
Applications close on 24 August 2026, making this an opportunity that eligible applicants should not miss.
Eskom YES Programme 2026
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a public-private initiative supported by the Presidency to help address youth unemployment in South Africa.
Through the programme, Eskom is creating work opportunities for unemployed young people who are looking to enter the job market and gain practical workplace experience.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to Grade 12 learners and young people with post-matric certificates or programmes who have little or no previous work experience.
Successful candidates will be placed within Eskom Operations and could gain exposure to the country’s electricity and energy sector.
Eskom YES Programme 2026 Details
| Job Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Youth Employment Service (YES) X25 |
| Company | Eskom |
| Reference | eskom_006424 |
| Reference Number | 50904987LM |
| Position/Task Grade | YY1 |
| Department | Eskom Real Estate |
| Business Unit | Eskom Real Estate |
| Locations | Sunninghill, Midrand and Rosherville |
| Placement | Eskom Operations across South Africa |
| Contract | 12 months |
| Age requirement | 18–34 years |
| Minimum qualification | Grade 12 or equivalent |
| Remuneration | Market related |
| Closing date | 24 August 2026 |
Who Can Apply for the Eskom YES Programme?
The Eskom YES Programme is aimed at young South Africans who are ready to enter the workplace and gain their first meaningful work experience.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 34 years old.
- Have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
- Have post-matric certificates or programmes, where applicable.
- Be available for the 12-month employment opportunity.
Applicants should carefully review all the requirements before submitting their applications.
Eskom YES Programme Requirements
In addition to the basic eligibility criteria, applicants must meet the YES participation requirements.
Candidates:
- Should not have been permanently employed by one employer continuously for more than one year.
- Should not be studying full-time during the year of employment.
- Should not have previously participated in or registered for the YES initiative.
These requirements are important because the programme is designed to provide employment opportunities and workplace exposure to young people who need an opportunity to enter the labour market.
What Is the Duration of the Eskom YES Opportunity?
Successful applicants will be employed on a 12-month contract.
During this period, participants will gain practical workplace exposure and have an opportunity to develop professional skills that could be useful when applying for future employment opportunities.
The programme may also help participants understand workplace expectations such as professionalism, communication, customer service and accountability.
Where Will Eskom YES Participants Be Placed?
The vacancy indicates locations including:
- Sunninghill
- Midrand
- Rosherville
Successful candidates may also be placed in Eskom Operations across different divisions and provinces in South Africa.
Placement will depend on Eskom’s operational requirements and the recruitment process.
What Skills Is Eskom Looking For?
Eskom is looking for young people who demonstrate positive workplace behaviours.
The advertised behavioural requirements include:
Integrity
Participants are expected to conduct themselves honestly and responsibly while performing their duties.
Professionalism
Successful candidates should demonstrate a professional attitude and be willing to learn and follow workplace procedures.
Customer Focus
Applicants should understand the importance of serving customers and responding to their needs in a professional manner.
These qualities can be particularly important for young people entering the workplace for the first time.
Why Apply for the Eskom YES Programme?
Finding your first job can be challenging when employers require previous experience.
The Eskom YES Programme provides young people with an opportunity to overcome one of the biggest barriers facing new job seekers: lack of workplace experience.
A 12-month placement can help participants:
- Gain practical workplace experience.
- Develop professional skills.
- Improve their CV.
- Learn how organisations operate.
- Build confidence in a professional environment.
- Gain exposure to the energy industry.
- Develop communication and customer-service skills.
- Prepare for future employment opportunities.
Although participation in the programme does not guarantee permanent employment with Eskom, the experience gained can be valuable when applying for other jobs.
Is the Eskom YES Programme for People With No Experience?
Yes. The opportunity falls under the Matriculants/Graduate/No Experience category and is aimed at young South Africans looking for an opportunity to enter the job market.
This makes it particularly relevant to people who have completed Grade 12 or post-matric programmes but have not yet secured substantial workplace experience.
Eskom YES Programme 2026 Closing Date
The closing date for the Eskom YES Programme 2026 is:
24 August 2026
Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
Do not wait until the last day to submit your application. Make sure your information is correct and that you meet all the eligibility requirements before applying.
How to Apply for the Eskom YES Programme 2026
Interested candidates should apply through the official Eskom recruitment platform.
When completing the application, applicants should make sure that their personal information, educational qualifications and other required details are accurate.
Before submitting your application:
- Check that you meet the age requirement.
- Confirm that you are a South African citizen.
- Make sure you have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
- Confirm that you have not previously participated in or registered for YES.
- Ensure that you are not studying full-time during the year of employment.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit your application before 24 August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eskom YES 2026
What is the Eskom YES Programme?
The Eskom YES Programme is a youth employment initiative that provides unemployed young South Africans with an opportunity to gain workplace experience through a 12-month contract.
How old must I be to apply?
Applicants must be between 18 and 34 years old.
Do I need Grade 12?
Yes. The minimum educational requirement is Grade 12 or equivalent, together with post-matric certificates or programmes where applicable.
Can I apply if I have no work experience?
Yes. The vacancy is categorised under Matriculants/Graduate/No Experience, making it suitable for eligible young people who are looking to gain workplace experience.
Can full-time students apply?
The advertised selection criteria state that applicants should not be studying full-time in the year of employment.
How long is the contract?
Successful candidates will receive a 12-month contract.
Where can I be placed?
Candidates may be placed in Eskom Operations across different divisions and provinces in South Africa. The listed locations include Sunninghill, Midrand and Rosherville.
When does the application close?
The closing date is 24 August 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Eskom YES Programme 2026 offers young South Africans an opportunity to take their first step into the world of work.
If you are aged 18 to 34, have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification, are unemployed and meet the YES participation criteria, this could be an opportunity to gain valuable experience and strengthen your CV.
The programme provides a 12-month employment opportunity, with successful participants potentially placed within Eskom Operations across South Africa.
If you meet the requirements, apply before 24 August 2026 and take the next step towards gaining valuable workplace experience.
see also CPD Academy Learnership Programme 2026 – Transport, Logistics and Truck Driver Opportunities
Leave a Reply