Exact YES Youth Opportunity 2026: Apply for a 12-Month Retail Work Experience Programme

Exact YES Youth Opportunity 2026 – A Great Career Opportunity for South African Youth

Are you a young South African looking for your first job opportunity? The Exact YES Youth Opportunity 2026 could be the perfect stepping stone to help you gain valuable workplace experience and kick-start your career in the retail industry.

Exact is inviting unemployed youth to apply for its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme, offering successful candidates a 12-month fixed-term work experience contract. This programme is designed to equip young people with practical skills, workplace exposure, and valuable experience that can improve future employment opportunities.

The closing date for applications is 12 June 2026.

About the Exact YES Youth Programme

The Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme is a national initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment in South Africa. Through partnerships with leading employers, the programme provides young people with meaningful workplace experience that helps them develop skills and prepare for future careers.

As part of the programme, Exact offers participants an opportunity to work in a dynamic retail environment where they can learn important business and customer service skills while gaining practical experience.

For many young job seekers, obtaining work experience is one of the biggest challenges when entering the job market. The Exact YES Programme helps bridge this gap by providing hands-on learning opportunities within one of South Africa’s leading fashion retailers.

Exact YES Youth Opportunity 2026 Overview

• Programme: YES Youth Opportunity
• Company: Exact
• Industry: Retail
• Contract Duration: 12 Months
• Location: South Africa
• Closing Date: 12 June 2026

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for the Exact YES Youth Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 18 and 29 years old.
• Have a minimum of Grade 10 qualification.
• Matric is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Be available for a 12-month fixed-term contract.
• Must not have been permanently employed by one employer for more than one continuous year.
• Must not be studying full-time during the programme period.
• Must not have previously participated in the YES Programme.
• Must be able to arrange and cover personal transport and accommodation costs where necessary.

Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Act.

Why Apply for the Exact YES Youth Opportunity?

Gain Valuable Work Experience

One of the biggest challenges facing young job seekers is the lack of work experience. This programme provides practical retail experience that can strengthen your CV and improve your employability.

Learn Essential Workplace Skills

Participants will develop important skills that employers value, including:

• Customer service
• Communication skills
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Professional workplace conduct

These skills are transferable and can benefit you in many different career paths.

Build Confidence and Professionalism

Working in a professional retail environment helps young people gain confidence, improve interpersonal skills, and learn how to operate effectively in the workplace.

Improve Future Employment Prospects

Completing a recognised work experience programme can make your CV more attractive to future employers and may increase your chances of securing permanent employment.

About Exact

Exact is a well-known South African fashion retailer offering affordable clothing, footwear, accessories, and everyday essentials for the whole family. The brand is committed to providing quality products at affordable prices while staying aligned with current fashion trends.

Exact forms part of TFG (The Foschini Group), one of Africa’s largest retail companies with a portfolio of leading retail brands operating across multiple countries.

Through initiatives like the YES Youth Programme, TFG continues to invest in youth development and skills empowerment across South Africa.

What Participants Will Learn

Successful candidates may gain experience in the following areas:

• Assisting customers in-store
• Merchandising and product displays
• Stock control and inventory support
• Store operations
• Customer service excellence
• Retail sales support
• Team collaboration

This exposure helps participants understand how retail businesses operate while developing practical workplace skills.

HOW TO APPLY

Tips for a Successful Application

Before submitting your application:

• Update your CV with accurate information.
• Include all educational qualifications.
• Ensure your contact details are correct.
• Apply before the closing date.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Employers often value enthusiasm, commitment, and reliability just as much as formal qualifications.

Application Closing Date

📅 Closing Date: 12 June 2026

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as opportunities like this often attract a high number of applications.

Final Thoughts

The Exact YES Youth Opportunity 2026 offers unemployed young South Africans an excellent chance to gain workplace experience, develop valuable skills, and improve future employment prospects.

If you are motivated, eager to learn, and ready to start your career journey, this programme could provide the experience you need to build a brighter future.

Keywords

Exact YES Youth Opportunity 2026, YES Programme South Africa, Retail Jobs South Africa, Youth Employment Service, Exact Careers, TFG Jobs, Youth Work Experience Programme, Retail Work Experience, Grade 10 Jobs, South Africa Youth Opportunities, Entry-Level Retail Jobs, First Job Opportunities South Africa.

SEO Meta Title: Exact YES Youth Opportunity 2026: Apply for 12-Month Retail Work Experience Programme

SEO Meta Description: Apply for the Exact YES Youth Opportunity 2026. South African youth aged 18–29 can gain 12 months of retail work experience through the YES Programme. Closing date: 12 June 2026.