Are you an unemployed South African youth ready to kickstart your career with a global leader? Unilever, in partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES), is offering a transformative 12-month internship programme in 2025. This initiative provides hands-on experience, mentorship, and skills development across key business functions, helping you build a foundation for success in the fast-paced consumer goods industry. With positions in Durban and Johannesburg, this is your opportunity to gain real-world exposure and contribute to meaningful projects at one of South Africa’s top employers.
Why Join the Unilever YES Programme?
The Unilever YES Internship is more than just work experience—it’s a pathway to professional growth and future opportunities. As a participant, you’ll:
- Tackle real business challenges in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Receive expert mentorship and career guidance to boost your employability.
- Develop practical skills aligned with Unilever’s core behaviours: Care Deeply, Focus on What Counts, Stay Three Steps Ahead, and Deliver with Excellence.
- Join a company committed to diversity, sustainability, and innovation, with a strong focus on youth empowerment.
This programme, part of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping you with the tools to thrive in South Africa’s dynamic job market.
Internship Opportunities
Unilever offers diverse roles across its business units, allowing you to support functions like:
- Customer Development (CD): Build retailer relationships and drive sales strategies.
- Culinary: Assist with product demos, trade shows, and digital content creation.
- Marketing: Focus on brand building, consumer engagement, and market expansion.
- Supply Chain: Manage sourcing, manufacturing, and efficient product delivery.
- Human Resources (HR): Handle employee engagement, talent development, and organisational growth.
- Finance: Conduct financial planning, analysis, compliance, and reporting.
- Information Technology (IT): Support digital transformation and business systems.
- Mechanical Engineering: Gain exposure to advanced manufacturing projects.
- Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE): Implement systems to minimize workplace risks.
- Communications: Manage PR, corporate affairs, and internal/external messaging.
- Learning & Rewards: Develop training programmes and reward strategies for employees.
These full-time, 12-month positions are based in Durban or Johannesburg, providing a blend of on-the-job learning and professional development.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Unilever YES Internship 2025, you must:
- Be a South African citizen aged 18–34 years.
- Be currently unemployed and not studying full-time.
- Have completed Matric (Grade 12).
- Hold relevant tertiary qualifications (e.g., Diploma or Degree) as an advantage.
- Have 0–2 years of work experience.
- Not have previously participated in a YES Programme.
- Be willing to commit to a 12-month full-time programme.
- Demonstrate strong communication, teamwork, and basic computer skills.
- Align with Unilever’s values of caring for people, performance, and the planet.
Preference is given to passionate, proactive candidates eager to learn and contribute.
How to Apply
Applications are free and submitted online—beware of scams requesting fees. Follow these steps:
- Prepare your documents: Updated CV and certified copy of your highest qualification (e.g., Matric, Diploma, or Degree).
- Visit the official Unilever careers portal or YES platform to apply.
- Select the relevant internship pathway and complete the online form with accurate details.
- Submit by the closing date: 30 August 2025.
Apply online via the links below:
Johannesburg: Apply here – Unilever YES Programme (Johannesburg)
Durban: Apply here – Unilever YES Programme (Durban)
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for assessments and interviews. If no response is received within 30 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Why This Programme Matters
- Career Launchpad: Gain skills in high-demand areas like marketing, supply chain, and IT, with mentorship from Unilever experts.
- Youth Empowerment: As part of the YES initiative, it addresses unemployment and provides inclusive opportunities.
- Global Impact: Work with a company committed to sustainability and community development.
- Diverse Culture: Unilever fosters an environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of background.
Important Notes
- Closing Date: 30 August 2025—apply early to avoid missing out.
- Locations: Durban and Johannesburg only.
- No Fees: Applications are free; report any suspicious requests to Unilever.
- Unilever Reserves Rights: The company may not fill all positions based on business needs.
Enquiries
For support, contact Unilever Careers:
- Email: careers@unilever.co.za
- Phone: 0800 331 000 (toll-free in South Africa)
- Website: www.unilever.com/careers
Conclusion
The Unilever YES Internship Programme 2025 is your gateway to a rewarding career in consumer goods, with practical experience, mentorship, and skills that last a lifetime. If you’re unemployed, motivated, and ready to make an impact, apply today and take the first step toward a brighter future in South Africa’s dynamic job market!
