Eskom YES Programme 2026: Apply for a 12-Month Paid Youth Employment Opportunity
South African youth looking for their first formal work experience now have an excellent opportunity to kick-start their careers. Eskom has officially opened applications for its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026, offering unemployed young people the chance to gain valuable workplace experience through a 12-month employment contract.
The YES Programme forms part of a national initiative led by the Presidency to combat youth unemployment by connecting unemployed young South Africans with employers who provide practical workplace exposure.
For this recruitment drive, Eskom is seeking two participants for the Office of the Group Executive (Programme Management) based in Sunninghill, Gauteng. Successful applicants will join one of South Africa’s leading energy companies, gaining practical skills, professional experience, and exposure to a dynamic working environment.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 34, have completed Grade 12, and are eager to begin your professional journey, this opportunity is worth considering.
Programme Overview
| Programme Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | Eskom SOC Ltd |
| Programme | Youth Employment Service (YES) |
| Position | YES X2 – Office of the Group Executive (Programme Management) |
| Vacancy Reference | eskom_005949 |
| Department | Programme Management |
| Business Unit | Office of the GE |
| Contract Type | 12-Month Internship |
| Location | Sunninghill, Gauteng |
| Industry | Electricity, Energy & Water Supply |
| Employment Equity | Yes |
| Remuneration | Market Related |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 (Matric) |
| Experience Required | No previous experience required |
| Closing Date | 30 July 2026 |
About the Eskom YES Programme
The Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme is one of South Africa’s largest youth employment initiatives, created through collaboration between government and the private sector.
Eskom participates in this initiative by offering unemployed youth structured workplace experience designed to improve employability and prepare participants for future careers.
Rather than focusing only on technical work, participants receive exposure to professional work environments where they develop communication, teamwork, organisational, and administrative skills.
The programme is especially suitable for young people who have completed school but have struggled to secure permanent employment due to a lack of work experience.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 34 years old.
- Have a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or an equivalent qualification.
- Be unemployed.
- Not be studying full-time during the programme.
- Not have been permanently employed by one employer for longer than one continuous year.
- Not have previously participated in the Youth Employment Service (YES) Initiative.
- Be willing to undergo Eskom’s recruitment and selection process.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection, as shortlisted candidates will go through Eskom’s recruitment procedures.
Desired Skills and Competencies
Although previous work experience is not required, successful applicants should demonstrate strong personal qualities such as:
- Excellent communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Professional behaviour
- Integrity and honesty
- Customer service orientation
- Teamwork
- Positive attitude
- Self-motivation
- Confidence
- Reliability
- Good organisational abilities
- Willingness to learn
- Strong work ethic
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities will depend on departmental needs, but selected participants may be expected to:
- Support Programme Management activities.
- Assist with administrative tasks.
- Maintain departmental records.
- Participate in meetings and workplace projects.
- Learn Eskom policies and operational procedures.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Perform duties assigned by supervisors.
- Follow workplace safety standards.
- Complete work within agreed deadlines.
- Contribute positively to the team’s objectives.
What You Will Learn
The Eskom YES Programme helps participants build practical workplace skills, including:
- Business communication
- Office administration
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Workplace professionalism
- Customer service
- Computer and digital workplace skills
- Organisational planning
- Problem-solving
- Report preparation
- Corporate work culture
- Professional confidence
Benefits of Joining the Programme
Successful applicants will enjoy several benefits, including:
- A 12-month employment opportunity.
- Market-related remuneration.
- Workplace experience with a leading South African employer.
- Improved employability.
- Professional development.
- Exposure to the energy sector.
- Networking opportunities.
- Stronger CV for future job applications.
Career Opportunities After Completion
Although the programme does not guarantee permanent employment, participants gain valuable experience that can help them pursue careers such as:
- Administrative Officer
- Office Assistant
- Programme Administrator
- Operations Assistant
- Project Support Officer
- Customer Service Consultant
- Data Capturer
- Government Intern
- Corporate Administrator
- Entry-level Energy Sector Employee
Many employers value candidates who have completed structured workplace programmes with nationally recognised organisations like Eskom.
Why Choose Eskom?
Eskom remains one of South Africa’s largest employers and provides exposure to a professional environment where young people can develop essential workplace skills.
The YES Programme gives participants an opportunity to experience real working conditions while learning from experienced professionals across different business units.
For many young South Africans, it serves as a stepping stone toward long-term employment and career development.
Application Tips
To improve your chances of success:
- Ensure your CV is up to date.
- Prepare your Grade 12 certificate.
- Verify that your contact details are correct.
- Read all eligibility requirements carefully.
- Apply before the deadline.
- Keep copies of your application.
- Regularly monitor your email and cellphone for updates from Eskom.
Where to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official Eskom Careers website under vacancy reference eskom_005949.
Applicants should complete the online application form and upload any required supporting documents before the closing date.
Important: Eskom does not charge any application or recruitment fees.
Closing Date
30 July 2026
Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply?
Any unemployed South African citizen aged between 18 and 34 who meets the programme requirements.
Is previous work experience required?
No. This programme is intended for youth seeking their first meaningful workplace experience.
How long is the programme?
The YES Programme runs for 12 months.
Will participants receive a salary?
Yes. Successful candidates will receive market-related remuneration.
Can university or TVET students apply?
Applicants should not be studying full-time during the year of employment.
Can previous YES participants apply again?
No. Applicants who have already participated in the YES Initiative are not eligible.
Does the programme guarantee permanent employment?
No. While the programme improves employability, permanent employment is not guaranteed.
Why This Programme Is Important
South Africa continues to face high youth unemployment, particularly among young people who have never had formal work experience. Programmes like the Eskom YES Initiative help bridge this gap by providing practical exposure in a professional workplace.
Participants leave with transferable skills, stronger confidence, and valuable experience that can open doors to future employment across both the public and private sectors.
Editorial Policy
This article has been prepared for informational purposes using details from the official Eskom vacancy advertisement. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, applicants should always verify programme information, eligibility requirements, and application procedures through Eskom’s official recruitment portal before applying.
Sources and References
- Official Eskom Careers Vacancy: Youth Employment Service (YES) X2 – OGE Programme Management (Reference: eskom_005949)
- Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa
- Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act
- Department of Employment and Labour
Disclaimer: This article is independently written and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Eskom. Programme details, remuneration, eligibility criteria, and closing dates are subject to change at Eskom’s discretion. Applicants should consult the official Eskom Careers website for the latest information before submitting an application.
