Eskom YES Programme 2026: A Great Opportunity for Unemployed Youth
Eskom has opened applications for the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026, giving unemployed young South Africans an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience in one of the country’s largest state-owned companies.
The programme forms part of the national Youth Employment Service (YES) Initiative, a partnership between government and the private sector aimed at reducing youth unemployment by providing meaningful workplace exposure.
Successful applicants will receive a 12-month internship contract and will be placed within Eskom’s operations, helping them build practical skills that improve their future employability.
If you have a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate, are between 18 and 34 years old, and have little or no work experience, this could be your chance to start building a professional career in South Africa’s energy sector.
Programme Overview
| Programme | Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme |
|---|---|
| Employer | Eskom SOC Ltd |
| Programme | Youth Employment Service (YES) |
| Department | Office of the GE – Programme Management |
| Reference Number | OGE-PM |
| Number of Positions | 2 |
| Employment Type | Internship |
| Contract Duration | 12 Months |
| Location | Sunninghill, Gauteng (placements may be across Eskom operations) |
| Industry | Electricity, Energy & Water Supply |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent |
| Age Requirement | 18–34 Years |
| Experience Required | None |
| Closing Date | 30 July 2026 |
About the Eskom YES Programme
The Youth Employment Service (YES) Initiative was established to help unemployed South African youth gain their first formal work experience.
Through this programme, Eskom offers young people an opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, develop workplace skills, and gain exposure to one of South Africa’s most important industries.
The programme is particularly beneficial for school leavers who have not yet secured permanent employment.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 34 years old.
- Have a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Be unemployed at the time of application.
- Not be studying full-time during the programme.
- Not have worked permanently for one employer for more than one continuous year.
- Not have previously participated in the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme.
- Be willing to undergo Eskom’s recruitment and selection process.
Desired Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Good communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Professionalism
- Integrity
- Customer service orientation
- Teamwork
- Negotiation skills
- Liaison skills
- Positive attitude
- Self-motivation
- Assertiveness
- Energy and enthusiasm
- Reliability
- Courtesy
- Punctuality
Duties and Responsibilities
Although specific duties will depend on placement, participants may be expected to:
- Assist with administrative and operational activities.
- Support Programme Management teams.
- Participate in workplace projects.
- Attend meetings and training sessions.
- Complete assigned tasks under supervision.
- Learn Eskom systems and procedures.
- Contribute to departmental objectives.
- Maintain professional workplace conduct.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues.
- Follow Eskom safety and operational standards.
Skills You Will Gain
During the programme, participants can develop:
- Workplace communication
- Professional ethics
- Administrative skills
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Computer literacy
- Customer service
- Workplace confidence
- Corporate communication
- Organisational skills
- Public sector work experience
Career Opportunities After Completion
Completing the Eskom YES Programme may strengthen your CV for future opportunities such as:
- Administrative Assistant
- Office Support Clerk
- Project Assistant
- Programme Administrator
- Customer Service Consultant
- Data Capturer
- Junior Operations Assistant
- Public Sector Internship Opportunities
- Graduate Development Programmes
- Entry-level positions in government and private companies
While completion of the programme does not guarantee permanent employment, the experience gained can improve your competitiveness in the job market.
Why Apply for the Eskom YES Programme?
Benefits include:
- Valuable workplace experience
- Exposure to South Africa’s energy sector
- Improved employability
- Professional mentoring
- Practical workplace training
- Opportunity to build professional networks
- Nationally recognised employer on your CV
- Development of workplace confidence
Application Tips
Before submitting your application:
- Ensure your Matric certificate is available.
- Prepare a professional CV.
- Have certified copies of your documents ready if requested.
- Double-check that you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
- Use accurate contact details.
- Regularly check your email and phone for communication from Eskom.
Where to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Eskom’s official online careers portal before the closing date.
Applicants should carefully complete the online application and upload all required supporting documents where applicable.
Do not pay anyone to apply—Eskom recruitment is free.
Closing Date
30 July 2026
Late applications are unlikely to be considered, so interested candidates should apply as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply?
South African citizens aged 18–34 who have a Grade 12 certificate and meet the YES Programme requirements.
Is work experience required?
No. This programme is specifically designed for unemployed youth seeking their first work experience.
How long is the programme?
The internship runs for 12 months.
Will participants receive a salary?
Participants receive market-related remuneration according to Eskom’s YES Programme guidelines.
Can students apply?
Applicants should not be studying full-time during the year of employment.
Can I apply if I previously participated in the YES Programme?
No. Previous YES participants are not eligible.
Does completing the programme guarantee permanent employment?
No. The programme provides workplace experience but does not guarantee permanent employment.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s biggest challenges. Programmes such as the Eskom YES Initiative provide practical workplace exposure that helps young people develop the experience many employers require.
For school leavers and first-time job seekers, a year of professional experience at Eskom can significantly strengthen future employment prospects while building valuable workplace skills.
Editorial Policy
This article has been independently prepared for informational purposes using information published in the official Eskom vacancy advertisement. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, applicants should verify all programme details, eligibility criteria, and deadlines through Eskom’s official recruitment platform before applying.
Sources and References
- Official Eskom Careers Vacancy Advertisement – Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme (Reference: OGE-PM)
- Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa
- Department of Employment and Labour
- Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Framework
Disclaimer: This article is not affiliated with or endorsed by Eskom. Application requirements, programme details, remuneration, and recruitment timelines are subject to change at the discretion of Eskom. Applicants should always rely on the official vacancy announcement when submitting their applications.
