ZarJobAre you an unemployed young South African looking for Eskom jobs, learnerships, internships or work experience in 2026? The Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme may provide an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience while developing practical skills that can improve your chances of finding long-term employment.
Eskom is one of South Africa’s largest and most important organisations, and the company has participated in the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme to create work-experience opportunities for young people.
The YES programme is designed to give unemployed youth the opportunity to enter the workplace, develop practical skills and gain experience that can be added to their CV. Eskom has previously placed YES participants in entry-level and non-professional roles across its operations.
According to Eskom’s 2025 reporting, 612 YES learners were participating in work-experience programmes across the organisation at year-end, demonstrating the company’s continued involvement in the programme. Eskom says the initiative contributes to its skills pipeline and social responsibility efforts. (Eskom)
If you are interested in the Eskom YES Programme 2026, this guide explains what the programme is, who may qualify, what participants can expect, how the application process works and what to do before submitting your application.
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) |
| Position | YES Programme Participant |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Industry | Energy and electricity |
| Location | Various Eskom operations in South Africa |
| Target group | Unemployed youth |
| Age | Generally youth aged 18–34 for B-BBEE YES opportunities |
| Experience required | Depends on the specific opportunity |
| Closing date | 28 October 2026 |
| Application | Online |
| Employer/Host | Eskom |
| Programme type | Structured workplace experience |
Important: Requirements can differ between individual opportunities. Always read the specific Eskom vacancy or YES opportunity before submitting your application.
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a South African initiative focused on creating quality work experiences for unemployed young people.
Rather than simply giving participants theoretical training, the programme is designed around real workplace experience. Participants are placed into participating organisations where they can develop practical, professional and interpersonal skills.
YES says the programme has created more than 200,000 work experiences since its launch, with participating companies providing young people with first-job experience across industries including technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare and financial services. (Yes4Youth Blog)
Eskom is one of the organisations that has participated in the initiative.
The company’s involvement is particularly valuable for young people who want exposure to a large organisation operating in South Africa’s energy sector.
However, applicants should understand that a YES placement is not automatically a permanent Eskom job.
The purpose of the programme is to provide meaningful work experience and improve employability.
The Eskom YES opportunity is aimed at helping unemployed young people gain practical experience in a professional working environment.
Depending on the available placement, participants may work in areas such as administration, operations, technical support, customer-related functions, data, general business support or other entry-level activities.
The exact position and duties will depend on the specific opportunity.
Participants can expect to work alongside experienced employees and supervisors while becoming familiar with workplace procedures, communication, time management, teamwork and professional responsibilities.
This can be particularly useful for someone who has completed school or further education but has struggled to obtain their first opportunity because employers often ask for previous experience.
One of the biggest advantages of a programme such as YES is that it gives participants something many entry-level job seekers do not yet have:
actual workplace experience.
Eligibility depends on the particular YES opportunity and the way the placement is structured.
YES explains that B-BBEE-specific YES opportunities generally target Black South African youth between 18 and 34 who are unemployed and have not previously participated in the YES programme. YES also notes that its broader network contains opportunities with different eligibility requirements. (Yes 4 Youth)
For this reason, applicants should always check the requirements attached to the Eskom opportunity before applying.
Potential applicants should generally be prepared to meet requirements relating to:
If an opportunity specifies a particular qualification, applicants should make sure they meet that requirement before submitting their application.
One of the common questions from applicants is whether they need a university degree to participate in YES.
The answer is not necessarily.
YES states that the programme is aimed at unemployed youth across different education levels and that a university qualification is not required simply to register on the YES platform. (Yes 4 Youth)
However, individual placements can have their own requirements.
For example, one Eskom opportunity may require Grade 12, while another could require a particular technical qualification, certificate, diploma or specific skills.
This means you should never assume that every Eskom YES position has identical requirements.
Before applying, carefully read:
If you do not have a university qualification, do not automatically assume that you cannot apply.
The YES programme is specifically intended to create workplace experience for young people at different stages of their careers.
The YES initiative generally uses the youth age category for B-BBEE-specific programmes.
YES currently describes qualifying youth for B-BBEE-specific opportunities as people who are:
However, individual opportunities can have additional requirements.
Always use the eligibility criteria displayed on the actual opportunity you are applying for.
The work performed by a YES participant depends on the placement.
This is important because the programme is not a single job title with identical duties for everyone.
A participant could potentially be exposed to administrative, operational, technical-support or other entry-level functions.
Typical workplace activities may include:
Participants may assist with basic administrative activities, document management, data capturing, filing, scheduling or general office support.
Depending on the placement, participants may gain exposure to day-to-day operations within an Eskom environment.
Some placements may provide exposure to technical environments, although applicants should not assume that every YES position is a technical role.
Certain roles may involve assisting teams that interact with customers, communities or internal stakeholders.
Participants may work with computer systems, spreadsheets, databases or other digital tools depending on their placement.
Working in a large organisation requires participants to communicate with colleagues, supervisors and other departments.
Participants can develop workplace habits such as punctuality, professional communication, problem-solving and responsibility.
One of the most valuable aspects of YES is that participants can develop skills that are useful beyond the programme itself.
These may include:
Communication: Learning how to communicate professionally with colleagues and supervisors.
Teamwork: Understanding how different people work together to achieve organisational goals.
Time management: Learning to manage tasks and deadlines.
Computer literacy: Developing confidence using workplace technology.
Problem-solving: Learning how to approach everyday workplace challenges.
Professional conduct: Understanding expectations around attendance, punctuality and workplace behaviour.
Customer service: Depending on the role, participants may develop experience dealing with customers or stakeholders.
Adaptability: Learning how to work in a structured environment and adjust to new responsibilities.
These skills can later be included on a CV when applying for other jobs.
Getting the first job can be one of the biggest challenges facing young South Africans.
Many entry-level vacancies ask applicants to have previous experience, creating a difficult situation for people who have never had an opportunity to enter the workplace.
A 12-month YES placement can help address that problem by giving participants genuine workplace exposure.
Eskom is also a large organisation with operations and employees working across different parts of South Africa.
The experience gained from working in a structured corporate environment can help participants understand how a major organisation operates.
It can also help young people determine which career direction they would like to pursue.
For example, someone who enters an administrative placement may discover an interest in business administration, while someone exposed to technical operations may decide to pursue further technical studies.
No.
Applicants should understand the difference between work experience and permanent employment.
A YES placement is generally a fixed-term work-experience opportunity.
Successfully completing the programme does not automatically mean that Eskom will employ you permanently.
However, the experience gained can improve your CV and potentially make you more competitive when applying for future opportunities.
Eskom has reported that its YES programme provides work experience to previously unemployed youth in entry-level and non-professional roles. (Eskom)
Therefore, applicants should view the programme as an opportunity to build experience, skills and employability, rather than as a guaranteed permanent position.
The YES work-experience programme is generally structured around a 12-month placement.
The 12-month period gives participants enough time to become familiar with the workplace, learn their responsibilities and develop practical skills.
YES also describes its youth placements as year-long work experiences. (Yes4Youth)
Participants should therefore be prepared to commit themselves to the programme for the full period specified by the opportunity.
One of the most frequently searched questions is how much Eskom YES participants earn.
Applicants should be careful when reading older social media posts and job websites because stipend information can change depending on the programme structure, placement and sponsoring organisation.
A specific amount should only be relied upon when it appears in the official opportunity or programme documentation.
The YES initiative is designed around paid work experience, but applicants should check the actual Eskom opportunity for the current remuneration or stipend details.
Do not pay anyone who claims that you need to pay a recruitment fee to secure an Eskom YES placement.
If you are interested in the Eskom YES Programme, make sure you follow the application instructions provided with the official opportunity.
Read the complete Eskom YES vacancy or opportunity before starting your application.
Check whether you meet the age, qualification, citizenship and employment requirements.
Your CV should be current and easy to read.
Include:
If you have never worked before, do not leave your CV completely empty.
You can include relevant school achievements, volunteering, community activities, computer skills, short courses and other experience that demonstrates responsibility.
Depending on the vacancy, you may be asked to provide supporting documents.
These could include:
Only provide documents requested through the official recruitment process.
Follow the official application instructions and complete every required field.
Before clicking submit, carefully check your:
A simple spelling error in your contact details could make it difficult for a recruiter to reach you.
After applying, keep your cellphone number and email address active.
Recruiters may use the information supplied in your application to contact shortlisted candidates.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.
Eskom may receive a large number of applications, and only candidates who meet the requirements and progress through the selection process will be contacted.
It is a good idea to prepare your documents before you begin.
Your application folder can include:
1. Updated CV
Make sure your CV reflects your latest education and skills.
2. South African ID
Use a clear copy of your valid identification document if requested.
3. Matric Certificate
If the position requires Grade 12, have your certificate or relevant proof available.
4. Additional Qualifications
Include relevant certificates, diplomas or other qualifications if requested.
5. Supporting Documents
Only provide additional documents specifically requested by the official application process.
Never submit fraudulent certificates or false information.
The closing date listed for this opportunity is:
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Technical problems, internet interruptions or incomplete applications can potentially prevent an application from being successfully submitted.
If you are interested in the opportunity, prepare your documents early and complete your application as soon as possible.
Closing Date: 28 October 2026
Eskom is a well-known South African employer, which unfortunately makes its name attractive to scammers.
Applicants should be extremely careful when receiving Eskom job advertisements through WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram or other social media platforms.
A legitimate employer should not require you to pay someone to “secure” a job.
Be suspicious of messages saying:
Do not send money or personal banking information to an unknown person.
Use official Eskom recruitment channels and recognised YES platforms when verifying an opportunity.
Eskom has an official recruitment platform, although applicants should check the company’s current recruitment page because recruitment systems can undergo maintenance or changes. (Eskom)
No.
Registering on the YES platform does not guarantee that you will receive an Eskom placement.
YES explains that it does not itself perform the recruitment role for every participating organisation. Young people can register and access opportunities through platforms such as SAYouth, while participating companies determine their own placement requirements. (Yes 4 Youth)
This distinction is important.
You should think of registration as opening access to potential opportunities rather than being an offer of employment.
Yes, potentially.
A university degree is not a universal requirement for YES participation.
YES states that young people can register regardless of their level of education, while individual placements may have specific educational requirements. (Yes 4 Youth)
Therefore, someone with Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12 or a post-school qualification may find opportunities depending on the requirements of the particular programme.
Always check the specific Eskom vacancy.
YES is a national initiative and opportunities can be available in different parts of South Africa.
However, applicants should not assume that every Eskom YES position is available in every province.
The location depends on where Eskom has a participating opportunity and where placements are being made.
Applicants should therefore check the location listed on the specific vacancy before applying.
If the opportunity requires you to work at a particular Eskom site, make sure you can reasonably travel to or relocate to that location if required.
The recruitment process can vary.
Generally, applications are reviewed against the requirements of the available opportunity.
Candidates who meet the criteria may be shortlisted.
Depending on the position, the process can include:
Not every applicant will reach every stage.
If you are contacted, make sure you follow the instructions provided by the official recruitment team.
Your CV does not need to be complicated.
Use clear headings and keep the information relevant.
Even if you have no formal employment history, you may have useful skills.
For example:
Make sure your cellphone number and email address are correct.
Your CV should accurately represent your own education, skills and experience.
Incorrect information can cause an application to be rejected.
Do not wait until the closing date.
Submitting early gives you time to resolve problems with your documents or application.
The Eskom YES Programme provides young people with structured workplace experience through the Youth Employment Service initiative.
The programme is generally structured as a 12-month work-experience opportunity.
The closing date listed for this opportunity is 28 October 2026.
Yes. YES is specifically focused on creating work experience for unemployed young people who meet the applicable requirements.
Not necessarily. YES opportunities can cater for young people with different education levels, although individual Eskom opportunities can specify their own qualification requirements.
Yes, that is one of the reasons programmes such as YES are valuable. They are designed to provide young people with workplace experience.
No. It is a fixed-term work-experience programme. Completing the programme does not guarantee permanent employment with Eskom.
The YES programme is generally structured around 12 months.
YES placements are paid work experiences, but the applicable remuneration should be confirmed from the official opportunity because amounts and programme arrangements can differ.
B-BBEE-specific YES eligibility generally excludes people who have previously participated in the programme. Check the requirements of the specific opportunity before applying. (Yes 4 Youth)
No. YES covers a broad range of workplace experiences. Eskom has reported using the programme for entry-level and non-professional roles as well as other work-experience placements. (Eskom)
You should never pay an unofficial recruiter to apply for an Eskom position or guarantee you a job.
Use the official application process.
Do not give up.
Use the experience of applying to improve your CV and continue looking for other opportunities, including learnerships, internships, apprenticeships, graduate programmes and entry-level jobs.
The YES platform itself lists different types of earning and learning opportunities, including jobs, learnerships, apprenticeships and other programmes. (Yes 4 Youth)
Finding your first job can be difficult, particularly when employers ask for previous experience.
The Eskom Youth Employment Service Programme 2026 can provide an opportunity to overcome some of that barrier by giving unemployed young people practical exposure to a professional working environment.
Eskom has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the YES programme. Its 2025 sustainability reporting recorded 612 YES learners participating in work-experience programmes, with placements contributing to skills development and the company’s broader social impact. (Eskom)
For a young person starting out, the value of the programme goes beyond the monthly income.
The experience can help develop workplace confidence, communication, teamwork, computer skills, time management and professional discipline. It can also provide experience that can later be added to a CV when applying for other employment opportunities.
If you meet the requirements for the opportunity, take the time to prepare a professional CV, gather your supporting documents and carefully complete the application.
Do not wait until the last minute to apply.
Most importantly, remember that no legitimate recruiter should ask you to pay money in exchange for a guaranteed Eskom job. Always verify recruitment information through official channels and be cautious when receiving job advertisements through social media or messaging platforms.
A YES placement may only last 12 months, but the skills, confidence and experience gained during that period can become an important stepping stone towards your next opportunity.
Good luck with your Eskom YES Programme 2026 application!
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