If you are an unemployed young South African with Grade 10 or higher, the AVI Limited YES4Youth Work Experience Programme 2026 at I&J could be one of the most accessible entry-level pathways into the formal seafood manufacturing and food production industry this year.
Even though the employer clearly states that this opportunity is not a formal learnership, it still provides 12 months of structured workplace exposure, which is exactly the type of experience many employers require before offering permanent entry-level jobs.
For young people trying to move from unemployment into their first structured working environment, programmes like this can become powerful stepping stones toward long-term employment.
Quick Overview
Programme Name: AVI Limited YES4Youth Work Experience Programme 2026
Host Employer: I&J (A division of AVI Limited)
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Programme Duration: 12 Months
Minimum Qualification: Grade 10 (Standard 8)
Age Requirement: 18 – 34 years
Employment Status Required: Must be unemployed
Closing Date: 30 April 2026
Application Method: WhatsApp application process
WhatsApp Number: 060 011 9717
Programme Type: Work Experience Programme (not a learnership)
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the AVI Limited YES4Youth Work Experience Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria.
You must:
- Be between 18 and 34 years old
- Be unemployed
- Have completed at least Grade 10
- Not be currently studying full-time
- Not be enrolled in another government-funded training programme
- Not have participated in YES4Youth previously
- Be willing to undergo background screening
- Be willing to complete a medical examination
Meeting these criteria is essential for shortlisting.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents before applying.
Failure to submit all required documents will result in disqualification.
You must submit:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of ID (not older than 3 months)
- Certified copy of highest qualification (not older than 3 months)
- SARS tax document or confirmation letter
- Stamped bank account confirmation letter (not older than 3 months)
Preparing these documents early improves your application success rate significantly.
Recruitment Screening Process
Candidates selected for the programme will undergo a structured recruitment process that may include:
- identity verification
- criminal background checks
- qualification verification
- medical fitness assessment
These steps ensure workplace safety and compliance within food production environments.
This is standard practice in manufacturing-sector employment programmes.
Work Locations Within Cape Town
Successful candidates may be placed at one of the I&J operational sites, including:
Woodstock facility
Cape Town Waterfront fishing operations
Paarden Eiland processing division
Each location offers exposure to different parts of the seafood production chain.
How to Apply online
APPLY FOR THE AVI LIMITED YES4YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
How the WhatsApp Application Process Works
AVI and I&J use a WhatsApp-based recruitment system designed to simplify youth access.
Follow these steps carefully:
- Step 1 Save this number: 060 011 9717
- Step 2: Send the message: “HI”
- Step 3: Follow the automated response instructions
- Step 4: Upload required documents when prompted
This method helps applicants without laptops or email access apply easily.
Contact Numbers for Application Support
If you experience technical issues during your application, contact the Learning & Development team:
Woodstock Office
021 440 7800
Magdalene Idas or Franklin Cieverts
Cape Town Waterfront Office
021 402 9700
Shannon Allman
Paarden Eiland Office
021 440 7800
Sheila Mayana
Always apply before contacting support unless necessary.
What Participants Gain During the Programme
Although this is not a formal learnership qualification programme, participants still receive valuable workplace exposure.
Typical benefits include:
- workplace discipline training
- shift-based work exposure
- production environment experience
- teamwork training
- safety compliance training
- supervisor feedback reports
- improved employability profile
These outcomes help young people qualify for future permanent entry-level roles.
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
Before applying, make sure you:
certify documents at SAPS
update your CV with recent contact details
prepare your SARS confirmation letter
ensure your bank confirmation letter is stamped
save the WhatsApp number correctly
Also remember:
Food production environments prioritise punctuality, hygiene awareness, and teamwork.
Applicants demonstrating these strengths during screening are more likely to succeed.
Even though this is not a learnership, it is still one of the most accessible entry-level pathways into the manufacturing sector without matric.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this a learnership?
No. This is a structured 12-month work experience programme under the YES initiative.
- Do I need Matric?
No. Minimum requirement is Grade 10.
- Will I receive a stipend?
YES programmes normally include stipends aligned with national guidelines, although the exact amount is employer-specific.
- Can I apply if I completed YES before?
No. Previous YES participants are not eligible.
- Can students apply?
No. Applicants must not be currently enrolled in government-funded training programmes.
- Is the application free?
Yes. No payment is required to apply.
CLOSING DATE: 30 APRIL 2026
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No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs shares verified opportunity information to support unemployed youth accessing legitimate employment pathways. We do not charge application fees. Always apply through the official employer contact channels provided above.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY