You completed your qualification. You spent months or years studying, attending classes, writing examinations and working towards a better future.
But now you face one of the most frustrating challenges in South Africa’s employment market.
You have the qualification, but employers keep asking for work experience.
How are you supposed to gain experience when nobody gives you an opportunity to start?
What if your Certificate, Diploma or Degree could help you enter one of South Africa’s established tyre manufacturing businesses?
Dunlop Tyres South Africa, through Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, is inviting unemployed South African youth to apply for its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026.
The advertised opportunities cover 23 discipline listings across two recruitment locations: Durban Head Office and Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal.
From Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing to Finance, Supply Chain, Administration, Human Resources and Information Technology, these opportunities could provide qualifying applicants with valuable workplace exposure.
However, there is one mistake applicants must avoid.
The two recruitment advertisements have different closing dates, age requirements and application email addresses.
- Ladysmith applications close on 06 November 2026.
- Durban Head Office applications close on 09 November 2026.
If you meet the requirements, an incorrect email address or an overlooked deadline could prevent your application from reaching the intended recruitment team.
Before applying, read the requirements carefully and make sure your CV reflects the discipline you want to pursue.
Quick Overview: Dunlop Tyres YES Youth Programme 2026
| Programme Details | Information |
| Recruiting organisation | Dunlop Tyres South Africa / Sumitomo Rubber South Africa |
| Programme | Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme |
| Recruitment year | 2026 |
| Industry | Automotive, Tyre Manufacturing and Business Operations |
| Locations | Durban and Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Advertised discipline listings | 23 across both adverts, including overlapping fields |
| Age requirement: Durban | 18–34 years |
| Age requirement: Ladysmith | 18–35 years |
| Citizenship | South African citizens |
| Employment status | Currently unemployed |
| Qualification | Relevant Certificate, Diploma, Degree or equivalent qualification |
| Previous YES participation | Not permitted |
| Previous work experience | Preferably none for Durban; not specified as a preference for Ladysmith |
| Stipend | Not specified in the recruitment posters |
| Number of actual placements | Not specified |
| Programme commencement date | Not specified |
| Durban closing date | 09 November 2026 |
| Ladysmith closing date | 06 November 2026 |
| Application method | Email a detailed CV |
Important: The number of advertised disciplines is not the number of available positions. The advertisements do not confirm how many people Dunlop intends to recruit.
About Dunlop Tyres South Africa and Sumitomo Rubber South Africa
Dunlop is a well-known name in the automotive and tyre manufacturing industry.
In South Africa, Dunlop tyre operations form part of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd, which is associated with the international Sumitomo Rubber Industries Group.
The South African business manufactures and distributes tyres for different vehicle categories, including passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, light commercial vehicles and commercial transport.
The company operates its Head Office in Durban and a tyre manufacturing facility in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal.
But an automotive manufacturing organisation requires far more than production-line workers.
Behind every tyre manufactured are people responsible for:
- Engineering and product development.
- Production planning and manufacturing operations.
- Procurement and supply chain management.
- Quality assurance and process improvement.
- Mechanical and electronic systems.
- Information technology and industrial networks.
- Finance and business administration.
- Human resources and employee development.
- Workplace health and safety.
These departments depend on employees with different qualifications, abilities and occupational interests.
That is why a manufacturing business can provide workplace-learning opportunities across both technical and non-technical disciplines.
Applicants can learn more about the organisation through the official Sumitomo Rubber South Africa website and the Dunlop Tyres South Africa website.
What Is the Dunlop YES Youth Programme?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a South African initiative aimed at helping unemployed young people gain meaningful workplace experience.
Through participating employers, qualifying young people can develop professional skills, understand workplace expectations and build experience that may improve their future employability.
The national YES initiative generally provides 12 months of structured workplace experience.
However, the two Dunlop recruitment posters supplied for this article do not expressly confirm their specific contract duration, starting date or salary.
What Could Successful Applicants Gain?
Depending on their allocated department and responsibilities, successful candidates may have an opportunity to develop:
- Practical workplace experience related to their qualifications.
- Exposure to manufacturing or professional business operations.
- Communication and teamwork skills.
- Professional discipline and workplace accountability.
- Problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Knowledge of organisational procedures.
- Technical or administrative workplace competencies.
- Experience that could strengthen future job applications.
These are potential developmental benefits, not promises that every participant will receive identical training.
Is This a Learnership or a YES Workplace Programme?
This distinction matters.
Although YES opportunities are often grouped with learnerships on employment websites, a YES placement is not automatically a registered learnership leading to an NQF qualification.
The official Youth Employment Service programme distinguishes its workplace-experience initiative from registered learnerships, internships and apprenticeships.
Neither Dunlop recruitment poster identifies a specific registered qualification, SAQA ID or NQF level that participants will obtain.
Applicants should confirm any accredited training or certification directly with the employer.
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Dunlop YES Youth Programme 2026 – Ladysmith
Closing Date: 06 November 2026
Dunlop Tyres South Africa invites qualifying unemployed young South Africans to apply for YES Programme opportunities in Ladysmith.
The Ladysmith operation is associated with the company’s manufacturing activities, making the recruitment particularly relevant to applicants interested in engineering, manufacturing, production, operations and technical support.
However, business-related disciplines are also included.
Available Disciplines – Ladysmith
The advertisement identifies the following 15 discipline areas:
- Operations Planning
- Industrial Engineering
- Procurement / Supply Chain
- Human Resource
- Training and Development
- Safety Management
- Finance
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Quality Assurance (QA)
- Process Engineering
- Product Development Engineering
- Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
- Network & Infrastructure
- Operations Production
These disciplines create different possible entry points into a manufacturing environment.
For example, someone with an Industrial Engineering qualification may investigate production efficiency, operational planning and process improvement.
A candidate with a Mechanical Engineering qualification may be interested in production machinery, industrial maintenance and mechanical systems.
An IT graduate may find Network & Infrastructure or Manufacturing Execution Systems more closely aligned with their studies.
Important: These are explanations of the broader occupational fields. Dunlop has not published detailed job descriptions for each advertised discipline in the supplied poster.
Minimum Requirements – Ladysmith
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be currently unemployed.
- Possess a relevant Certificate, Diploma, Degree or equivalent qualification in the discipline being applied for.
- Have never participated in a Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme.
The advertisement does not prescribe a single qualification level for every discipline. Applicants should ensure their qualifications genuinely relate to the fields they select.
How to Apply for the Ladysmith YES Programme
Interested candidates must submit their detailed CV using the recruitment email printed on the Ladysmith poster.
Application email: Careers@srigroup.co.za
Email your Ladysmith application
Suggested email subject:
YES Youth Programme – Industrial Engineering – Your Full Name
Replace Industrial Engineering with your actual discipline.
The employer requires applicants to identify their relevant discipline in the subject line.
Closing Date: Friday, 06 November 2026
Do not confuse this application email with the Durban recruitment address.
-
Dunlop YES Learner Programme 2026 – Durban Head Office
Closing Date: 09 November 2026
The second opportunity is advertised for Dunlop Tyres South Africa’s Head Office in Durban.
Unlike the Ladysmith advertisement, which includes numerous manufacturing and engineering disciplines, the Durban recruitment focuses on business, administrative, corporate and automotive-related functions.
For graduates who want to enter a professional corporate environment, this may be an opportunity worth investigating.
Available Disciplines – Durban
The recruitment poster lists eight discipline areas:
- Finance
- Administration
- Supply Chain
- Retail
- Legal
- Corporate Planning
- Automotive
- Human Resources
Applicants should choose the discipline that corresponds most closely with their completed qualification.
For example, a Finance graduate may be interested in financial administration and reporting.
A Supply Chain graduate may want to understand procurement, logistics, stock control and distribution activities.
A Human Resources graduate may be interested in recruitment administration, employee development or organisational support.
These examples describe typical departmental activities, not confirmed assignments for successful Dunlop candidates.
Minimum Requirements – Durban
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 34 years old.
- Be currently unemployed.
- Have a relevant Certificate, Diploma, Degree or equivalent qualification.
- Preferably have no previous work experience.
- Have never participated in the YES Programme.
Important distinction: Durban prefers applicants without previous work experience. This does not mean applicants with some previous work experience are automatically disqualified, provided they meet the other criteria and are currently unemployed.
Previous YES participation, however, is expressly excluded.
How to Apply for the Durban YES Programme
The Durban recruitment poster instructs applicants to email their detailed CV to:
Application email: careers@dunlop.co.za
Email your Durban YES Learner Programme application
The email subject line must include the job title and relevant discipline.
Suggested email subject:
Y.E.S Learner Program – Finance – Your Full Name
Replace Finance with your actual discipline.
Closing Date: Monday, 09 November 2026
Recruitment verification note: The email above is reproduced from the supplied Durban poster. Before sending sensitive personal information, applicants should independently verify the recruitment address through Dunlop’s official contact channels, as this specific November intake was not independently located on the company’s public careers board during the research for this article.
The Important Difference Between the Durban and Ladysmith Applications
| Requirement | Ladysmith | Durban |
| Location | Ladysmith | Durban Head Office |
| Age | 18–35 | 18–34 |
| Qualification | Relevant Certificate, Diploma, Degree or equivalent | Relevant Certificate, Diploma, Degree or equivalent |
| Currently unemployed | Yes | Yes |
| Previous YES participation | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| No previous work experience | Not specified as a preference | Preferred |
| Main opportunities | Manufacturing, Engineering, IT, Operations and Business | Corporate, Administration, Finance, Retail and Business |
| Application email | Careers@srigroup.co.za | careers@dunlop.co.za |
| Closing date | 06 November 2026 | 09 November 2026 |
Edupstairs Advice: Do not send the same generic application without identifying the department and location. Match your CV and email subject line to the opportunity you want.
What Qualities Is Dunlop Looking For?
Both advertisements identify several personal and professional attributes.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Willingness to learn and develop professionally.
- Ability to work independently and within a team.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Adaptability and resilience.
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Reliability, accountability and self-motivation.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
These qualities are particularly valuable in manufacturing and corporate environments where employees must follow procedures, communicate effectively and contribute to organisational objectives.
But simply listing these words on your CV is not enough.
Where possible, connect your genuine skills to examples from your studies, projects, practical training or previous activities.
Create an ATS-Friendly CV Before Applying to Dunlop
Your qualification may match an advertised discipline.
But will a recruiter be able to see that match quickly when reading your CV?
A poorly structured CV can make it harder for an employer to identify your relevant education and abilities.
Edupstairs provides an online career assistant designed to help users create and improve professional CVs and cover letters.
Create your professional ATS-friendly CV with the Edupstairs Career Assistant.
How to Prepare Your Dunlop YES Application CV
Step 1: Choose your target discipline
Identify the exact discipline you want to apply for, such as Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance or Human Resources.
Step 2: Enter your qualifications
Include your actual qualification title, institution, graduation year and relevant academic subjects or modules.
Step 3: Highlight relevant technical skills
For example:
| Discipline | Relevant skills to highlight if genuinely possessed |
| Mechanical Engineering | Technical drawings, maintenance fundamentals, mechanical systems |
| Industrial Engineering | Process analysis, productivity improvement, data analysis |
| Supply Chain | Inventory control, procurement fundamentals, Excel |
| Finance | Financial reporting, accounting, bookkeeping, Excel |
| Human Resources | HR administration, recruitment support, communication |
| Information Technology | Networking, troubleshooting, systems support |
| Quality Assurance | Quality-control methods, inspection, attention to detail |
| Administration | Document management, computer literacy, recordkeeping |
Step 4: Include practical experience
If you completed academic projects, laboratory work, workplace-integrated learning or relevant volunteer activities, describe them accurately.
Step 5: Review the CV
Check spelling, contact details, qualification titles and the relevance of your skills.
Use a readable format and avoid unnecessary decorative elements that could interfere with automated CV parsing.
Step 6: Save and submit
Use a professional filename, such as:
YourName_Dunlop_YES_MechanicalEngineering_CV.pdf
Only include genuine qualifications and experience. An ATS-friendly CV improves readability but does not guarantee selection.
Explore Careers and Qualifications Related to Dunlop’s Disciplines
One of the most valuable things about the Dunlop advertisement is the variety of occupational fields it introduces.
But what if you are unsure where your qualification could take you?
For example, you may hold an Engineering qualification but not know the difference between Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering and Product Development Engineering.
Or perhaps you studied Business Management and want to understand possible pathways into corporate planning, procurement or human resources.
The Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer can help.
This interactive platform allows users to investigate South African occupations and recognised qualifications.
You can explore:
- Occupational titles and descriptions.
- SAQA qualification information.
- National Qualifications Framework levels.
- Qualification credits.
- Related occupational fields.
- Potential career-to-qualification pathways.
Suggested Career Searches
Dunlop applicants can investigate terms such as:
Engineering and Manufacturing: Industrial Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Production Manager, Process Engineer and Quality Assurance.
Business Operations: Procurement Officer, Supply Chain Manager, Finance Officer, Human Resource Practitioner and Operations Manager.
Technology: Network Technician, ICT Support Technician, Systems Analyst and Industrial Automation.
Start by identifying your qualification, then investigate related occupations and alternative career pathways.
The Explorer is a research resource, not an eligibility decision made by Dunlop.
Not Sure Which Career Matches Your Interests? Use Career Discovery
Sometimes the challenge is not a lack of opportunity.
It is uncertainty about which opportunity to pursue.
You might have studied Business Administration but discover that you enjoy analysing information, organising operations or working with technology.
You might hold a technical qualification but prefer product development over maintenance.
Understanding your interests can help you make better career decisions.
The Edupstairs Career Discovery Assessment provides an interactive way to explore occupations based on your interests.
The assessment can help you investigate possible matches involving:
- Investigative and analytical work.
- Practical and technical activities.
- Organisational and administrative work.
- Social and people-focused activities.
- Enterprising and leadership interests.
Career Discovery is not a Dunlop recruitment assessment and does not determine whether you qualify for the YES Programme.
Use it to support longer-term career planning.
Could Your Qualification Match South Africa’s Skills Priorities?
Not every qualification leads to the same occupational opportunities.
Some industries are changing because of automation, industrial technology, digital systems, manufacturing processes and evolving business requirements.
Before deciding which career direction to pursue, consider investigating the skills research available for your field.
The Edupstairs National Skills Intelligence Explorer brings together occupational information, SETA-related research and qualification pathways.
For Dunlop applicants, relevant research topics may include:
- Manufacturing engineering.
- Industrial automation and production technology.
- Mechanical and electronic systems.
- Quality and process management.
- Supply chain and logistics.
- Information and communication technology.
- Technical maintenance.
- Engineering and occupational skills development.
The platform helps users explore documented skills priorities and occupational research.
However, a skills shortage reported in research does not mean a particular employer is currently recruiting or that employment is guaranteed.
Explore Manufacturing, Engineering and Automotive Training Through the SETA Platform
What happens if you are not selected for the Dunlop YES Programme?
Your career development should not stop because one employer does not shortlist you.
South Africa has 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), supporting different occupational sectors and training pathways.
The Edupstairs SETA Platform allows users to research learnerships, apprenticeships, occupational qualifications, workplace-integrated learning and skills programmes.
Several SETAs are particularly relevant to the advertised Dunlop disciplines.
-
merSETA – Manufacturing, Engineering and Automotive
The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA covers industries including automotive manufacturing, tyre manufacturing, mechanical engineering and related production sectors.
Applicants interested in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production and related technical careers can investigate the Edupstairs merSETA Programme Hub.
-
CHIETA – Chemical and Rubber-Related Industries
Tyre manufacturing involves rubber materials, chemical processing and industrial production.
Applicants interested in technical manufacturing and chemical-process occupations can explore the CHIETA learning and qualification pathways.
-
TETA – Transport and Logistics
Supply chain and logistics applicants may benefit from exploring freight, transport and logistics occupations through the TETA Programme Hub.
-
MICT SETA – Information Technology and Digital Systems
Network Infrastructure, IT systems and digital manufacturing support can involve technical ICT competencies.
Explore the MICT SETA technology and digital skills pathways.
Important: These are independent career-development resources. The Dunlop advertisements do not confirm that these particular YES placements are funded or administered by these SETAs.
Explore TVET College Courses for Manufacturing and Engineering Careers
If you do not yet hold a suitable qualification, studying at a TVET college may be another route towards developing relevant occupational skills.
The Edupstairs TVET College Explorer provides information about South Africa’s 50 public TVET colleges.
Users can investigate:
- NC(V) programmes.
- NATED engineering and business programmes.
- Occupational training.
- Campus information.
- Admission requirements.
- Application information.
- Student funding resources.
For Applicants Living in Ladysmith
The Mnambithi TVET College information hub allows learners to explore courses and training routes in the Ladysmith area.
Relevant fields worth researching include Engineering, Financial Management, Business Management and Human Resource Management, subject to actual campus offerings.
For Applicants Living in Durban
The Thekwini TVET College information hub provides another starting point for investigating vocational and occupational study programmes.
Applicants should always confirm current course availability, campus placement and admission rules directly with the relevant institution.
Explore University Qualifications for Future Career Growth
Some applicants may want to build on an existing diploma or progress towards a degree or postgraduate qualification.
The Edupstairs University Explorer provides course and admission information for South Africa’s 26 public universities.
Depending on the institution, applicants can research qualifications related to:
- Mechanical Engineering.
- Industrial Engineering.
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
- Supply Chain Management.
- Accounting and Finance.
- Business Management.
- Human Resource Management.
- Information Technology.
- Operations Management.
KwaZulu-Natal applicants may find it useful to explore the Durban University of Technology course information and University of KwaZulu-Natal qualifications and admission guidance.
These resources can assist with career planning, but they are not part of the Dunlop application process.
Latest Learnerships and Youth Training Opportunities Published on Edupstairs
Do not make one application your entire employment strategy.
Even a well-prepared candidate may not be selected when an employer receives more suitable applications than available placements.
Edupstairs has recently published several other learnerships and workplace-development opportunities.
Here are additional articles worth exploring as of 04 November 2026.
-
DHL YES4Youth Learnership Programme for 2027 – X50 Posts
DHL Supply Chain has advertised 50 YES4Youth opportunities in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape.
The programme is particularly relevant to unemployed Matric applicants interested in logistics, warehousing and supply chain operations.
Read the DHL YES4Youth Learnership Programme article and application requirements.
-
Clover Call Centre Vacation Work Programme 2026/2027 – X10 Posts
Clover is recruiting for 10 temporary customer service opportunities in Roodepoort, Gauteng.
Applicants need to meet the specific Matric, academic and computer-literacy requirements.
Advertised closing date: 05 November 2026.
Explore the Clover Call Centre Vacation Work Programme for Matric Applicants.
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NERSA Internships and Learnership Programmes 2027
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has advertised workplace-development opportunities across 21 departmental fields.
Relevant disciplines include Engineering, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Supply Chain and Law.
Advertised closing date: 16 November 2026.
Read the NERSA Internships and Learnership Programmes application guide.
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Boomerang SA Contact Centre Learnership Programme 2026
Boomerang BPO has advertised a contact centre learnership opportunity in Cape Town.
The programme targets qualifying candidates interested in customer service, communication and professional contact centre development.
Advertised SA Youth closing date: 06 November 2026, subject to verification.
Explore the Boomerang SA Contact Centre Learnership Programme.
-
Northern Coal Non-Artisan Learnership Programme 2027
Northern Coal has advertised external Surface Blasting learnership opportunities for qualifying applicants, alongside an internal Mineral Processing pathway for eligible employees.
Advertised closing date: 30 November 2026.
Read the Northern Coal Non-Artisan Learnership Programme requirements.
-
Value Logistics Learnership Programme 2026
Value Logistics is offering transport and logistics-related learnership pathways in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
The advertised programmes include Freight Handling and Road Transport Supervision, with a monthly stipend of R4,240.
Advertised closing date: 15 November 2026.
Explore the Value Logistics Learnership Programme and application process.
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SITA Cloud Administrator Learnership Programme 2026/2027
The State Information Technology Agency has advertised an NQF Level 4 Cloud Administrator learnership programme for qualifying Matric applicants in Gauteng.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to candidates interested in Information Technology and digital infrastructure.
Read the SITA Cloud Administrator Learnership Programme guide.
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Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme 2026
Rohlig-Grindrod has advertised a YES workplace-experience programme aimed at qualifying unemployed Matric applicants interested in freight forwarding and logistics.
Advertised closing date: 15 November 2026.
Explore the Rohlig-Grindrod Youth Employment Service Programme.
Reminder: Publication on Edupstairs does not guarantee that an opportunity remains open. Always check the employer’s latest recruitment information, eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
For more opportunities, browse the latest learnerships published on Edupstairs.
Your Career Preparation and Employment Toolkit
Finding an employment opportunity is only one part of building a sustainable career.
Use these connected Edupstairs resources to strengthen your career planning and application preparation.
Find the Right Career and Qualification
Start with the Career Discovery Assessment to investigate your occupational interests.
Then use the Career & Qualification Explorer to understand qualifications and related careers.
Research Skills and Training Pathways
Explore documented skills priorities through the National Skills Intelligence Explorer.
Investigate occupational training and development through the SETA Platform.
Explore Universities and TVET Colleges
Compare further study options using the University Explorer and TVET College Explorer.
Prepare Your Employment Application
Use the Edupstairs ATS Career Assistant to prepare a professional CV and cover letter.
You can also investigate relevant age, education and employment conditions using the Youth Employment Eligibility Checker.
Find More Employment Opportunities
Search vacancies through the Edupstairs Company Entry-Level Jobs Platform.
Investigate Government Entry-Level Jobs and browse the latest learnership articles.
Protect Yourself From Recruitment Scams
Before submitting sensitive personal information, use the Edupstairs Scam Detector Tool for an initial assessment of suspicious recruitment messages.
Always independently verify an application channel with the employer.
Tools you may find useful:
- Money Finder
- SETA Platform
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice: The Biggest Mistake Is Having the Right Qualification but Sending the Wrong Application
Imagine two unemployed graduates.
Both have relevant qualifications.
Both meet the age requirements.
Both want to gain workplace experience.
The first graduate sends the same generic CV to every employer without checking the discipline, application instructions or closing date.
The second graduate identifies a relevant discipline, prepares a targeted CV, checks the recruitment email and follows the advertised application process.
Neither applicant is guaranteed to be selected.
But the second graduate has reduced several avoidable application errors.
That is the difference preparation can make.
For the Dunlop YES Programme, remember these five principles:
- Apply for the correct location. Ladysmith and Durban have separate recruitment instructions.
- Match your qualification to the advertised discipline. Do not claim qualifications or skills you do not possess.
- Check the age requirement. Ladysmith accepts applicants aged 18–35, while Durban advertises 18–34.
- Follow the previous-participation rule. Applicants who previously participated in a YES Programme are expressly excluded from both opportunities.
- Do not overlook the closing dates. The Ladysmith application window closes earlier than Durban’s.
The opportunity to gain workplace experience can be important.
But do not confuse one recruitment process with your entire future.
Apply where you qualify, continue improving your skills and keep investigating legitimate opportunities.
Dunlop YES Programme 2026: Two recruitment locations. Different deadlines. One decision you can control — how carefully you prepare your application.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dunlop YES Programme 2026
- Is Dunlop Tyres recruiting YES Programme candidates in 2026?
Two recruitment posters supplied for this article advertise Dunlop Tyres South Africa YES Programme opportunities in Durban and Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, with November 2026 closing dates.
- What is the closing date for the Dunlop YES Programme?
The Ladysmith opportunity closes on 06 November 2026. The Durban Head Office opportunity closes on 09 November 2026.
- Can I apply with Matric only?
The supplied advertisements require a relevant Certificate, Diploma, Degree or equivalent qualification in the chosen discipline.
Matric alone is not expressly identified as sufficient. Applicants should confirm whether any particular certificate or equivalent qualification meets the employer’s requirements.
- What is the age requirement?
For Ladysmith, applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
For Durban Head Office, the age requirement is 18 to 34 years.
- Can someone who is currently employed apply?
No. Both recruitment advertisements specify that candidates must currently be unemployed.
- Can I apply if I have previously participated in a YES Programme?
No. Both advertisements specifically exclude individuals who have previously participated in the Youth Employment Service Programme.
- Do I need previous work experience?
The Durban advertisement states that candidates preferably should have no previous work experience.
The Ladysmith advertisement does not expressly list no previous work experience as a preference.
Applicants must nevertheless satisfy all other eligibility requirements.
- Can TVET College graduates apply?
Potentially, yes.
Candidates with relevant certificates or other equivalent qualifications may meet the educational requirements, depending on the specific discipline and how Dunlop evaluates the qualification.
Applicants should verify the suitability of their qualification before applying.
- Can university graduates apply?
Yes. The advertisements include relevant Diplomas and Degrees among the accepted qualification types.
Applicants must also meet the age, citizenship, unemployment and previous-participation requirements.
- How many Dunlop YES positions are available?
The advertisements list 15 discipline areas in Ladysmith and eight in Durban.
However, the number of actual learner placements is not specified.
- How much is the Dunlop YES monthly stipend?
The supplied recruitment advertisements do not disclose the exact monthly stipend.
The national YES initiative generally involves paid workplace experience, but candidates should confirm the specific remuneration arrangements directly with Dunlop.
- How long does the Dunlop YES Programme last?
The national YES initiative generally provides 12 months of workplace experience.
However, the exact duration of these two Dunlop intakes is not expressly confirmed in the posters.
- Will successful candidates receive an NQF qualification?
The advertisements do not identify a formal registered qualification, NQF level or SAQA ID.
Applicants should confirm whether any accredited training or additional certification is included.
- Does the programme guarantee permanent employment?
No. Neither advertisement promises permanent employment following the YES placement.
- Can I apply for both locations?
The advertisements do not expressly prohibit applications to both locations.
However, applicants should apply only where they meet the relevant requirements and should follow each location’s separate recruitment instructions.
- Where should I email my application?
For Ladysmith, the supplied poster lists Careers@srigroup.co.za.
For Durban, the supplied poster lists careers@dunlop.co.za.
Applicants should independently verify the addresses through the employer’s official communication channels before submitting sensitive personal information.
- What should I write in the email subject line?
Identify the programme and relevant discipline.
For example:
YES Youth Programme – Supply Chain – Your Full Name
The precise wording may vary, but follow the instructions for the location you are applying to.
- Is this definitely a 2027 intake?
The advertisements provide November 2026 application closing dates but do not confirm a 2027 commencement date.
Candidates should not assume that placements will begin in 2027 without employer confirmation.
- Where can I find other opportunities if I do not qualify?
Visit the Edupstairs Learnerships section, use the SETA Platform or explore the Company Entry-Level Jobs Platform.
- Does Edupstairs recruit candidates for Dunlop?
No. Edupstairs provides independent career information and application guidance.
Applications must be submitted through the recruitment channels specified by the employer.
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)
No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is an independent South African education, employment-information and career-development platform.
Edupstairs is not affiliated with Dunlop Tyres South Africa, Sumitomo Rubber South Africa or their recruitment and selection processes.
We do not recruit, shortlist, interview, appoint or receive applications on behalf of these organisations.
Programme requirements, closing dates, application channels, contract terms and available placements may change without notice.
Applicants should verify recruitment information directly with the employer before submitting applications or sharing sensitive personal information.
Edupstairs does not guarantee employment, workplace placement, qualification completion or an interview.
Never pay anyone who promises guaranteed employment, learnership placement or recruitment assistance.
Editorial Integrity and Source Verification
This article was prepared on 04 November 2026, using two recruitment advertisement images supplied to Edupstairs and additional research into the employer and related career-development resources.
The Ladysmith advertisement identifies the YES Youth Programme, its 15 discipline areas, minimum requirements, recruitment email and 06 November 2026 closing date.
The Durban advertisement identifies the Y.E.S Learner Program, its eight disciplines, minimum requirements, recruitment email and 09 November 2026 closing date.
The organisation’s identity and operating locations were cross-checked against the official Sumitomo Rubber South Africa website and its public recruitment portal.
However, the exact November 2026 YES intake advertisements were not independently located on the employer’s public recruitment portal. The advertised application emails have therefore been reproduced from the supplied posters rather than described as independently authenticated recruitment channels.
The distinction between YES workplace placements and formally registered learnerships is based on guidance from the official Youth Employment Service organisation.
The advertisements do not establish the number of available positions, exact stipend, contract duration, confirmed programme start date, registered qualification or guarantee of permanent employment. These details have not been invented.
Links to Edupstairs’ University Explorer, TVET College Explorer, Career & Qualification Explorer, Career Discovery Assessment, National Skills Intelligence Explorer, SETA Platform, ATS Career Assistant and recently published learnerships are provided as independent educational and career-development resources.
They are not additional requirements imposed by Dunlop.
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
