Young South Africans looking for an opportunity to gain their first meaningful workplace experience can now apply for the Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026.
Eskom is recruiting 25 unemployed young people through the Youth Employment Service initiative. Successful applicants will receive a 12-month contract and may be placed within Eskom operations across South Africa.
This opportunity is particularly relevant to young people with Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification, including applicants who have completed certain post-matric certificates or programmes but have struggled to secure workplace experience.
Applications close on 24 August 2026, so eligible candidates should prepare and submit their applications as early as possible.
Quick Overview
- Organisation: Eskom
- Programme: Youth Employment Service (YES)
- Number of opportunities: 25
- Listing reference: eskom_006424
- Internal reference: 50904987LM
- Position/Task Grade: YY1
- Department: Eskom Real Estate
- Business Unit: Eskom Real Estate
- Locations listed: Sunninghill, Midrand and Rosherville
- Potential placement: Eskom operations across South African provinces
- Contract duration: 12 months
- Job category: Matriculants / Graduate / No Experience
- Minimum qualification: Grade 12 or equivalent; post-matric certificates/programmes are also considered
- Age requirement: 18–34 years
- Citizenship: South African
- Remuneration: Market related
- Closing date: 24 August 2026
About Eskom
Eskom operates within South Africa’s electricity sector and provides employment across a wide range of operational, technical, administrative and support environments.
For a young person entering the labour market, exposure to an organisation of this scale can provide an opportunity to understand professional workplace systems, organisational structures, teamwork, accountability and customer service.
However, applicants should understand an important distinction: this YES opportunity is a 12-month work experience programme. It should not be interpreted as an offer of permanent employment.
The purpose is to give eligible young people practical exposure that can strengthen their future employability.
What Is the Eskom Youth Employment Service Programme?
The Youth Employment Service, commonly called YES, is an initiative intended to help address youth unemployment by creating work experience opportunities for young South Africans.
According to the Eskom advertisement, the programme forms part of the public-private initiative led by the Presidency to address South Africa’s youth unemployment challenge.
Through the 2026 intake, Eskom is creating opportunities for young people who want to enter the labour market and gain practical experience within the energy industry.
Successful candidates will receive a 12-month contract.
The advert further states that successful applicants may be placed within Eskom operations across its divisions and across South African provinces.
That makes it important for applicants to read the location and placement information carefully before applying.
Official Minimum Requirements
The following requirements come directly from the Eskom opportunity information supplied for listing eskom_006424.
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 34 years old.
- Have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
- Applicants with post-matric certificates/programmes may also be considered.
The advert does not specify particular Grade 12 subjects or minimum Matric marks.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that Mathematics, Physical Sciences or another specific subject is compulsory unless Eskom’s application system states otherwise.
Important YES Selection Criteria
In addition to the minimum requirements, Eskom lists several YES-specific selection conditions.
Applicants:
- Should not have been permanently employed by a single employer continuously for more than one year.
- Should not be studying full-time during the year of employment.
- Should not have previously participated in or registered on the YES initiative.
- Must go through Eskom’s recruitment process.
Successful applicants may then be placed within Eskom operations across its divisions.
These conditions are important.
For example, having some previous work experience does not automatically mean you are excluded. The specific wording provided by Eskom concerns having been permanently employed with one employer continuously for more than one year.
Applicants should answer all screening questions truthfully.
Can You Apply With Only Matric?
Yes. Based on the official minimum requirements supplied for this opportunity, Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification is sufficient to meet the stated educational requirement.
This makes the programme particularly relevant to young job seekers who have Matric but have been repeatedly excluded from entry-level positions because they do not yet have workplace experience.
Applicants with post-matric certificates or programmes can also consider applying.
Remember, however, that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
There are only 25 opportunities, and candidates still have to go through Eskom’s recruitment process.
Do You Need Previous Work Experience?
The vacancy is categorised under:
Matriculants / Graduate / No Experience
The programme is specifically designed around youth workplace exposure.
Applicants should therefore not exclude themselves simply because they have little or no formal employment history.
If your CV does not contain formal work experience, you can still include relevant activities such as:
- School leadership responsibilities
- Volunteer work
- Community projects
- Short training programmes
- Computer courses
- Youth programmes
- Sports leadership
- Part-time or temporary work
- Relevant post-Matric studies
Do not invent employment experience simply to make your CV appear stronger.
Behavioural Competencies Eskom Is Looking For
Eskom identifies three behavioural qualities:
Integrity
Employers need people who can be trusted to follow procedures, behave ethically and take responsibility for their actions.
Your application should therefore be accurate and truthful.
Professionalism
For a first-time job seeker, professionalism can include arriving on time, communicating appropriately, following instructions and treating colleagues respectfully.
Customer Focus
Even positions that do not involve traditional retail customers may require employees to understand that their work supports other teams, stakeholders or members of the public.
These behavioural competencies can also become useful preparation areas if you are invited to an interview.
Where Will Successful YES Candidates Work?
The vacancy introduction identifies:
- Sunninghill
- Midrand
- Rosherville
However, Eskom also states that successful candidates may be placed within its operations across divisions and across South African provinces.
Applicants should therefore be prepared for the possibility that placement arrangements may not necessarily be limited to the location closest to where they currently live.
The advert provided does not specify individual provincial allocations for the 25 positions.
Applicants should avoid assuming a particular province or worksite until Eskom confirms their placement.
How Long Is the Eskom YES Programme?
Successful candidates will receive a 12-month contract.
During this period, participants can gain practical workplace exposure and begin developing a professional employment record.
The advert does not promise permanent employment after completion of the programme.
Candidates should therefore approach the 12 months as an opportunity to build skills, references, professional networks and evidence of workplace experience that can support future applications.
Why a 12-Month YES Placement Can Help Your Career
One of the biggest difficulties facing young job seekers is the familiar requirement: “Experience required.”
Someone who has just completed Matric or a post-school programme may not have had an opportunity to build that experience.
A structured workplace opportunity can help bridge that gap.
During the programme, participants should focus on learning transferable workplace skills such as:
- Communication
- Time management
- Following workplace procedures
- Teamwork
- Professional conduct
- Problem-solving
- Administrative discipline
- Workplace safety awareness
- Customer service
- Accountability
The exact duties and exposure will depend on the placement Eskom assigns.
Edupstairs Application Guidance
The following recommendations are Edupstairs guidance and not additional official Eskom requirements.
Prepare a Simple, Professional CV
If you have never worked before, your CV does not need to be empty.
A first-time applicant CV can include:
- Full name and contact information
- Career objective or short personal profile
- Grade 12
- School attended
- Year Matric was completed
- Additional certificates
- Computer skills
- Language abilities
- Volunteer or community experience
- Leadership activities
- Relevant skills
- References where appropriate
Avoid filling your CV with unnecessary personal information.
Make Your Matric Qualification Easy to Find
Because Grade 12 is one of the key minimum requirements, it should be clearly visible under the education section of your CV.
For example:
National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
School Name
Year completed: 2025
If you completed another qualification after Matric, list that separately.
Check Your Contact Details
This sounds basic, but incorrect contact information can create unnecessary problems.
Before submitting, check:
- Mobile number
- Email address
- Spelling of your name
- Qualification information
Use an email address you regularly monitor.
Keep Your Supporting Documents Ready
The supplied vacancy information does not provide a complete document checklist.
Applicants should therefore follow the instructions shown on Eskom’s recruitment platform.
It is nevertheless sensible to have clear electronic copies of commonly requested application documents available, particularly your CV and qualification documents.
Do not submit documents that were not requested simply because another Eskom vacancy asked for them.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE ESKOM YES PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
The closing date is: 24 August 2026
Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.
Edupstairs recommends applying before the final day where possible. Waiting until the closing date can expose you to avoidable problems such as internet connectivity issues, forgotten passwords or incomplete documentation.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applying Without Reading the YES Conditions
Check the age, citizenship, employment history, study status and previous YES participation requirements before applying.
Claiming You Have Never Worked When You Have
Previous employment does not necessarily mean automatic disqualification.
Answer the questions according to the actual selection criteria rather than changing your employment history.
Applying While Studying Full-Time
The selection criteria specifically state that applicants should not be studying full-time in the year of employment.
Applying After Previously Participating in YES
Eskom states that applicants should not have participated in or registered on the YES initiative before.
Assuming the Programme Guarantees Permanent Employment
The advertised opportunity is a 12-month contract.
There is no information in the supplied advertisement guaranteeing permanent employment afterwards.
Providing Incorrect Contact Information
Recruiters cannot easily reach you if your telephone number or email address is wrong.
Check these details before submitting.
Paying Someone to Apply
Job seekers should be cautious of individuals claiming they can guarantee placement in exchange for money.
Use official recruitment channels and never assume that payment can secure a legitimate Eskom position.
Making the Most of the 12-Month Programme
If selected, do not treat the programme simply as 12 months of temporary employment.
Treat it as the beginning of your employment history.
Keep track of:
- Tasks you learn
- Systems you use
- Training completed
- Responsibilities assigned
- Projects you contribute to
- Skills developed
- Measurable achievements
When you later update your CV, these details can help you explain what you actually accomplished during the programme.
For example, instead of simply writing: “YES Participant – Eskom”
you could eventually describe the actual responsibilities you performed during your placement, provided those descriptions are accurate.
What Can Come After YES?
Your career path after the programme will depend on your qualifications, experience, interests and future vacancies.
The value of YES is that you can leave with something many first-time applicants do not have: documented workplace exposure.
That experience may support future applications for:
- Entry-level jobs
- Administrative positions
- Customer service opportunities
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Further workplace programmes
- Opportunities related to your post-Matric qualification
Participants should continue monitoring vacancies rather than waiting until the final month of the programme to think about their next move.
Tools you may find useful:
- 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
If you are 18–34, have Grade 12 and meet the YES selection criteria, this is worth considering even if you do not have previous formal work experience.
Do not disqualify yourself simply because your CV is short.
At the same time, do not assume that meeting the minimum criteria guarantees selection. With only 25 opportunities advertised, candidates should submit accurate, complete and professional applications.
Most importantly, apply through the correct official recruitment channel and apply before 24 August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the Eskom YES Programme 2026?
It is a 12-month Youth Employment Service work opportunity through which Eskom intends to provide unemployed young South Africans with workplace experience.
-
How many positions are available?
There are 25 YES opportunities advertised.
-
Can I apply with only Grade 12?
Yes. The official minimum educational requirement provided is Grade 12 or equivalent. Applicants with post-matric certificates/programmes may also apply.
-
What is the age limit?
Applicants must be between 18 and 34 years old.
-
Can university or TVET students apply?
The selection criteria state that applicants should not be studying full-time in the year of employment. Candidates should assess their study status against this condition.
-
Can I apply if I have worked before?
Potentially. Eskom states that applicants should not have been permanently employed by a single employer continuously for more than one year. Applicants must still satisfy all the other criteria.
-
Can I apply if I previously completed a YES programme?
No. The selection criteria state that candidates should not previously have participated in or registered on the YES initiative.
-
How long does the programme run?
Successful applicants receive a 12-month contract.
-
Where are the positions based?
The vacancy lists Sunninghill, Midrand and Rosherville. Eskom also states that successful candidates may be placed in operations across its divisions and South African provinces.
-
How much will successful applicants earn?
The remuneration is listed as market related. A specific salary or stipend amount was not provided in the information supplied.
Applicants should therefore not rely on unofficial stipend figures circulating online.
-
Is previous work experience required?
The opportunity falls under Eskom’s Matriculants/Graduate/No Experience job category and is intended to provide youth with workplace experience.
-
Does completing the YES programme guarantee an Eskom job?
No permanent employment guarantee is stated in the supplied advertisement. The advertised opportunity is a 12-month contract.
-
When do applications close?
Applications close on 24 August 2026.
-
What reference should I use?
The listing reference is eskom_006424, while the advertisement also provides reference number 50904987LM.
You can also:
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is an independent educational and career information platform and is not Eskom, YES or a recruitment agency acting on their behalf.
Publication of this opportunity does not guarantee selection, employment or placement.
Recruitment decisions remain entirely with Eskom and the relevant recruitment team. Vacancy information, deadlines and recruitment arrangements may also be amended by the employer.
Always use official application channels and never pay anyone who claims they can guarantee you an Eskom job or YES placement.
Editorial Integrity
Edupstairs independently explains employment, learnership, internship, bursary and youth development opportunities to help applicants understand official advertisements.
The factual requirements, dates, references and selection criteria in this article are based on the Eskom vacancy information supplied for the Youth Employment Service (YES) X25 listing.
Sections labelled as Edupstairs Application Guidance, career advice and application tips are editorial guidance intended to help applicants navigate the recruitment process. They should not be interpreted as additional requirements imposed by Eskom.
Where the official information did not specify something — such as an exact stipend amount or guaranteed permanent employment after the programme — this article does not invent that information.
Applicants should always verify final application instructions on the official employer recruitment platform before submitting.
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
