Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026: X50 Posts for Matric Applicants

Young South Africans who have completed Matric (Grade 12) and are looking for an opportunity to gain workplace experience have a major new Eskom opportunity to consider.

Eskom is recruiting 50 young people for its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026.

The opportunity is particularly important for young job seekers because the advertised minimum academic requirement is Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification, although applicants with post-Matric certificates or programmes may also apply.

Check if you Qualify for this YES Programme before you Apply

Successful applicants will undergo Eskom’s recruitment process and, if selected, may be placed within Eskom operations across different divisions.

Applications close on 22 September 2026.

Quick Overview: Eskom YES Programme 2026

What Is the Eskom Youth Employment Service Programme?

The Youth Employment Service, commonly known as YES, is intended to help young people obtain meaningful workplace experience.

For someone who has completed Matric but has struggled to enter the labour market, workplace experience can become an important bridge between education and employment.

The Eskom YES intake is especially significant because there are 50 advertised opportunities.

Successful candidates will not necessarily all perform the same role.

The official Eskom advertisement identifies the department as Various and states that successful applicants will be placed in Eskom operations across the divisions after completing the recruitment process.

The opportunity is therefore best understood as a youth workplace-experience intake rather than one narrowly defined occupational vacancy.

Where Are the Eskom YES Opportunities Based?

Sunninghill, Midrand and Rosherville, under the Corporate Services business unit.

Applicants should nevertheless note that Eskom states successful candidates may be placed within its operations across divisions.

Candidates should therefore read all placement information provided during the recruitment process carefully.

Minimum Requirements for Eskom YES 2026

According to Eskom’s official advertisement, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be a South African citizen;
• Be between 18 and 34 years old; and
• Have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.

The advertisement additionally refers to applicants with post-Matric certificates/programmes.

This makes the opportunity relevant to both young people whose highest qualification is Matric and some candidates who have continued with education or training after Grade 12.

Important YES Eligibility Conditions

Meeting the academic and age requirements is not the only consideration.

Eskom also states that applicants:

• should not have been employed permanently with a single employer continuously for more than one year;
• should not be studying full-time during the year of employment; and
• should not previously have participated in or registered on the YES initiative.

These conditions are important.

For example, having Matric does not automatically mean you qualify if you have already participated in a YES programme.

Similarly, applicants who are currently studying full-time should pay particular attention to the restriction regarding full-time study during the year of employment.

Do You Need Previous Work Experience?

The Eskom vacancy is categorised under: Matriculants / Graduate / No Experience

This makes the programme particularly relevant to young South Africans who are struggling with one of the biggest barriers to entering the labour market:

“You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience.”

A YES placement can help a young person begin developing practical workplace exposure, professional references, workplace confidence and transferable employment skills.

Applicants should nevertheless remember that participation does not guarantee permanent employment.

Treat the opportunity as a chance to build experience that can strengthen future applications.

What Eskom Is Looking For

Eskom lists several behavioural qualities for the programme.

Integrity

Employees may work with company information, equipment, systems, customers and colleagues. Acting honestly and responsibly is therefore important.

Professionalism

Even if this would be your first substantial workplace opportunity, you should be prepared to behave professionally.

That includes punctuality, appropriate communication, respect for colleagues and following workplace procedures.

Customer Focus

Depending on where successful YES participants are placed, they may support teams or functions that ultimately serve Eskom customers and stakeholders.

Being able to communicate respectfully and assist people appropriately can therefore be valuable.

What Could You Learn Through the Programme?

The exact duties will depend on the placement allocated by Eskom.

However, a structured workplace opportunity can help an inexperienced applicant begin developing skills such as:

• professional communication;
• teamwork;
• workplace administration;
• time management;
• customer service;
• digital workplace skills;
• following organisational procedures;
• problem-solving;
• reporting;
• workplace ethics; and
• professional conduct.

These are transferable skills that can be useful well beyond a single employer.

Matric Applicants: Start Thinking About the Career After YES

Getting into the programme should not be the end of your career planning.

Use the workplace exposure to learn which careers and departments interest you.

For example, a large organisation such as Eskom operates across areas involving engineering, electrical infrastructure, finance, human resources, procurement, supply chain, environmental management, ICT, administration, project management and many other functions.

You can use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to research South African occupations and the qualifications that may lead towards them.

The Explorer brings together OFO careers, SAQA qualification records, NQF information and career-to-qualification connections.

Instead of thinking only: “I want to work at Eskom.”

Ask the more useful long-term question:

“Which career do I want to build, and which qualifications and experience will help me get there?”

Interested in the Energy Sector? Explore EWSETA

Because Eskom operates in the electricity and energy environment, young applicants should also understand the skills-development system surrounding the sector.

The Edupstairs SETA Platform allows users to investigate all 21 South African SETAs, together with learnerships, apprenticeships, qualifications, internships, Work Integrated Learning, skills programmes and other development pathways.

Of particular relevance is EWSETA — the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority.

Through the SETA Platform, young people can investigate pathways involving electricity generation and distribution, renewable energy, water services, technical occupations and other energy-related fields.

This can be valuable even if your Eskom YES application is unsuccessful.

One vacancy should never be your entire career plan.

Want to Continue Studying at a TVET College?

Matric applicants who are interested in technical, vocational or occupational careers should also investigate South Africa’s public TVET College system.

Use the Edupstairs TVET College Explorer to compare all 50 public TVET Colleges in South Africa.

Depending on the institution and campus, prospective students can investigate pathways in areas such as:

• Electrical Engineering;
• Mechanical Engineering;
• Engineering and Related Design;
• Electrical Infrastructure Construction;
• Business Management;
• Human Resources;
• Financial Management;
• Management Assistant;
• Information Technology;
• Office Administration; and
• occupational and artisan programmes.

Do not assume that every college offers the same programmes. Use the Explorer to investigate the specific institution and programme that interests you.

Planning to Study at University?

Young people considering degree or diploma pathways can use the Edupstairs University Explorer to investigate South African university programmes, APS requirements, subject requirements, application information and other student resources.

This can be particularly useful if the YES experience helps you discover a longer-term career interest.

For example:

YES workplace experience → identify career interest → research occupation → identify qualification → find institution → apply for further study → continue building experience

That is much stronger than treating a YES placement as an isolated opportunity.

Latest Learnerships and Skills Opportunities on Edupstairs

Do not stop applying after submitting your Eskom application.

Several new skills-development opportunities have recently been published on Edupstairs.

Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnership Programme 2026 – X16

Applicants interested in becoming artisans can investigate the Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnership Programme 2026.

There are 16 learner positions across six trades:

Fitter | Boilermaker | Rigger | Electrician | Instrument Mechanician | Millwright

The programme is particularly relevant to applicants with Matric/Technical Matric, N2 or higher, or an appropriate NCV Level 4 qualification.

MISA Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership Programme 2026/2027

Technical and TVET applicants should also investigate the MISA Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership Programme 2026/2027.

MISA’s intake includes apprenticeship pathways in:

• Electrical;
• Plumbing;
• Bricklaying;
• Motor Mechanic; and
• Diesel Mechanic.

There are also experiential-learning routes for graduates and students requiring Work Integrated Learning.

Transnet Carpentry and Plumbing Work Integrated Technical Learnerships

Recently qualified artisans can investigate the Transnet TVET Carpenters and Plumbers Work Integrated Technical Learnership Programmes 2026.

These are 24-month workplace opportunities for young Carpenters and Plumbers who have already completed the relevant Trade Test.

Western Cape Government Repair and Refurbishment Learnership

Western Cape youth interested in practical electronics and appliance-repair skills can investigate the Western Cape Government Repair and Refurbishment Learnership Programme 2026.

The programme combines three months of free appliance-repair training with a subsequent nine-month paid learnership.

Aramex Business Administration NQF Level 4 Learnership

Matric applicants looking for a business and administration pathway can also read about the Aramex Business Administration NQF Level 4 Learnership Programme 2026.

The opportunity is aimed at unemployed applicants with Grade 12 and runs for 14 months on a fixed-term learnership contract.

Explore More Opportunities

Applicants should regularly check the latest opportunities published on Edupstairs rather than depending on one employer.

A better strategy is:

Apply → record the application → continue searching → apply again → prepare for assessments → prepare for interviews.

How to Apply for the Eskom YES Programme 2026

Applications are completed online through Eskom’s official recruitment platform.

Apply Online for the Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) X50 Programme 2026

Listing reference: eskom_007018

Reference Number: 50973284BS

Closing Date: 22 September 2026

Because there are only a few days remaining before the deadline, applicants who meet the requirements should avoid waiting until the final day.

Before You Submit Your Application

Check the following carefully:

• your full names match your South African ID;
• your cellphone number is correct;
• your email address is active;
• your Grade 12 information is accurate;
• any post-Matric qualification information is correct;
• your CV is updated;
• your employment history is truthful;
• you have not previously participated in the YES initiative;
• you satisfy the age requirement;
• you understand the full-time study restriction; and
• you are applying through the genuine Eskom recruitment platform.

Never falsify work experience, qualifications or employment history simply to satisfy a programme requirement.

What Happens After Applying?

Eskom states that applicants will go through a recruitment process.

Successful candidates will then be placed within Eskom operations across the divisions.

Applicants should monitor the cellphone number and email address supplied during the application process.

Eskom also states that:

If you have not been contacted within 28 days after the closing date of the advertisement, you should accept that your application was unsuccessful.

Do not spend those 28 days doing nothing.

Continue applying for learnerships, internships, apprenticeships, YES programmes and entry-level vacancies.

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

• Government Entry Level Jobs
• Company Entry Level Jobs
• South African Teaching Posts

Need Help?

• Ask Edupstairs anything here OR
• Ask the Edupstairs Community here
• Download the New Z83 form here

Edupstairs Advice

If you are unemployed, aged 18–34 and have Matric, this is the type of opportunity that should form part of a broader application strategy.

But don’t make the mistake of submitting one application and waiting.

Use the Career & Qualification Explorer to identify careers that interest you.

Use the TVET College Explorer if you want to investigate vocational and technical qualifications.

Use the University Explorer if your long-term career requires higher education.

Use the SETA Platform to investigate learnerships, apprenticeships, WIL, qualifications and other workplace-development pathways across all 21 SETAs.

Then keep applying.

One opportunity can give you experience. A career plan gives you direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many Eskom YES positions are available?

Eskom is advertising 50 Youth Employment Service positions.

2. Can I apply with only Matric?

Yes. The advertised minimum academic requirement includes Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.

3. What age must I be?

Applicants must be between 18 and 34 years old.

4. Must I be South African?

Yes. Applicants must be South African citizens.

5. Do I need a university degree?

No university degree is listed as a minimum requirement for this YES intake.

6. Can people with post-Matric qualifications apply?

The advertisement includes Grade 12/equivalent and refers to post-Matric certificates/programmes.

Applicants should provide accurate details of their qualifications when applying.

7. Can I apply if I previously participated in YES?

The Eskom advertisement states that applicants should not have participated in or registered on the YES initiative before.

8. Can full-time students apply?

Eskom states that applicants should not be studying full-time during the year of employment.

9. Can I apply if I have worked before?

Applicants should not have been permanently employed continuously by a single employer for more than one year, according to the advertisement.

10. Where are the positions based?

The advertisement lists Sunninghill, Midrand and Rosherville, while also stating that successful candidates may be placed within Eskom operations across divisions.

11. How much will successful applicants earn?

Eskom lists remuneration as Market Related. No specific rand amount is provided in the advertisement.

Do not rely on unofficial social-media posts claiming a specific stipend unless Eskom confirms it.

12. When do applications close?

Applications close on 22 September 2026.

13. Where do I apply?

Applications should be submitted through the official Eskom recruitment listing:

Apply for Eskom YES X50 Programme 2026

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

Disclaimer

This article is an independent Edupstairs Opportunity Explainer based primarily on Eskom’s official Youth Employment Service (YES) X50 recruitment advertisement, listing reference eskom_007018, together with additional Edupstairs education and career research.

Vacancies can be amended, withdrawn or filled. Applicants should verify the current status, requirements and application instructions through Eskom’s official recruitment platform before submitting an application.

Edupstairs does not recruit candidates on behalf of Eskom, receive applications, determine eligibility, shortlist candidates or guarantee selection or employment.

Never pay anyone who claims they can secure an Eskom YES placement, interview or job for you.

Editorial Integrity

The number of positions, listing reference, locations, business unit, Grade 12 requirement, age requirement, citizenship requirement, previous-employment restriction, full-time-study restriction, previous-YES restriction, behavioural requirements, remuneration description and closing date in this article are based on Eskom’s official recruitment advertisement.

The explanations of career pathways, further study, TVET Colleges, universities, SETAs, EWSETA, application preparation and related recently published opportunities are additional Edupstairs guidance intended to help young people make informed career and education decisions.

Where Eskom has not disclosed information — including a specific rand-value stipend — Edupstairs does not invent it.

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