If you are a young South African struggling to get your foot in the door, the Hungry Lion YES Learnership Programme 2026 could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. This programme gives you more than just a job — it gives you experience, skills, growth, and a real pathway into long-term employment.
- Are you Ready for these Learnerships? Take the Learnership Readiness Quiz here
- Track Your Daily Career Score here
- Create and Download your CV for these Learnerships here
- Create a Motivational Letter for these Learnerships here
- Practice Interview Questions and Answers for these Learnerships here
- View more 2026 Learnerships here
Hungry Lion, together with Digicloud Africa, is opening its doors for youth to gain a full 12 months of structured learning and workplace exposure at its Head Office in Stellenbosch or its warehouse in Kraaifontein. If you’ve completed matric and you’re hungry for opportunity, keep reading — this might be exactly what you need to start 2026 strong.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Hungry Lion Youth Employment Service (YES) Learnership Programme 2026 |
| Duration | 12 months (February 2026 – February 2027) |
| Location | Stellenbosch (Head Office) or Kraaifontein (Warehouse) |
| Who Can Apply? | South African youth aged 18–35 with Matric |
| Stipend | YES-Compliant Stipend (varies by host organisation) |
| Closing Date | 1 January 2026 |
| Partner Organisation | Digicloud Africa |
| Experience Gained | Office administration, workplace professionalism, digital tools, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and more |
About Hungry Lion and the YES Programme
Hungry Lion is one of the fastest-growing fast-food brands in Southern Africa, known for delivering value, quality meals, and providing consistent service to millions of customers. Beyond serving great food, Hungry Lion is deeply committed to empowering communities through job creation and youth development.
Their partnership with Digicloud Africa and the national Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative shows their commitment to building meaningful pathways for unemployed young people.
What Is the YES Programme?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a national initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment in South Africa. It provides unemployed youth with a 12-month work experience placement so they can gain real-world experience that makes them employable.
YES experience is highly valued by employers because it shows:
- You understand workplace expectations
- You have been trained and supervised
- You have practical skills
- You can work in a professional environment
The Hungry Lion YES Learnership is therefore not just a placement — it is a life-changing opportunity to build your future.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Youth unemployment in South Africa remains one of the country’s biggest challenges. Thousands of young people have Matric, but no experience. Employers want experience — yet youth cannot get experience without someone giving them a chance.
This is where YES placements like Hungry Lion’s come in. They give you the opportunity to:
- Gain 12 months of hands-on experience
- Build workplace confidence
- Learn practical digital and administrative skills
- Network with professionals
- Boost your CV instantly
- Increase your employability in ANY industry
So if you are serious about building a career — not just finding a quick job — this is your moment.
Duties and Responsibilities
If selected, you will participate in various structured tasks, including:
- Office-based administrative tasks
You may work in HR, operations, marketing, logistics, administration, or warehouse support. Hungry Lion will match you to a department based on your strengths.
- Completing all assigned learning modules
YES learnerships include accredited and non-accredited learning aimed at improving your digital, communication, and office skills.
- Supporting teams with daily operations
This is where you gain the real skills that employers look for — teamwork, communication, planning, coordination, and problem-solving.
Hungry Lion will guide and train you throughout the programme, so even if you’ve never worked before, you will receive support.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered, you must meet all the following:
- Aged 18–35 years old
- South African citizen
- Must never have participated in a YES learnership before
- Must have completed Matric/Grade 12
- Must attach:
- Your CV
- Your ID copy
- Your Matric results
- Must be willing to work in Stellenbosch or at the Kraaifontein warehouse
- Must be computer literate
Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Make sure your CV, ID, and Matric certificate are all attached and readable.
Competencies (What Hungry Lion Looks For)
To be successful, you should demonstrate:
- Strong interpersonal skills
- A vibrant and enthusiastic personality
- Drive and commitment to completing the full 12 months
- Resilience and ability to handle pressure
- Problem-solving ability
These are qualities of someone who will thrive in a fast-paced, professional environment.
How to Apply
To Apply you need to submit:
- Your CV
- A certified ID copy
- Certified Matric results
Submit your full application before the deadline.
APPLY FOR THE HUNGRY LION YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (YES) LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME HERE
Send it early — many applicants get rejected because they wait until the last minute.
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice – Read This Before You Apply
At Edupstairs, we see thousands of applications every year. Here is our honest advice to help you stand out:
- Make your CV clean and simple
Avoid long paragraphs. Use bullet points. One page is enough for entry-level.
- Highlight your computer skills
Even basic MS Word, Excel, or email literacy puts you ahead.
- Show your enthusiasm
YES programmes want energy and attitude. These matter more than experience.
- Apply early
Do not wait for 31 December. Applications sent before the rush have a much higher success rate.
- Prepare for interviews
Practice how you introduce yourself, your strengths, and why you want the opportunity.
This learnership could change your life — treat the application seriously.
Career Growth Path After Completing This YES Learnership
One of the biggest benefits of this programme is what comes after the 12 months. With YES experience, you position yourself for:
Permanent employment opportunities at Hungry Lion
Many YES learners are absorbed into full-time roles, depending on performance and available vacancies.
Entry-level office jobs anywhere in SA, such as:
- Junior Administrator
- Data Capturer
- Office Assistant
- HR Assistant
- Customer Service Administrator
- Warehouse Admin Clerk
- Front Office Coordinator
Improved chances of getting internships and learnerships
Your CV instantly becomes more competitive.
Further study and development opportunities
You’ll better understand what career path suits you.
This learnership is not just about earning a stipend — it is about permanently improving your employability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need previous experience?
No. This programme is designed for youth with no work experience.
- Can I apply if I have already done a YES placement before?
No. The rules only allow youth who have never participated in YES.
- Will I earn a stipend?
Yes — all YES learners receive a monthly stipend according to national guidelines.
- Is accommodation provided?
No. You must be able to travel to Stellenbosch or Kraaifontein daily.
- Is this a guaranteed permanent job?
No. But many learners are offered permanent roles based on performance.
- Can I apply without Matric?
No. Matric is a compulsory requirement.
- Will I receive training?
Yes — both workplace training and structured learning modules.
- Can I apply if I live far from the Cape Winelands?
You may apply, but you must prove you can relocate or commute reliably.
CLOSING DATE: 1 JANUARY 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
Edupstairs does not recruit, shortlist, or influence the selection process for the Hungry Lion YES Learnership Programme. We only share verified opportunities to empower South African youth. Always apply directly through the official channels and never pay anyone for job applications.
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. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE
