Youth unemployment continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing South Africa, but opportunities like the SPAR YES 4 Youth Learnership Programme 2026 are giving thousands of young people the chance to build meaningful careers, gain valuable work experience, and unlock the future they deserve.
- 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
SPAR, together with its partner Catalyx, is inviting unemployed South African youth to apply for this life-changing 12-month work experience programme. If you are between the ages of 18–28, currently unemployed, and committed to growing your future, this programme could be your gateway into the world of work.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | SPAR YES 4 Youth Programme 2026 |
| Duration | 12 months full-time work experience |
| Partner Organisations | SPAR Group SA & Catalyx |
| Who Can Apply | Unemployed South African youth aged 18–28 with Matric |
| Work Locations | SPAR Divisions, Subsidiaries, Central Office & Distribution Centres |
| Fields Needed | Retail, Business, HR, Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering, IT, Marketing, SHEQ & more |
| Stipend | YES programmes typically include a monthly stipend |
| Application Link | https://forms.gle/QUtvRTh3SDA3sAqy9 |
| Closing Date | Open until positions are filled (early application advised) |
About the SPAR Group and Catalyx
The SPAR Group SA is one of South Africa’s leading retailers, known for its nationwide network of supermarkets, distribution centres, and specialised retail operations. Over the years, SPAR has become a trusted employer that invests heavily in youth development and community empowerment.
The group received the Presidential Award as a Top Contributor to Youth Employment and ESG impact, proving its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development.
Since 2019, SPAR has created over 4 000 meaningful work opportunities for young people through the YES 4 Youth initiative — helping them gain real workplace exposure, practical skills, and confidence to start building their careers.
Catalyx, a strategic workforce development partner, works hand-in-hand with SPAR to recruit, train and prepare young people for this programme. Successful applicants will also join JumpStart training, a popular youth-readiness initiative that boosts employability skills before placement.
What the YES 4 Youth Programme Offers
This 12-month programme gives young people the chance to work across various SPAR environments:
- SPAR retail divisions
- SPAR Central Office
- SPAR subsidiaries
- Distribution centres
You will gain hands-on experience, develop essential workplace habits, and grow the confidence needed to compete in today’s job market.
This is an ideal opportunity for young South Africans who:
- Want to enter retail, logistics, business, or technical career paths
- Need work exposure to build a strong CV
- Want to transition from unemployment into long-term employability
- Are eager to learn, work hard, and grow
The YES programme is not just a job — it is a career starter.
Non-Negotiable Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet ALL of the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen with a clear criminal record
- Must be 18–28 years old
- Must have completed and passed Matric / Grade 12
- Must be currently unemployed and NOT studying full-time
- Must be willing to work retail hours and shifts
Who Should Apply? — Fields & Qualifications Needed
The programme welcomes both Matriculants and Graduates in specific disciplines.
- Graduates with Trade Qualifications
If you have an NATED, N2/N3 or related certificate in the following, you are encouraged to apply:
- Engineering
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Related technical fields
- Degree Graduates in the Following Disciplines
- Science
- Pharmacy
- Business
- Accounting
- Human Resource Management
- Logistics / Warehouse
- Supply Chain Management
- SHEQ
- Marketing
- Packaging
- Information Technology (IT)
If you have recently completed your qualification and need work experience, this programme can give you the professional exposure you need.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE SPAR YES 4 YOUTH LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for:
- JumpStart training
- An interview
- Possible assessments depending on the role
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: How to Increase Your Chances of Being Selected
To stand out among thousands of applicants:
- Write a strong application
Focus on your motivation, willingness to learn, and interest in the retail or business environment.
- Prepare a clean CV
Use the Edupstairs Simple CV Builder to create a neat and professional CV.
- Show commitment
YES programmes favour applicants who show genuine interest, discipline, and reliability.
- Apply early
Positions fill quickly — apply as soon as possible.
- Prepare for interviews
Use our Interview Q&A Practice Tool to get confident and job-ready.
Career Growth Path After Completing the SPAR YES Programme
Completing a YES placement opens multiple doors, especially in the retail, business, logistics and technical sectors. After 12 months of experience, participants often progress into:
- Retail store assistant roles
- Assistant buyer / merchandising roles
- HR internship or admin roles
- Supply chain & warehouse roles
- Junior marketing or merchandising roles
- IT support or systems assistant roles
- Technician-in-training or trade assistant roles
- Permanent employment within SPAR or its partners
Your CV becomes significantly stronger and more competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need experience to apply?
No. The YES Programme is specifically for unemployed youth who have little to no work experience.
- Will I get paid?
YES participants typically receive a monthly stipend. The exact amount varies depending on placement.
- Can I apply if I am studying part-time?
You must NOT be studying full-time. Part-time or distance learning may be accepted.
- Does completing the programme guarantee a job?
Employment is not guaranteed, but many participants secure permanent work due to the experience gained.
- Where will I be placed?
Placements may be in SPAR divisions, offices, warehouses, or distribution centres across South Africa.
- Will training be provided?
Yes — successful applicants attend JumpStart training before starting their placement.
- Is a criminal record allowed?
No. A clear criminal record is a strict requirement.
- When is the closing date?
Closing date has not been specified
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
Important Disclaimer
Edupstairs does not recruit, accept applications, or charge any fees for opportunities.
We only share verified, publicly available information to help South African youth access opportunities safely.
Always apply using the official link provided and never pay any individual claiming they can secure placement for you.
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
