South Africa’s youth face one of the biggest challenges of our time: unemployment. To address this, Unilever has stepped up with its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme, an initiative designed to provide meaningful work experience, skills development, and exposure to a professional environment. This 12-month programme is more than just an internship – it is a stepping stone for young South Africans to ignite their leadership potential and secure a place in the world of work.
About the Programme
The Unilever YES Programme forms part of the company’s Future Leaders Programme (UFL), which is designed to accelerate the development of young talent. With placements available in La Lucia (Durban), Durban South, and Johannesburg, participants gain hands-on experience in a world-class business environment while being prepared for leadership roles of tomorrow.
This opportunity is not only about work exposure – it’s about purposeful learning and professional growth. Participants are placed in different business functions to support operations, contribute to critical projects, and experience how global brands are built and sustained.
Business Functions You Can Join
The programme offers placement across various divisions, allowing candidates to develop specialized skills while contributing meaningfully to the business:
- Customer Development (CD): Build relationships with supermarkets and retail partners, driving sales and ensuring outlets deliver results.
- Culinary: Assist with product demos, trade shows, and content creation, while supporting chefs in webinars and “how-to” videos.
- Marketing: Work on campaigns, strategies, and consumer engagement to build strong brands and increase market share.
- Supply Chain: Gain exposure to sourcing, manufacturing, and logistics in delivering Unilever products to millions of customers.
- Human Resources (HR): Support employee engagement, talent development, and organisational effectiveness.
- Finance: Learn financial planning, analysis, reporting, and compliance.
- Information Technology (IT): Assist with digital transformation and technology-driven solutions.
- Mechanical Engineering: Join engineering projects and discover advanced manufacturing processes.
- Safety, Health & Environment (SHE): Support the SHE Coordinator in implementing systems to ensure workplace safety.
- Communications: Work on corporate communications, public relations, and internal messaging.
- Learning & Rewards: Contribute to employee development, training initiatives, and compensation strategies.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen, aged 18 – 34 years.
- Be currently unemployed and not studying full-time.
- Have completed Matric (Grade 12).
- Hold a relevant tertiary qualification (advantageous but not mandatory).
- Have no more than 2 years’ work experience.
- Commit to the 12-month programme.
- Not have completed a YES Programme previously.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance, computer literacy, communication, and time management skills.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE UNILEVER YES PROGRAMME IN DURBAN HERE
APPLY FOR THE UNILEVER YES PROGRAMME IN JOBURG HERE
Why Apply?
The Unilever YES Programme gives you more than just work exposure – it equips you with:
- Practical skills to boost your employability.
- Mentorship and training from industry professionals.
- A chance to gain experience at one of the world’s leading companies.
- Opportunities for growth, networking, and career advancement.
Unilever is committed to building South Africa’s future leaders. With the right attitude, willingness to learn, and dedication, this programme could be the launchpad to your career.
CLOSING DATE: 30 AUGUST 2025
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