Cape Union Mart YES Programme 2026: 12-Month Retail Work Experience for Unemployed Youth

Cape Union Mart International has opened applications for its 2026 YES Programme in Cape Town. This 12-month opportunity is part of the national Youth Employment Service initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment in South Africa.

The programme gives young people structured retail work experience while helping them build real skills in sales, customer service, and teamwork.

If you are between 18 and 35 and looking for your first step into the retail industry, this could be your opportunity.

About Cape Union Mart International

Cape Union Mart International operates one of South Africa’s leading retail brands. The company is known for its outdoor, lifestyle, and adventure product offerings across multiple store locations.

Through its participation in the YES Programme, Cape Union Mart aims to support youth employment while strengthening its retail talent pipeline.

About the YES Programme 2026

The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a national initiative designed to provide young South Africans with workplace experience.

Under this programme, selected candidates will join Cape Union Mart stores in Cape Town on a fixed-term 12-month contract. The programme runs from March 2026 to February 2027.

Participants will gain exposure to daily retail operations while developing essential workplace skills.

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is aimed at unemployed youth who are energetic, customer-focused, and eager to learn.

You should apply if you:

• Want retail work experience
• Enjoy working with people
• Are willing to meet performance targets
• Are ready to commit to a 12-month contract

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Be unemployed from 1 February 2026
• Be available for a 12-month fixed-term contract
• Not be studying full-time during March 2026 to February 2027
• Not have previously participated in the YES Programme
• Arrange your own accommodation and transport

A Matric certificate is preferred but not mandatory.

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What You Will Be Doing

Participants will support daily store operations while gaining hands-on retail experience.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering exceptional customer service
• Applying effective sales techniques
• Meeting individual performance and sales targets
• Supporting overall store sales performance
• Maintaining housekeeping and visual merchandising standards
• Following stock-loss and shrinkage-control procedures
• Developing communication and teamwork skills
• Meeting YES Programme milestones and performance expectations

This exposure allows participants to understand how retail stores operate while building confidence in a professional environment.

Why Join This Programme

The YES Programme at Cape Union Mart offers several benefits:

Practical Experience

You will gain real, on-the-job retail experience.

Skills Development

You will build skills in customer service, communication, and teamwork.

Networking Opportunities

You will connect with experienced retail professionals.

Career Foundation

The programme helps strengthen your CV and improves future employment prospects.

How to Apply

Apply Online here

Ensure that all details are accurate before submitting your application.

Closing Date

Applications close on 16 February 2026.

Conclusion

The Cape Union Mart YES Programme 2026 offers unemployed youth in Cape Town a structured 12-month retail work experience opportunity. Through hands-on exposure, performance-driven learning, and workplace development, the programme aims to equip young South Africans with practical skills that improve employability.

For motivated youth ready to step into the retail sector, this programme provides a clear starting point toward long-term career growth.