Eskom YES Programme 2026: 12-Month Paid Work Experience for Unemployed Youth

The Eskom YES (Youth Employment Service) Programme 2026 is now open and offers unemployed South African youth a valuable opportunity to gain real workplace experience in the energy sector. This 12-month fixed-term contract is designed to help young people build practical skills, confidence, and a credible work history—often the missing link when entering the job market.

If you are between 18 and 34, have Grade 12 or a post-matric qualification, and have not previously participated in the YES initiative, this programme could be your entry point into structured employment.

About the Eskom YES Programme

The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a national public-private initiative led by the Presidency to address youth unemployment. Through this programme, Eskom creates meaningful work opportunities that expose young people to day-to-day operations, customer-focused environments, and professional workplace standards.

Successful candidates will be placed in Distribution – Retail within the Cape Coastal Cluster (Western Cape), where they will contribute to service delivery while learning on the job.

Quick Overview

• Programme: Eskom YES (Youth Employment Service) Programme
• Duration: 12 months (Fixed-Term Contract)
• Department: Retail (Distribution)
• Task Grade: YY1
• Location: Western Cape – multiple sectors
• Remuneration: Market related
• Application Closing Date: 12 February 2026
• Reference Number: eskom_003088

Placement Areas Include:
Boland (Worcester), Helderberg (Grabouw, Somerset-West, Polkadraai), Overberg (Caledon), Garden Route (George), Khayelitsha, Tableview (Bellville, Kraaifontein), West Coast (Malmesbury, Vredenburg, Vredendal).

What You’ll Do

Participants will gain hands-on exposure in a retail environment, supporting daily operations and customer service. The role focuses on building work readiness, professional conduct, and practical problem-solving within a structured setting.

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Who Can Apply

To be considered, applicants must meet all the minimum requirements:

• South African citizen
• Aged 18 to 34
• Grade 12 or equivalent and/or post-matric certificate
• Not employed permanently with a single employer for more than 12 months
• Not studying full-time during the year of employment
• No prior participation in the YES initiative

Behavioural Competencies

Eskom is looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Customer focus
• Willingness to learn and contribute positively

Employment Equity

Eskom is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity. In line with its Employment Equity Plan, preference may be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, including persons with disabilities. Eskom also reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised.

Important Notes

• Applicants will go through a recruitment and selection process.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• If you are not contacted within 28 days after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• Eskom maintains a smoke-free workplace for all employees and visitors.

How to Apply

Apply Online here

Apply by: 12 February 2026

Conclusion

The Eskom YES Programme 2026 is more than just a temporary contract—it is a career-building opportunity for young South Africans who need structured work exposure. With a full year of hands-on experience in the energy sector, participants leave the programme better prepared for future employment across retail, operations, and customer-service roles.

If you meet the criteria and are ready to commit to a year of learning and growth, this programme can be a powerful first step toward long-term employmen