Meta Description: Apply for the Wits Health Consortium (WHC) YES Programme 2026. Gain 12 months of paid, hands-on work experience in admin, finance, HR, IT, and compliance. Applications close 6 November 2025.
Kickstart Your Career with the Wits Health Consortium
Getting your first job can feel impossible, especially for young South Africans. The Wits Health Consortium (WHC) YES Programme 2026 is designed to change that. This 12-month programme gives unemployed youth practical work experience, mentorship, and exposure to real organisational processes, helping participants build a strong foundation for their future careers.
As part of the University of the Witwatersrand, WHC is a leader in health research and project management. By joining the Youth Employment Service (YES) movement, WHC contributes to a nationwide effort to reduce youth unemployment while developing a skilled workforce.
What Is the WHC YES Programme?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative is a partnership between businesses, government, and community organisations. Its aim is simple: provide young South Africans with paid work experience and professional guidance for 12 months, helping them gain skills, confidence, and references that improve their employability.
At WHC, participants will work in departments like administration, IT, finance, human resources, compliance, and procurement. You’ll gain insight into how a large organisation operates and contribute to projects that make a real impact in South Africa.
Why This Programme Matters
One of the biggest challenges for young job seekers is the “experience barrier” — you can’t get a job without experience, and you can’t get experience without a job. The WHC YES Programme breaks this cycle by combining:
- On-the-job training in real workplace environments
- Mentorship from professionals
- Professional references that strengthen your CV
The programme also supports equity and inclusion, helping young Black South Africans access opportunities they may not have had before. By participating, you gain career skills while contributing to positive social change.
Programme Details
- Host: Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd
- Duration: 12 months (temporary)
- Location: Gauteng, South Africa
- Monthly Stipend: Approximately R5,500
- Application Deadline: 6 November 2025
- Start Date: Early 2026
The programme balances learning and practical work, giving you guidance and supervision while letting you experience how a large organisation functions.
Available Positions (2026 Intake)
| Position | Reference | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Banking Administrator | YES001 | 1 |
| Compliance Administrator | YES002 | 2 |
| Fleet Administrator | YES003 | 1 |
| Grant Administrator | YES004 | 8 |
| Payroll Clerk | YES005 | 1 |
| Procurement/IT Administrator | YES006 | 1 |
| HR Administrator | YES007 | 2 |
| Finance Administrator | YES008 | 7 |
| Maintenance Assistant | YES009 | 1 |
| Office Assistant | YES010 | 2 |
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be unemployed when applying
- Be a Black South African (African, Coloured, or Indian)
- Be aged 18–29
- Not have participated in a YES Programme before
- Be eager to learn, professional, and adaptable
Qualifications Needed by Role
| Role | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|
| HR Administrator | Diploma or Degree in Human Resource Management |
| Finance Administrator | Diploma or Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics |
| Grant Administrator | Diploma or Degree in Accounting or Business |
| Compliance Administrator | Degree in Risk Management, Law, or related field |
| Procurement/IT Administrator | Diploma or Degree in Business Management or IT |
| Banking Administrator | Diploma or Degree in Business or Financial Management |
| Fleet Administrator | Certificate or Diploma in Fleet/Logistics Management |
| Payroll Clerk | Grade 12 |
| Maintenance Assistant | Grade 12 or relevant trade qualification |
| Office Assistant | Grade 12 |
Even if you don’t meet every requirement, applicants with passion and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
- Prepare Your Documents
- One-page cover letter stating your desired position and reference number
- Updated CV detailing skills and background
- Certified copies of ID and qualifications
- Submit Your Application
- Email: vacancies35@witshealth.co.za
- Subject line format:
[Reference Number] – [Position] - Example:
YES007 – HR Administrator
- Deadline: 6 November 2025
- Late applications will not be accepted
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks
FAQs
Q: Can I apply if I don’t live in Gauteng?
A: Yes, but applicants must arrange their own travel or relocation.
Q: Will I get training?
A: Yes. Training includes job shadowing, mentorship, admin experience, and soft skills development like teamwork and communication.
Q: Do I need prior work experience?
A: No. The programme is designed for first-time job seekers.
Q: Can I apply for more than one position?
A: Yes, but each application must have a separate cover letter and reference number.
Q: Are people with disabilities eligible?
A: Yes. WHC encourages applications from individuals with disabilities who meet the basic requirements.
Q: When will placements start?
A: Early 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted two weeks after the closing date.
Q: Will I receive a stipend?
A: Yes. Participants earn approximately R5,500 per month.
Q: What happens after the programme ends?
A: You will receive a certificate, a reference letter, and valuable experience to apply for permanent roles or further studies.
Why Apply?
The WHC YES Programme is more than a temporary job — it’s a launchpad for your career. You’ll gain:
- Paid, hands-on work experience with a reputable organisation
- Mentorship and guidance from professionals
- Workplace skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork
- Exposure to multiple career paths in admin, finance, HR, IT, and compliance
For many, this programme is the first step toward a permanent job, further studies, or starting a career in a professional field.
Take action now and apply before 6 November 2025 to start building your future.
Final Thoughts
The Wits Health Consortium YES Programme 2026 is more than just a temporary placement – it’s a launchpad for your future career. For young South Africans struggling to break into the workforce, this programme provides paid, hands-on experience, mentorship, and real exposure to professional environments.
By participating, you’ll gain practical skills, workplace confidence, and valuable references, all of which make you more competitive for future employment or further studies. Whether your interest lies in administration, finance, human resources, IT, or compliance, this is a golden opportunity to learn, grow, and set yourself apart in the job market.
Opportunities like this don’t come every day. If you’re between 18 and 29, unemployed, and ready to take the next step, gather your documents, apply before 6 November 2025, and take your first step toward a brighter, more secure future.
Your career journey begins with action – this is your chance to gain experience, build connections, and start shaping the professional path you’ve been dreaming of.
