Apply for Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme

Eskom invites unemployed South African youth to apply for the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme in KwaZulu-Natal, offering paid work experience in the energy sector.

Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity utility, has opened applications for the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme in KwaZulu-Natal, creating an opportunity for young people to gain valuable work experience within the country’s critical energy sector. This initiative forms part of a national public-private partnership led by the Presidency, aimed at tackling youth unemployment and enabling young South Africans to enter the job market.

With applications closing on 2 January 2026, this opportunity is targeted at unemployed youth who are eager to build workplace skills, gain exposure to a professional environment, and take a meaningful first step toward long-term employability.

About the Youth Employment Service (YES) Initiative

The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a national initiative designed to create short- to medium-term work opportunities for young South Africans. The programme focuses on providing participants with practical, on-the-job experience that improves their employability and workplace readiness.

Through YES, public and private sector organisations commit to hosting young people for structured work experiences. Eskom’s participation reflects its commitment to social development, skills transfer, and supporting the next generation of South Africa’s workforce.

Eskom’s Role in Youth Development

As one of the country’s largest employers and a key player in the electricity, energy, and water supply industry, Eskom offers a unique learning environment. Participants in the YES Programme are exposed to real-world operations within a complex and essential industry that underpins economic growth and service delivery.

The current YES opportunity falls under Eskom’s Retail – Customer Services Department, within the Central East Cluster in KwaZulu-Natal. Successful candidates will be placed at Westville and Mkondeni, where they will support administrative and customer service-related functions.

Position Overview

Programme: Youth Employment Service (YES)
Task Grade: YY1
Job Category: Administration
Industry: Electricity, Energy & Water Supply
Business Unit: Central East Cluster
Department: Retail – Customer Services
Location: KwaZulu-Natal (Westville & Mkondeni)
Contract Type: Student / Fixed-term contract
Remuneration: Market-related

This position is structured to provide participants with foundational workplace exposure while contributing to Eskom’s customer service operations.

Key Responsibilities and Work Exposure

Participants in the Eskom YES Programme will gain hands-on experience in an administrative and customer-focused environment. While the role is entry-level, it offers valuable exposure to:

Basic administrative tasks and office processes
Customer service support within Eskom’s retail operations
Professional workplace conduct and teamwork
Communication with internal teams and customers
Understanding Eskom’s systems, policies, and service standards

This exposure is intended to build confidence, responsibility, and transferable skills that participants can use in future employment opportunities.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Eskom YES Programme, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Be a South African citizen
Be between the ages of 18 and 34
Have completed Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent
Alternatively, hold a post-matric certificate, relevant programme, or N3 Electrical Engineering qualification

These requirements ensure that candidates have a basic educational foundation suitable for workplace learning.

Selection Criteria

In addition to the minimum requirements, applicants must meet specific YES eligibility criteria:

Must not have been permanently employed by a single employer for more than 12 consecutive months
Must not be studying full-time during the year of employment
Must not have previously participated in or been registered on the YES initiative
Must be willing to undergo Eskom’s recruitment and selection process
Successful candidates must be available to be placed within Eskom operations in KwaZulu-Natal

These criteria align with the YES programme’s goal of supporting first-time or limited-experience job seekers.

Desired Behavioural Competencies

Eskom is looking for candidates who demonstrate the following behavioural attributes:

Integrity: Acting ethically and responsibly in the workplace
Professionalism: Maintaining a respectful and accountable approach to work
Customer focus: Demonstrating a service-oriented mindset when engaging with customers and colleagues

These competencies are essential for success in a customer-facing and operational environment.

Employment Equity and Inclusion

Eskom is committed to promoting equality, employment equity, and diversity in line with its Employment Equity Plan. While preference may be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, all qualifying applicants are encouraged to apply.

Candidates with disabilities are specifically encouraged to submit applications. Eskom also reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised positions.

Important Notes for Applicants

Applicants who do not receive feedback within 28 days after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. Eskom maintains a smoke-free workplace for the health and safety of its employees and visitors.

For assistance with the application process, candidates can contact:

Candidate Support (Internal and External): [email protected]

Why This Opportunity Matters

Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges. Programmes like Eskom’s YES initiative play a critical role in bridging the gap between education and employment by offering young people real workplace exposure.

For participants, this programme provides more than just short-term employment—it offers a foundation of experience, skills, and professional references that can significantly improve future job prospects.

Application Details

Listing Reference: eskom_002306
Application Status: Online
Closing Date: 2 January 2026

Young South Africans in KwaZulu-Natal who are eager to gain their first work experience in a nationally significant organisation are encouraged to apply before the closing date.

Final Thoughts

The Eskom Youth Employment Service Programme in KwaZulu-Natal represents a valuable entry point into the energy sector for unemployed youth. By combining practical work exposure with structured learning in a professional environment, the programme supports skills development, confidence building, and long-term employability.

For those seeking a meaningful first step into the world of work, this YES opportunity offers a chance to learn, grow, and contribute to one of South Africa’s most important public institutions.