Eskom Opens Youth Employment Service (YES) Opportunities 2026

Eskom invites unemployed South African youth to apply for its Youth Employment Service (YES) programme in KwaZulu-Natal, offering a valuable first work experience in the energy sector. Applications close on 2 January 2026.

Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. In response, collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors continue to create pathways for young people to gain meaningful work experience. One such initiative is the Youth Employment Service (YES), a national programme led by the Presidency to support unemployed youth in entering the job market.

As part of this initiative, Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility, has announced new YES opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal, offering young people a chance to gain hands-on experience within the country’s vital electricity and energy sector.

About the Youth Employment Service (YES)

The Youth Employment Service is a public-private partnership designed to address youth unemployment by providing paid, quality work experiences. The programme focuses on equipping young South Africans with workplace exposure, practical skills, and professional habits that improve their long-term employability.

Through YES, participating organisations like Eskom open their doors to young people who may otherwise struggle to gain entry into the formal job market. For many participants, this becomes a life-changing first step toward a sustainable career.

Eskom’s YES Opportunity in KwaZulu-Natal

Under listing reference eskom_002306, Eskom is currently offering YES positions within its Retail – Customer Services department, under the Central East Cluster. The roles are based in Westville and Mkondeni, both located in KwaZulu-Natal.

These positions fall within the Administration job category and are offered as student or entry-level contracts, making them particularly suitable for young people seeking their first professional experience in the energy industry.

Key Position Details:

Industry: Electricity, Energy & Water Supply
Job Category: Administration
Contract Type: Student job
Remuneration: Market-related
Employment Equity Position: No
Application Closing Date: 2 January 2026

Successful applicants will be placed within Eskom’s operations in KwaZulu-Natal, where they will gain exposure to customer services and administrative functions within a large, complex organisation.

Who Should Apply?

Eskom’s YES opportunities are targeted at unemployed youth who are eager to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully in a professional environment. Applicants are encouraged to apply if they meet the following minimum requirements:

Minimum Requirements

Must be a South African citizen
Must be between 18 and 34 years old
Must have Grade 12 or equivalent, and/or a post-matric certificate, programme, or N3 Electrical Engineering qualification

Selection Criteria

To ensure the programme benefits those who need it most, applicants must also meet the following conditions:

Must not have been employed permanently by a single employer for more than one continuous year
Must not be studying full-time during the year of employment
Must not have previously participated in or registered for the YES initiative

All applicants will undergo a formal recruitment process. Only those who successfully complete this process will be placed within Eskom operations in KwaZulu-Natal.

Skills and Attributes Eskom Is Looking For

While technical qualifications are important, Eskom also places strong emphasis on professional behavior and workplace values. The following behavioral attributes are considered essential for success in the YES programme:

Integrity: Demonstrating honesty, accountability, and ethical conduct
Professionalism: Showing respect, reliability, and commitment in the workplace
Customer Focus: Delivering service with care, responsiveness, and attention to customer needs

These attributes reflect Eskom’s broader commitment to excellence and service delivery within the energy sector.

What Applicants Should Know

Candidates who apply should be aware that:

If no communication is received within 28 days after the closing date, the application should be considered unsuccessful.
Eskom reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised posts.

Eskom is firmly committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity. In line with its employment equity plan and targets, preference may be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups. Importantly, candidates with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, reinforcing Eskom’s commitment to inclusive employment practices.

Additionally, Eskom maintains a smoke-free environment for all employees and visitors at its workplaces.

Application Support

Applicants who require assistance during the application process can access support through Eskom’s Candidate Support services. Both internal and external candidates may seek help by emailing:

[email protected]

This support ensures that technical or procedural challenges do not become barriers for eligible youth seeking to apply.

A Step Toward a Brighter Future

For many young South Africans, gaining that first formal work experience can be the most difficult hurdle to overcome. Eskom’s participation in the Youth Employment Service programme represents a meaningful investment in the country’s youth and future workforce.

By offering structured exposure to the energy sector, professional mentorship, and real workplace responsibilities, this YES opportunity in KwaZulu-Natal provides more than just temporary employment—it offers young people a foundation on which to build long-term careers.

With applications closing on 2 January 2026, eligible candidates are encouraged to apply promptly and take advantage of this opportunity to begin their professional journey with one of South Africa’s most critical public institutions.