Eskom YES Programme: x25 Youth Employment Service Opportunities Available Across South Africa
Eskom is recruiting 25 participants for its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026. Unemployed South African youth aged 18–34 can apply for a 12-month work experience opportunity before the closing date of 24 August 2026.
Eskom YES Programme 2026 Opens Applications for 25 Youth Employment Opportunities
Eskom has announced the recruitment of 25 participants for its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026, offering unemployed South African youth a valuable opportunity to gain workplace experience within the country’s energy sector.
The programme forms part of the national Youth Employment Service (YES) Initiative, a collaborative effort between government and the private sector aimed at addressing youth unemployment by providing meaningful work experience opportunities to young people entering the labour market.
Hosted by Eskom Real Estate, the programme will provide successful candidates with a 12-month work experience contract, allowing them to gain practical exposure across Eskom operations in various provinces throughout South Africa.
Applications are currently open and interested candidates have until 24 August 2026 to submit their applications.
Eskom Continues Supporting Youth Development
As one of South Africa’s largest employers and a critical player in the country’s energy industry, Eskom continues to invest in youth development initiatives designed to help young people build skills and workplace experience.
For many young South Africans, the biggest challenge after completing school or post-matric studies is securing their first professional opportunity. Employers often seek candidates with experience, yet obtaining experience can be difficult without first receiving an opportunity.
The YES Programme seeks to bridge this gap by creating pathways into the workplace for unemployed youth who are eager to learn and contribute.
Through this initiative, participants will gain first-hand exposure to professional work environments while developing workplace competencies that can strengthen future employment prospects.
About the Youth Employment Service (YES) Initiative
The Youth Employment Service is a national initiative established to tackle South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis.
The programme encourages businesses and public entities to create quality work opportunities that provide young people with practical experience, professional exposure and employability skills.
Eskom’s participation in the initiative demonstrates its commitment to supporting national development goals while helping young people gain access to career-building opportunities.
Selected candidates will be placed within Eskom operations across different divisions and locations, depending on operational requirements and organisational needs.
Opportunity Details
Programme Information
- Programme: Youth Employment Service (YES)
- Number of Positions: 25
- Reference Number: 50904987LM
- Location: Sunninghill, Midrand and Rosherville
- Contract Duration: 12 Months
- Industry: Electricity, Energy and Water Supply
- Employment Type: Internship / Work Experience Programme
- Closing Date: 24 August 2026
Successful applicants will receive valuable workplace exposure within Eskom’s operational environment while developing professional skills that can support future career opportunities.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is targeted at unemployed South African youth seeking meaningful work experience.
Candidates who have recently completed Grade 12 or obtained post-matric qualifications are encouraged to consider this opportunity.
The programme is particularly suitable for young people looking to:
- Gain their first formal work experience
- Build professional skills
- Strengthen their CV
- Improve future employability
- Learn about South Africa’s energy industry
- Develop workplace confidence and professionalism
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for the Eskom YES Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 34 years
- Must have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification
- Post-matric certificates or programmes will be considered
- Must not be studying full-time during the year of employment
Applicants who satisfy these requirements may proceed with the application process.
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Additional Selection Criteria
Eskom has outlined several important conditions for participation in the programme.
Applicants:
- Should not have been permanently employed by a single employer continuously for more than one year
- Must not have previously participated in or registered for the YES Initiative
- Must successfully complete Eskom’s recruitment and selection process
- Must be available for placement within Eskom operations if selected
These criteria are designed to ensure that opportunities reach youth who have had limited exposure to formal employment.
Desired Behavioural Competencies
In addition to meeting the academic and eligibility requirements, Eskom is looking for candidates who demonstrate strong professional values.
Key behavioural competencies include:
Integrity
Participants should display honesty, accountability and ethical conduct in the workplace.
Professionalism
Successful candidates are expected to maintain a professional attitude, demonstrate reliability and show a willingness to learn.
Customer Focus
The ability to understand and respond to customer and stakeholder needs is regarded as an important attribute within the Eskom environment.
These qualities can help participants maximise the benefits of the programme while contributing positively to their assigned teams.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. Programmes such as YES provide an important bridge between education and employment by offering young people an opportunity to gain workplace experience.
For many participants, a 12-month placement can provide:
- Practical workplace exposure
- Professional networking opportunities
- Improved communication skills
- Greater understanding of organisational culture
- Enhanced employability
- Stronger CV and work references
Experience gained through a recognised organisation such as Eskom can also strengthen future applications for jobs, graduate programmes and learnerships.
Eskom Recognised as a Top Employer
The announcement comes as Eskom celebrates being recognised as a Top Employer South Africa 2026 for the second consecutive year.
According to the organisation, the certification reflects its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace that supports employee growth and development.
This recognition further highlights Eskom’s ongoing efforts to invest in talent development and provide opportunities that contribute to South Africa’s workforce growth.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official Eskom Careers portal before the closing date.
Candidates are encouraged to prepare all required information in advance and ensure that their applications are completed accurately.
Given the competitive nature of youth employment programmes, early submission is recommended.
Closing Date
📅 24 August 2026
Applicants who meet the requirements and are eager to gain valuable workplace experience within South Africa’s energy sector should submit their applications before the deadline.
Final Thoughts
The Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for unemployed South African youth to gain practical workplace experience with one of the country’s most recognised organisations.
With 25 positions available, a 12-month contract, and placements across Eskom operations nationwide, the programme offers a pathway for young people seeking to build skills, gain exposure and improve their long-term career prospects.
For eligible candidates looking to take their first step into the world of work, this could be the opportunity that opens the door to future success.
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