The Youth Employment Service programme is a 12 month work experience initiative that places unemployed youth into entry level roles across sectors such as retail, administration, call centres, logistics, and hospitality.
The programme focuses on improving employability by helping participants develop workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and basic job responsibilities.
Participants are hosted by companies that are registered with the YES initiative and are required to complete the full 12 month placement period.
Although it is called a learnership by many applicants, the YES programme is officially a work experience programme and does not always lead to a formal qualification.
Who can apply for YES learnerships in 2026?
The YES programme is open to unemployed South African youth who are looking for their first work experience opportunity.
- Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 and must be South African citizens.
- Applicants must have at least a Grade 12 certificate, although some placements may accept candidates with lower qualifications depending on the role.
- Applicants must not be studying full time or employed when applying for the programme.
- Applicants must not have previously participated in a YES programme placement.
What are the requirements for a 12 month YES job?
Applicants must meet basic eligibility requirements before they can be placed in a YES opportunity.
- A valid South African ID is required for all applicants.
- A Matric certificate is required for most placements.
- An updated CV must be prepared before applying.
- Applicants must be able to commit to the full 12 month programme.
- Applicants must be willing to work in entry level roles.
Most placements do not require previous work experience, which makes the programme suitable for first time job seekers.
Some roles may require basic computer skills or communication ability depending on the job type.
How do you apply for YES learnerships in 2026?
Applications for YES opportunities must be done through the official YES platform or through partner company recruitment channels.
Follow these steps to apply successfully.
- Visit the YES website and create a profile.
- Complete your personal and educational details.
- Upload your CV and required documents.
- Search for available opportunities or wait to be matched with a company.
Some companies recruit YES candidates directly through their own career pages, so applicants should also check company websites regularly.
Applicants must be careful to avoid scams and should only apply through official platforms or verified company listings.
What jobs are available in the YES programme?
YES placements are offered across a wide range of industries depending on participating companies.
Common roles include retail assistants, office administrators, customer service agents, warehouse assistants, and general workers.
Some placements are office based while others are field based depending on the nature of the business.
The goal of these roles is to provide basic work experience that can help participants move into permanent employment after completing the programme.
Participants are expected to follow company rules, complete assigned tasks, and build professional work habits during the placement.
When do YES learnership applications open and close?
The YES programme does not have a single national opening or closing date because placements are created continuously by participating companies throughout the year.
This means that opportunities can become available at any time depending on employer demand and programme funding.
Applicants can apply at any time, but placement depends on available opportunities and matching by the programme.
Because of high demand, not all applicants are placed immediately, and some may need to wait before being selected.
Contact details for YES applications
The YES programme contact details are provided below for general enquiries.
- Website: https://www.yes4youth.co.za
- Contact Page: https://www.yes4youth.co.za/contact-us
- Email: info@yes4youth.co.za / youth@yes4youth.co.za
