Gordon Institute of Business Science invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Youth Employment Service Programme 2026 vacancies. The closing date for applications is 15 November 2025.
What is the GIBS YES Programme 2026?
The GIBS Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme is a one‑year, full‑time training job that starts in January 2026 and ends in January 2027. Think of it as a paid internship that gives you real world work experience, a chance to learn from busy professionals, and a head‑start on your future career.
- Duration: 12 months, full‑time
- Start: January 2026
- Finish: January 2027
- Pay: You earn a salary the whole year
- Learning: You will work with real GIBS projects and learn skills that the business world wants.
It’s not just a work‑study. It’s a platform that helps you build confidence, develop practical skills, and make strong professional connections—helping you stand out when you look for a full‑time job after you finish.
Why Should You Join the GIBS YES Programme?
| What you get | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Work experience | Application forms and interviews love people who have done real work. |
| A solid résumé | Your CV will show a year of practical experience. |
| Professional network | You’ll meet professors, staff, and other students who could become mentors or job leads. |
| Monthly pay | You’ll earn a salary while you learn, so you don’t have to worry about money. |
| Career jump‑start | Many GIBS alumni move quickly into good jobs in business, consulting, and finance. |
If you’re a South African student or recent graduate who wants to get a foot in the door of the corporate world, the YES Programme is a great way to start.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to South African youth who are unemployed and ready to grow for a whole year.
You need to meet these basic rules:
- Unemployed at the time of applying.
- Age 18–35. (You must be under 35 on 31 December 2025.)
- South African citizen – you should be born as a citizen or naturalised.
- Live in Gauteng.
- First time – you can’t have worked in a YES Programme with another company before.
Extras that help your chances:
- You have a university degree or something equivalent (NQF 7). A degree that involves numbers or data is a plus.
- You speak English well – it’s needed for many tasks.
- You can work a typical 40‑hour week that includes evening shifts (4:30 pm–9:30 pm, Monday‑Friday).
- You can start the first day of the programme in January 2026.
How to Apply
- Gather your documents – ID, proof that you’re unemployed, your degree certificates, a recent CV, and a passport‑size photo.
- Fill in the online application – visit the GIBS career portal and fill out the form.
- Write a clear statement – explain why you want the YES Programme and how it fits your plans. Keep it short, simple, and honest.
- Submit before the deadline – make sure you send everything before 15 November 2025.
- Wait for a call – if your profile matches, GIBS will contact you for the next step – usually a short interview.
The whole process is designed to be straightforward, so you can focus on showing what you bring.
Other Opportunities Worth Checking
While you’re looking at the GIBS YES Programme, you might also want to see how many other training and learning options exist for young South Africans who want jobs right after school or university.
- If you’re still studying or in the first few semesters of a degree, you can browse SETA Bursaries you can still apply for this year.
SETA offers bursaries, certificates, and apprenticeship programmes that can boost a CV and your income at the same time. - For arts, hospitality, tech, and many other sectors, see the listed SETAs on the same page for “learnerships” that pay you while you study.
Looking at several programmes simultaneously increases your chances of finding something that suits your interests and schedule.
Take the First Step
- Check your eligibility – use the list above to make sure you qualify.
- Collect all required paperwork – the more ready you are, the smoother the application.
- Apply before 15 November 2025 – the deadline is fast‑approaching.
- Explore other options – don’t stop at just GIBS. Look at the SETA link, and you might miss a chance that matches your goals.
The GIBS YES Programme is more than a temporary job; it’s a platform that can shape your future. If you’re ready to learn, earn, and grow, the next step could start right here, sometime in January 2026.
