Thousands of South African youth are looking for the National Youth Service (NYS) Phase V Programme right now. The deadline is coming fast, and a strong CV could be the difference between getting an interview and being ignored. Here’s how you can build a simple, effective CV and submit a complete application.
What is the National Youth Service Phase V Programme?
The NYS Phase V Programme is a government‑backed initiative that gives young South Africans practical work experience, community‑development exposure, and skills that help you move into employment or further training. Thousands apply each year, so recruiters scan CVs quickly.
Who can apply?
- South African citizens aged 18‑35
- Any education level – from matric to university students
- People who can show willingness to learn and contribute to community projects
What will you gain?
- Hands‑on workplace experience
- Training in communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving
- Certificates that boost future job applications
- Networking with employers and mentors
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Gather your information
Make sure you have:- South African ID number
- Full name and contact details
- Residential address
- Highest qualification and school subjects (if you have just finished matric)
- Training certificates, volunteer work, community projects, leadership roles, and references
- Write your personal details
Use a simple heading:Personal Information
Full Name: Your Name
ID Number: 1234567890123 (optional if not asked)
Phone: 071 xxx xxxx
Email: yourname@email.com
Address: City, ProvinceDo not add marital status, religion, gender (unless required), nicknames, multiple phones, or social‑media links.
- Craft a short professional summary
Motivated young South African seeking placement in the NYS Phase V Programme. Passionate about community development, eager to learn new skills and contribute positively while gaining workplace experience.
- List your education
Education
Grade 12 (Matric)
School Name – Year Completed: 2025Subjects: English, Mathematics Literacy, Life Sciences, Geography, Business Studies, Life Orientation, isiZulu
If you have TVET or university modules, add the qualification, institution and year of completion.
- Show your relevant skills
Skills
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
- Computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel)
- Time management
- Community engagement
- Adaptability and ability to work under pressure
Only list skills you truly possess.
- Include work experience or equivalents
If you have no formal job, add volunteer work, school leadership, family‑business help, or short‑term gigs.
Experience
Community Volunteer – Jan 2025 to Mar 2025- Assisted with community outreach
- Registered participants
- Kept attendance records
- Supported daily administration
- Detail community involvement
Community Activities
- Local clean‑up campaigns
- Youth group leadership
- Sports coaching
- Food drives
- School committees
- List short courses and certificates
Additional Training
- Computer Literacy – 2024
- First Aid – 2023
- Entrepreneurship – 2024
- Customer Service – 2023
- Digital Skills – 2024
- Occupational Health & Safety – 2024
- Provide references
References
Mr John Dlamini – Former Supervisor – 071 xxx xxxx
Ms Thandi Ndlovu – Teacher – 072 xxx xxxxAsk permission before you list anyone.
- Format your CV
- Font: Arial or Calibri, size 11–12
- Black text, clear headings
- Single‑spacing, consistent margins
- Save as PDF (unless the advert says otherwise)
Avoid bright colours, tables, photos, decorative graphics, and long paragraphs.
Tips to improve your chances
- Submit before the deadline and follow every instruction.
- Rename the file exactly as the advert asks (e.g., John_Doe_NYS_V.pdf).
- Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname@email.com).
- Proofread for spelling and grammar errors.
- Do not claim experience you do not have.
- Tailor the same CV for each NYS application – small tweaks are enough.
- Keep the document to 1–2 pages. Empty pages or overly long CVs are rejected.
Sample NYS CV layout
Page 1: Personal Information, Professional Summary, Education
Page 2: Skills, Experience, Community Activities, Certificates, References
Extra advice
- Read the application guidelines twice.
- Ask a teacher or mentor to review your CV.
- Prepare for the interview – know the programme’s aims.
- Keep your phone and email active after you apply.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I apply without work experience? Yes. Many NYS candidates are first‑time job seekers.
- Do I need to attach a photo? Only if the advert explicitly requests it.
- How many pages should my CV be? One to two pages is preferred.
- Do I have to include references? Yes, unless the advert says otherwise.
- Are handwritten CVs accepted? Only if the instructions specifically ask for them.
- Should I list hobbies? Only if they are relevant to the role and you can keep the list brief.
Conclusion – your next steps
The NYS Phase V Programme can launch your career, but recruiters first look at a clear, honest CV. Gather your details, follow the structure above, and submit a polished PDF before the deadline. Take one small improvement for each application – it adds up.
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only. Always follow the official requirements published for the National Youth Service Phase V Programme.
EDUPSTAIRS is a registered non‑profit organisation (NPO No: 232‑182, PBO: 930066984). We do not charge for job placements or request your CV for money. Beware of scams. Use the EDUPSTAIRS scam‑detector tool before sharing any personal information.
