Eskom is now accepting applications for its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026. This is a chance to gain your first real workplace experience, and the closing date is only a few weeks away.
What the opportunity is
Eskom, South Africa’s national electricity supplier, is offering 25 short‑term contracts through the Youth Employment Service. Successful candidates will be hired for 12 months and may be placed in Eskom operations anywhere in the country.
- Organisation: Eskom
- Programme: Youth Employment Service (YES)
- Number of positions: 25
- Reference: eskom_006424 (internal: 50904987LM)
- Grade/Task: YY1
- Department & Business Unit: Eskom Real Estate
- Listed locations: Sunninghill, Midrand, Rosherville
- Possible placement: Eskom sites across South African provinces
- Contract length: 12 months
- Job category: Matriculants / Graduate / No Experience
- Minimum qualification: Grade 12 or equivalent (post‑matric certificates also accepted)
- Age range: 18 – 34 years
- Citizenship: South African
- Remuneration: Market‑related
- Application deadline: 24 August 2026
Who can apply (eligibility)
You must meet all of the following:
- South African citizen
- Age between 18 and 34 years
- Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification (including recognised post‑matric certificates)
- Not be employed permanently by one employer for more than one continuous year
- Not be studying full‑time during the contract year
- Never have participated in a previous YES programme
There are no specific Matric subjects or minimum marks required, so you do not need to have studied Mathematics or Physical Sciences unless the application portal asks for it.
What you will gain
The 12‑month contract is designed to give you practical exposure to a large, complex organisation. You will develop transferable skills such as:
- Effective communication
- Time management and punctuality
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Following procedures and workplace safety
- Customer‑oriented thinking
- Basic problem‑solving and administrative discipline
- Professional etiquette and accountability
These skills are valuable for any future entry‑level job, learnership, internship or bursary.
How to apply – step by step
- Visit the official Eskom recruitment page: Apply for the Eskom YES Programme 2026 here.
- Read the YES selection criteria carefully and confirm you meet every requirement.
- Prepare a simple, professional CV. Include your full name, contact details, Grade 12 (or equivalent) details, any certificates, computer skills, language abilities, and any leadership, volunteer or part‑time work you have done.
- Gather electronic copies of your Matric certificate, ID, and any post‑matric certificates.
- Complete the online application form, answering every screening question truthfully.
- Upload your CV and supporting documents exactly as the portal requests.
- Submit before 24 August 2026. Early submission helps avoid last‑minute technical problems.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that your phone number and email are correct. Recruiters can’t contact you if they are wrong.
- Make your Grade 12 qualification easy to spot in the education section (e.g., “National Senior Certificate – 2025 – XYZ High School”).
- Highlight any leadership roles, volunteer work, school projects, short courses, or part‑time jobs – even if they are not paid employment.
- Answer the YES selection questions exactly as they are phrased; do not alter your employment history to fit an assumed rule.
- Do not pay anyone to “secure” a placement. Use only the official Eskom link above.
- Read the age, citizenship, study‑status and previous‑YES clauses before you click submit.
Next steps after you apply
If you are shortlisted, treat the interview as a chance to show your integrity, professionalism and willingness to learn. During the 12‑month placement, keep a record of:
- The tasks you perform
- Systems you learn
- Any training you complete
- Projects you help with
- Skills you develop and measurable results
These notes will make it easy to update your CV and give concrete examples in future applications for jobs, learnerships, or internships.
Conclusion
The Eskom YES Programme offers a realistic path into the world of work for young South Africans who have finished Matric but lack experience. With only 25 spots available, the competition will be tight, but a well‑prepared, truthful application can put you in the running.
Take the first step today: gather your documents, craft a clear CV, and submit before the 24 August 2026 deadline. This could be the start of a solid employment record and open doors to many future opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Eskom YES Programme 2026? A 12‑month work‑experience contract intended to give unemployed youth practical exposure in the energy sector.
- How many positions are available? 25 short‑term contracts.
- Can I apply with only Grade 12? Yes. Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification meets the educational requirement.
- What is the age limit? Applicants must be between 18 and 34 years old.
- Can I be a university or TVET student? You must not be studying full‑time during the year of employment.
- Do I need previous work experience? No. The role is open to matriculants and graduates with little or no formal employment.
- Will I get a permanent job after the 12 months? No guarantee of permanent employment is stated; the contract ends after one year.
- Where will I be placed? Positions are listed for Sunninghill, Midrand and Rosherville, but placements may be anywhere in Eskom’s operations across provinces.
- How much will I earn? Remuneration is market‑related; no exact figure is given in the advertisement.
- When does the application close? 24 August 2026.
Disclaimer
SETA SA is an independent career‑information platform and is not a recruitment agency for Eskom or the YES programme. All details are taken from the official Eskom vacancy information. Selection decisions remain solely with Eskom. Use only the official application link above and never pay anyone who claims to guarantee a placement.
