Nedbank is looking for suitable young people to apply for their Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026 opportunities. The closing date for applications is not yet specified – keep checking their portal for updates.
What the Nedbank YES Programme 2026 is all about
Nedbank teamed up with the national Youth Employment Service to give you a 12‑month paid work‑experience stint in a real bank setting. If you’re 18‑29, unemployed and ready to learn the ropes of banking, this could be the break you’ve been waiting for.
Day‑to‑day life in the programme
- Work in a real office or branch – you’ll be doing the same tasks as full‑time staff, from customer service to admin duties.
- Hands‑on training – no fancy classroom, just learning by doing with a mentor guiding you.
- Shift options – weekdays, weekend and sometimes holiday shifts depending on the role.
- Hybrid or remote – some positions let you work from home if it fits.
Why it matters for beginners and fresh grads
- Build a CV that shines – “work experience” in a large company is hard to beat.
- Learn industry skills – communication, problem‑solving, time management, and digital tools that work everywhere.
- Earn while you learn – a monthly stipend that covers transport, meals and basic living costs.
- Open doors to permanent jobs – many graduates land full‑time roles at Nedbank or other finance firms after the programme.
Who can apply?
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18–29 years by 1 May 2026 (born between 2 May 1997 and 1 May 2008) |
| Education | Matric or any post‑matric qualification: NQF 5 (Higher Cert), NQF 6 (Diploma), NQF 7 (Advanced Diploma or Bachelor’s) |
| Employment status | Must be unemployed and not studying full‑time. |
| YES history | First‑time applicant – you can’t have done any other YES programme before. |
| Nationality | South African, with BBBEE‑eligible categories (African, Coloured, Indian) |
The stipend – what you’ll get
- Monthly amount – set by the YES guidelines, enough to cover:
- Transport
- Meals
- Basic living expenses
- Work‑related costs (phone, stationery, etc.)
- Not a full salary – it’s a support while you learn, not a permanent paycheck.
Where you’ll work
- Nedbank branches – face‑to‑face with customers.
- Corporate offices – inside the bank’s head office or regional hubs.
- Business units across South Africa – you could be in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, or anywhere else.
Work schedules can include weekdays, shifts, weekends or public holidays. You’ll need to be able to travel to your assigned site.
Skills you’ll pick up
- Professional communication – emails, calls and face‑to‑face.
- Customer service – dealing with different people and solving their problems.
- Corporate etiquette – office culture and dress code.
- Teamwork & collaboration – working with colleagues on projects.
- Digital & admin tools – spreadsheets, databases and internal software.
- Problem solving & time management – juggling tasks and meeting deadlines.
These are valuable in banking and in any future career.
How to apply – step by step
- Check your eligibility – age, education, unemployment status.
- Gather your documents
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of ID or birth certificate
- Matric/post‑matric diploma (certified)
- A short motivational statement (why you want the programme)
- Create a professional email address (if you don’t already have one).
- Fill out the online application – Apply right here before it closes.
- Double‑check everything – spelling, dates, attachments.
- Submit and mark your calendar – you’ll get a confirmation email.
- Check your inbox daily for updates – the next step could be a call or interview.
Tips to stand out
- Show enthusiasm – let them see you’re genuinely excited about learning.
- Highlight soft skills – teamwork, punctuality, adaptability.
- Keep your CV concise – one page, bullet points, clear formatting.
- Ask a friend to proofread – a fresh pair of eyes catches typos.
- Apply early – competition is stiff; the sooner you submit, the better.
What happens after you finish?
- Permanent roles – many finishers get full‑time positions at Nedbank.
- Career ladder – entry‑level banking jobs, admin roles, customer service teams.
- Further study – the experience can boost your university applications or other learnerships.
- Internships & graduate programmes – a strong CV opens doors to other employers.
Employers love YES experience because it shows you’re reliable, disciplined and ready for the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the programme a permanent job? | No, it’s a 12‑month fixed‑term work‑experience contract. |
| Do I need banking experience? | Nope. No previous work experience required. |
| Can I apply if I already did another YES programme? | No, first‑time only. |
| Will I receive a full corporate salary? | No, you’ll get a monthly stipend per YES guidelines. |
| Where are the placements? | Across South Africa – branches, corporate offices and business units. |
| When does it start? | 1 May 2026. |
| How to apply? | Use the online portal – Apply right here before it closes. |
Final words
If you’re 18‑29, unemployed and looking for a chance to step into a corporate world, the Nedbank YES Programme 2026 could be a game‑changer. It’s more than a stipend – it’s a stepping stone to a full‑time career and a way to earn while you learn real skills.
Don’t miss out – keep an eye on the deadline, finish your application checklist, and get ready to say “yes” to your future. Good luck, future Nedbank employee!
