Eskom YES Programme 2026 Applications Now Open for Young South Africans
Eskom has announced a new opportunity for unemployed South African youth through its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026. The programme offers successful applicants a 12-month fixed-term employment contract, giving them practical workplace experience within one of the country’s largest electricity utilities.
The YES Programme is a national initiative supported by the Presidency and private sector partners to help address youth unemployment by providing first-time work experience to young people who have struggled to enter the job market.
For this intake, Eskom is recruiting two YES participants within the Office of the Group Executive (Programme Management) based in Sunninghill, Gauteng. The programme is aimed at energetic and motivated young people who want to build professional skills and improve their future employment prospects.
If you have completed Grade 12, are currently unemployed, and meet the eligibility requirements, this could be an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in the energy sector.
Programme Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Eskom SOC Ltd |
| Programme | Youth Employment Service (YES) |
| Position | YES X2 – OGE Programme Management |
| Vacancy Reference | eskom_005949 |
| Business Unit | Office of the Group Executive |
| Department | Programme Management |
| Location | Sunninghill, Gauteng |
| Industry | Electricity, Energy & Water Supply |
| Contract Type | 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract |
| Employment Equity | Yes |
| Salary | Market Related |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 (Matric) |
| Experience | No experience required |
| Closing Date | 30 July 2026 |
About the Eskom YES Programme
The Youth Employment Service (YES) was introduced to provide unemployed South African youth with meaningful work experience that can improve their chances of finding permanent employment.
As one of South Africa’s leading employers, Eskom participates in the initiative by offering structured workplace exposure where participants can learn professional skills while contributing to the organisation’s daily operations.
Participants receive practical experience in a real working environment while developing workplace discipline, communication abilities, teamwork, and organisational skills.
The programme is particularly valuable for school leavers and young people who have not yet had the opportunity to gain formal employment experience.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is suitable for:
- Recent Grade 12 graduates
- First-time job seekers
- Unemployed youth
- Young people seeking workplace experience
- Individuals interested in the energy sector
- Candidates looking to strengthen their CV before pursuing permanent employment
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 34 years of age.
- Possess a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or an equivalent qualification.
- Be unemployed at the time of application.
- Not be studying full-time during the employment period.
- Not have been permanently employed by a single employer for more than one continuous year.
- Not have previously participated in the YES Programme.
- Be willing to undergo Eskom’s recruitment and selection process.
Desired Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate the following qualities:
Leadership Attributes
- Team player
- Professional conduct
- Integrity
- Customer-focused mindset
Personal Skills
- Strong communication
- Good interpersonal skills
- Negotiation skills
- Relationship-building ability
- Self-motivation
- Initiative
- Assertiveness
- Courtesy
- Reliability
- Positive attitude
- Ability to work under supervision
Duties and Responsibilities
Although the advertisement does not specify detailed daily responsibilities, participants may be required to:
- Assist Programme Management teams with administrative functions.
- Support departmental projects.
- Participate in workplace activities and training.
- Complete allocated assignments.
- Maintain professional standards.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues.
- Follow Eskom’s policies and procedures.
- Perform duties assigned by supervisors.
- Contribute to achieving departmental objectives.
Skills You Can Develop
During the programme, participants are expected to strengthen their skills in:
- Workplace communication
- Teamwork
- Office administration
- Time management
- Professional ethics
- Customer service
- Organisational planning
- Computer literacy
- Problem-solving
- Business communication
- Workplace professionalism
- Adaptability
Benefits of the Programme
Successful applicants will receive:
- A 12-month work opportunity.
- Market-related remuneration.
- Practical work experience.
- Exposure to South Africa’s electricity industry.
- Professional development.
- Mentorship from experienced employees.
- Improved employability.
- A stronger professional CV.
Career Opportunities After the Programme
The experience gained through the Eskom YES Programme may help participants pursue opportunities such as:
- Administrative Assistant
- Programme Support Officer
- Office Administrator
- Customer Service Consultant
- Data Capturer
- Operations Assistant
- Junior Project Administrator
- Government internship programmes
- Corporate graduate opportunities
- Entry-level positions across various industries
Why Choose Eskom?
Working at Eskom provides exposure to one of South Africa’s most important state-owned enterprises. Participants gain insight into professional workplace standards while learning transferable skills that remain valuable throughout their careers.
The YES Programme also allows young people to establish professional networks, build confidence, and gain practical experience that many employers seek when recruiting entry-level staff.
Application Tips
Before applying:
- Prepare an updated CV.
- Ensure your Grade 12 certificate is available.
- Confirm that your contact details are correct.
- Read all eligibility requirements carefully.
- Submit your application well before the deadline.
- Keep copies of your application documents.
- Monitor your email and phone for recruitment updates.
Where to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Eskom Careers recruitment portal using vacancy reference eskom_005949.
Applicants should complete the online application form and submit any required supporting documentation before the closing date.
Important: Eskom does not charge any fees for recruitment or employment applications.
Closing Date
30 July 2026
Late applications may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to apply?
South African citizens aged between 18 and 34 who meet all programme requirements.
Is previous work experience necessary?
No. The programme is specifically designed for unemployed youth with little or no formal work experience.
How long is the contract?
The employment contract is for 12 months.
Will participants receive payment?
Yes. Successful candidates will receive market-related remuneration.
Can students apply?
Applicants should not be enrolled in full-time studies during the employment period.
Can I apply if I have already completed a YES Programme?
No. Previous YES participants are not eligible.
Does completing the programme guarantee permanent employment?
No. The programme provides valuable workplace experience but does not guarantee permanent employment with Eskom.
Why You Should Consider Applying
For many young South Africans, the biggest barrier to employment is the lack of practical work experience. The Eskom YES Programme helps bridge this gap by providing structured workplace exposure, allowing participants to develop essential professional skills while working for a nationally recognised employer.
Whether your goal is to secure future employment in the energy sector or simply gain valuable workplace experience, this programme can be an important stepping stone toward building a successful career.
Editorial Policy
This article is published for educational and informational purposes only. Information has been compiled from the official Eskom vacancy announcement and publicly available programme details. Applicants are encouraged to verify all information, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines, through Eskom’s official recruitment platform before applying.
Sources and References
- Eskom Careers – Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme Vacancy (Reference: eskom_005949)
- Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa
- Department of Employment and Labour
- Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Framework
Disclaimer: This article is an independent editorial publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Eskom SOC Ltd. Vacancy information, remuneration, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Applicants should always consult the official Eskom Careers portal for the latest information.
