Eskom YES Programme 2026: 25 Youth Employment Opportunities

Eskom is creating work opportunities for young South Africans through the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026, with 25 positions available for unemployed youth looking to gain valuable first-work experience.

The opportunity is aimed at Matriculants, graduates and candidates with no previous work experience who want to enter the workplace and develop practical skills in the electricity, energy and water supply sector.

Eskom YES Programme 2026

The Youth Employment Service is part of a public-private initiative led by the Presidency to help address youth unemployment in South Africa.

Through this programme, Eskom is offering young people the opportunity to gain 12 months of workplace experience. Successful candidates will be placed within Eskom Operations across different divisions.

The programme can provide valuable exposure to a major organisation while helping participants build their CVs and develop professional workplace skills.

Programme Details

• Company: Eskom
• Programme: Youth Employment Service (YES)
• Positions: 25
• Contract: Internship
• Duration: 12 months
• Industry: Electricity, Energy & Water Supply
• Job Category: Matriculants/Graduate/No Experience
• Reference: eskom_006424
• Reference Number: 50904987LM
• Closing Date: 24 August 2026
• Remuneration: Market related

Who Can Apply?

The Eskom YES opportunity is aimed at young South Africans who are looking for their first meaningful workplace experience.

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements and selection criteria before they can be considered for the programme.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen
• Be between 18 and 34 years old
• Have Grade 12 or equivalent
• Have post-Matric certificates or programmes where applicable

The opportunity is particularly relevant to unemployed youth who want to gain practical experience and improve their chances of securing future employment.

Additional Selection Criteria

Applicants should also take note of Eskom’s YES programme conditions.

Candidates:

• Should not have been permanently employed by a single employer continuously for more than one year
• Should not be studying full-time during the year of employment
• Should not have previously participated in or registered for the YES initiative
• Must successfully complete Eskom’s recruitment and selection process

Successful applicants will be placed in Eskom Operations across the divisions.

What Does the YES Programme Offer?

The main benefit of the programme is the opportunity to gain 12 months of practical workplace experience.

For young people who have completed Grade 12, tertiary studies or other post-Matric programmes but have limited work experience, this type of opportunity can help bridge the gap between education and employment.

Participants will have the chance to experience a professional working environment and develop workplace behaviours that can be valuable when applying for future jobs.

The programme is also connected to Eskom’s operations across South Africa, giving successful candidates an opportunity to gain exposure within the energy industry.

Skills and Behavioural Requirements

Eskom highlights several behavioural qualities that applicants should demonstrate.

These include:

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Customer focus

Candidates should therefore be prepared to work professionally, interact respectfully with colleagues and customers and demonstrate responsible workplace behaviour.

Why Apply for the Eskom YES Programme?

Finding a first job can be difficult when employers require previous experience. The Eskom YES Programme is designed to give young people an opportunity to gain that important first workplace exposure.

A 12-month placement can help participants strengthen their CVs, develop workplace confidence and gain practical experience that may assist them when pursuing future employment opportunities.

The programme is also an opportunity for young people interested in gaining exposure to the energy and electricity industry.

Final Thoughts

The Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026 offers 25 opportunities for unemployed young South Africans to gain valuable workplace experience through a 12-month contract.

With Grade 12 or equivalent as a minimum educational requirement, the programme can be considered by Matriculants, graduates and young people with limited or no work experience who meet the other eligibility conditions.

Interested candidates should carefully check the requirements and submit their applications before the 24 August 2026 deadline.

How to Apply

Closing Date: 24 August 2026.