Introduction to Eskom YES Programme
The Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026 is a national youth employment initiative designed to provide unemployed South Africans with valuable workplace experience in the energy sector.
The YES initiative is a public-private partnership led by the Presidency of South Africa to tackle youth unemployment by giving young people their first job opportunity. Through this programme, Eskom offers structured 12-month workplace placements across various departments such as administration, technical services, finance, and operations.
This programme is ideal for young people who have completed Grade 12 and want to gain practical experience, build workplace skills, and improve their chances of permanent employment.
What is the Eskom YES Programme?
The Eskom YES Programme is a 12-month fixed-term work experience opportunity where successful candidates are placed in Eskom business units across South Africa. Participants gain exposure to real work environments while receiving mentorship and on-the-job training.
Departments that may host YES learners include:
-
Human Resources
-
Finance
-
Maintenance & Operations
-
Asset Creation
-
Retail & Customer Services
-
Administration & Shared Services
Participants receive structured work exposure that helps them transition from unemployment to employability.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Eskom YES Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
✔ South African citizen
✔ Age between 18 – 34 years
✔ Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent
✔ Unemployed youth
✔ Not studying full-time
✔ No permanent employment longer than 1 year
✔ Must not have participated in YES before
These criteria follow the national YES initiative guidelines aimed at first-time job seekers.
Skills & Competencies Developed
During the 12-month programme, participants develop essential workplace skills such as:
-
Communication skills
-
Professional conduct
-
Time management
-
Teamwork
-
Customer service
-
Administrative or technical abilities
-
Workplace safety awareness
Eskom emphasises values like integrity, professionalism, and accountability in all YES placements.
Fields of Placement
YES learners may be placed in different Eskom divisions depending on vacancies and location:
Administrative & Office Roles
-
Data capturing
-
Filing & records
-
HR support
-
Finance clerk tasks
Technical & Operations Roles
-
Power station support
-
Maintenance assistance
-
Technical administration
-
Asset management
Commercial & Customer Roles
-
Customer service
-
Retail electricity services
-
Revenue & billing support
All placements aim to provide practical work experience in South Africa’s electricity industry.
Programme Locations
Eskom YES placements are offered across multiple provinces, including:
-
Gauteng
-
Mpumalanga
-
North West
-
Limpopo
-
Free State
-
KwaZulu-Natal
-
Eastern Cape
-
Western Cape
Candidates are placed in Eskom operations based on availability and recruitment needs.
Stipend & Benefits
YES participants typically receive:
-
Monthly stipend (market-related)
-
Workplace experience certificate
-
Training & mentorship
-
Exposure to Eskom environment
-
Increased employability
The programme is not permanent employment but improves chances of future jobs.
