South Africa continues to face a serious youth unemployment challenge, with many young people struggling to gain their first real workplace experience after finishing school.
To help address this problem, the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative partners with major companies to create opportunities for young people.
One of the latest opportunities is the TFG Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026, which offers 12 months of workplace experience in the retail industry.
The programme is offered by The Foschini Group (TFG) and is designed to help unemployed youth gain practical retail skills, workplace exposure, and professional confidence.
For many participants, the programme becomes the first step toward a long-term career in retail, fashion, logistics, or business operations.
Quick Overview
- Organisation: The Foschini Group
- Programme: Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026
- Location: Gauteng
- Contract Duration: 12 Months (April 2026 – March 2027)
- Job Type: Fixed-term work opportunity
- Work Schedule: Full-time
- Job ID: 11892
- Target Group: Unemployed South African youth
- Minimum Qualification: Matric preferred
The programme is designed to help young people gain their first workplace experience in a professional retail environment.
What You Will Learn During the Programme
Participants in the programme will gain hands-on experience working in retail stores or retail support departments.
Depending on placement, learners may assist in several operational areas.
Customer Service Experience
Participants may learn how to:
- Assist customers in stores
- Help customers find products
- Provide product information
- Handle customer questions and concerns
Customer service skills are essential for careers in retail, hospitality, and sales.
Retail Store Operations
Learners will also gain experience in daily retail tasks such as:
- Merchandising and product displays
- Stock management
- Shelf organisation
- Price tagging
These tasks help stores operate efficiently and attract customers.
Useful YouthScope Links:
Sales Support
Participants may assist sales teams by:
- Supporting store staff during busy periods
- Learning how promotions and campaigns work
- Understanding sales targets and performance
This experience helps young people understand how retail businesses generate revenue.
Workplace and Professional Skills
In addition to retail knowledge, the programme helps participants develop important workplace skills.
These include:
- Team collaboration
- Communication skills
- Professional behaviour
- Time management
- Workplace responsibility
These soft skills are highly valued by employers in many different industries.
Requirements for the TFG YES Programme
To qualify for the programme, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old.
Education
- Matric is preferred, but some placements may accept candidates without it.
Employment Status
Applicants must:
- Be unemployed
- Not have been permanently employed with one employer for more than 12 months
Study Status
Applicants must not be studying full-time during the programme.
Previous Participation
Applicants must not have participated in the YES Programme before.
Contract Availability
Candidates must be available for the full 12-month contract period.
Documents to Prepare
Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Matric certificate (if available)
- Proof of residence
- Contactable references
Having these documents ready can help you apply faster when opportunities open.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official recruitment platform of
The Foschini Group.
APPLY FOR THE TFG YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (YES) PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
Before submitting your application:
- Ensure your CV is updated
- Check that contact details are correct
- Upload clear certified documents
📌 Closing Date: Not specified (apply as soon as possible).
Career Opportunities After the Programme
Completing the TFG YES Programme can open several career paths in the retail sector.
Entry-Level Retail Roles
- Sales Assistant
- Store Associate
- Cashier
- Visual Merchandiser
Retail Management Path
With experience, participants may progress to:
- Assistant Store Manager
- Store Manager
Corporate Retail Careers
Some participants later move into roles such as:
- Retail operations
- Merchandising
- Buying
- Marketing
- Supply chain management
The retail industry offers many opportunities for career growth and entrepreneurship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the YES Programme a permanent job?
No. It is a 12-month work experience programme designed to help youth gain workplace exposure.
Will participants receive payment?
Most YES placements provide a monthly stipend or wage, although the amount may vary.
Do I need Matric to apply?
Matric is preferred but not always required, depending on placement.
Can I study while participating?
No. Participants cannot study full-time during the programme.
Can I apply if I previously completed a YES Programme?
No. The YES Programme is only available once per participant.
Final Reminder
The TFG Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026 provides young South Africans with the opportunity to gain 12 months of workplace experience in the retail industry.
For many participants, this programme becomes the first step toward a long-term career.
Interested applicants should apply as soon as possible.
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Mbalizuke Nkosi
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to sharing opportunities, education updates, and career development information. The editorial team focuses on producing clear, reliable, and easy-to-understand content for students, job seekers, and young professionals.
With a strong interest in youth empowerment, skills development, and access to opportunities, Youth Admin curates and publishes content covering learnerships, internships, bursaries, and study guides across South Africa.
The aim of Mbalizuke Nkosi is to simplify important information and make it accessible to young people who are building their future careers.