Are you an unemployed young South African looking for your first big break? Eskom has just launched a massive recruitment drive for its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026, with over 128 opportunities available across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and the Free State. This is your chance to gain 12 months of paid, professional workplace experience at one of the country’s most critical power utilities.
Opportunity Overview
- Organisation: Eskom
- Programme Name: Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026
- Opportunity Type: 12-Month Fixed-Term Internship
- Industry: Energy / Utility
- Locations: Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State
- Target Applicants: Unemployed South African youth (18–34)
- Key Benefits: Market-related remuneration, professional mentorship, and CV-boosting work experience.
Programme Breakdown
The Eskom YES Programme is designed to help matriculants and young graduates gain essential workplace experience. Whether you are placed in administration, finance, supply chain, or HR, you will be working in a professional environment that prioritizes skills development and career readiness. This is a 12-month commitment aimed at helping you build a competitive professional profile.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for these positions, you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 34 years old.
- Hold a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or equivalent.
- Be unemployed and not studying full-time.
- Crucially: Never have participated in the YES Programme previously.
- Be ready to commit to a 12-month fixed-term contract.
Required Documents Checklist
Before you start your application, ensure you have these documents ready in digital format:
- Updated CV
- South African Identity Document
- Grade 12 Certificate (or equivalent)
- Any post-Matric qualifications (if applicable)
- Proof of address (where specifically requested)
How to Apply Step-by-Step
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official Eskom recruitment portal.
- Search: Use the specific Listing Reference numbers (e.g., eskom_005793 for Medupi) provided in the vacancy list.
- Register/Sign In: Create a candidate profile if you haven’t already.
- Complete & Submit: Fill out the application form with accurate information and upload your documents.
- Monitor: Keep an eye on your email for feedback.
Closing Dates
Applications close in waves based on the station/department:
- 21 July: Medupi
- 22 July: Matla
- 23 July: Human Capital & Procurement
- 24 July: Arnot, Finance, Lethabo, Komati
- 27 July: Majuba, Kriel, Duvha
- 28 July: Camden, Tutuka
- 29 July: Kendal
Related Opportunity
Youthscope
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who can apply? South Africans aged 18–34 with a Grade 12 certificate.
- Do I need a degree? No, Grade 12 is the minimum requirement for most posts.
- Is there a stipend? Yes, remuneration is market-related.
- Can I apply if I’ve done YES before? No, this is restricted to those who haven’t participated in the YES Programme previously.
- How long is the contract? 12 months.
- Where do I apply? Only through the official Eskom careers portal.
Why You Should Apply
This is a rare opportunity to get your foot in the door of one of South Africa’s largest state-owned enterprises. Beyond the pay, you will gain “first-time” experience that is highly sought after by recruiters, making it easier to secure permanent employment in the future.
Career Pathways
Participants will gain exposure to administrative support, procurement, warehousing, and finance. These are foundational roles that open doors to careers in business management, supply chain logistics, and general corporate administration.
Expert Guidance (Mbalizuke Nkosi)
“With over 128 positions, the sheer volume of applicants will be massive,” notes Mbalizuke Nkosi. “My advice? Don’t just copy-paste your CV. Tailor it to the ‘Skills and Competencies’ listed—emphasize your ‘customer focus’ and ‘teamwork’ abilities. Also, because there are different closing dates, create a simple calendar reminder so you don’t miss the deadline for your preferred power station.”
Disclaimer
Always apply through the official Eskom website. Eskom will never ask you to pay a fee to secure an internship or job application.
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
Through informative and professionally curated content, YouthScope.co.za aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
For inquiries or support, please contact admin@youthscope.co.za.