Youth@worK 2026: 12-Month Work Experience Programme for Unemployed South African Youth

Youth@worK 2026: 12-Month Work Experience Programme for Unemployed Youth

Young people looking for their first meaningful workplace experience may want to know about Youth@worK, a South African social enterprise that supports unemployed youth through structured work-experience opportunities.

According to information published by the National Association of Social Change Entities in Education (NASCEE), Youth@worK places currently unemployed youth into a 12-month work experience programme. Participants can gain access to work-readiness skills, online learning, daily supervision and a network intended to improve their prospects beyond the programme.

Youth@worK says it works with partners across sectors including education, sport, IT skills, NGOs, food security, SMME development and automotive-related activities. However, the NASCEE profile does not provide a current 2026 application deadline, stipend amount or detailed eligibility criteria, so applicants should verify the latest information directly with Youth@worK.

Quick Opportunity Overview

OpportunityDetails
ProgrammeYouth@worK
OrganisationYouth@worK
Opportunity typeWork experience programme
Target groupCurrently unemployed youth
Duration12 months
Work-readiness supportYes
Online learningAvailable as part of the programme
Daily supervisionAvailable
SectorsEducation, sport, IT skills, NGOs, food security, SMME development, automotive and others
Stipend/SalaryNot disclosed
Age requirementNot specified
Qualification requirementNot specified
LocationNot specified; placements operate through partner organisations
Closing dateNot specified
Application methodDirect application details for youth not specified on the NASCEE profile

The programme information above is based on the Youth@worK profile published by NASCEE.

About the Youth@worK Opportunity

Youth@worK is a social enterprise that has operated since 2018 and focuses on creating work opportunities for young people within the community sector.

Its programme model supports job-seeking youth by helping place them into workplace environments while providing additional support such as mentorship, learning opportunities, skills development and entrepreneurial skills.

The NASCEE profile states that Youth@worK has been a Top 5 implementation partner to the Youth Employment Scheme (YES) for the past four years and has placed more than 4,000 youth into social-sector and community-business placements.

The organisation says its partner network can provide more than 3,500 workplace opportunities per year.

Who Can Consider the Programme?

The published information specifically describes Youth@worK as placing currently unemployed youth into a 12-month work-experience programme.

The NASCEE profile does not specify:

  • A maximum or minimum age
  • A specific nationality requirement
  • A minimum school qualification
  • A specific field of study
  • A driver’s licence requirement
  • A specific province requirement

These conditions should therefore not be assumed.

Requirements

The main eligibility information publicly stated on the NASCEE profile is that the programme is aimed at currently unemployed youth.

Other requirements are:

  • Age: Not specified
  • Qualification: Not specified
  • Work experience: Not specified
  • Citizenship: Not specified
  • Residency: Not specified
  • Driver’s licence: Not specified

Applicants should confirm the latest requirements with Youth@worK before submitting personal information or documents.

Stipend or Salary

Stipend/Salary: Not disclosed in the available programme information.

The NASCEE profile explains the work-experience structure and support provided but does not state a stipend or salary amount.

Youthscope therefore does not estimate a payment amount.

Duration

Duration: 12 months.

Youth@worK describes the programme as a 12-month work-experience programme.

The programme is intended to combine workplace exposure with additional support, including work-readiness skills, online learning and supervision.

Location

The programme’s overall operating network is not restricted to one location in the NASCEE description.

Youth@worK states that it works with partners and communities nationally and places young people at sites connected to partner organisations.

Location: Not specified for individual placements.

Applicants should confirm the location of a particular placement before accepting or applying for it.

Documents Required

The NASCEE profile does not publish a specific document checklist for youth applying to Youth@worK.

Therefore:

  • ID: Not specified
  • CV: Not specified
  • Qualification certificate: Not specified
  • Proof of residence: Not specified
  • Academic transcript: Not specified
  • Other supporting documents: Not specified

Applicants should only provide documents requested through the official application process.

How to Apply

The NASCEE profile provides the Youth@worK website but does not publish a step-by-step youth application process or a specific 2026 application link.

Applicants interested in the programme should:

Step 1: Visit the official Youth@worK website.

Step 2: Review the latest information about available youth opportunities.

Step 3: Confirm whether a current intake is available.

Step 4: Check the eligibility requirements and placement details.

Step 5: Follow the official instructions provided by Youth@worK.

Do not assume that the existence of the programme means applications are currently open.

Closing Date

Closing Date: Not specified.

The NASCEE Youth@worK profile does not provide a 2026 application deadline.

Applicants should check the official Youth@worK website for the latest intake information.

Important Things to Know Before Applying

This is a work-experience programme

Youth@worK describes its programme as a structured 12-month work-experience programme, rather than a single permanent job vacancy.

A current intake is not confirmed by the NASCEE page

The profile describes the programme but does not state that a specific 2026 intake is currently open.

The stipend is not published

No salary or stipend amount is provided in the available information.

Placements can involve different sectors

Youth@worK works with partners across areas including education, sport, IT skills, NGOs, food security, SMME development and automotive activities.

Workplace support is part of the model

The organisation says participants receive access to work-readiness skills, online learning, daily supervision and networks intended to improve their employment prospects.

Who Should Consider Youth@worK?

Youth@worK may be worth investigating for unemployed young people who want to gain practical workplace exposure.

It may particularly interest people who want to:

  • Gain structured work experience
  • Develop workplace-readiness skills
  • Access online learning
  • Receive workplace supervision
  • Build professional networks
  • Explore community-sector work
  • Develop skills that may support future employment

The programme covers multiple sectors, so the suitability of a particular placement will depend on the opportunities available through Youth@worK and its partners.

Final Thoughts

Youth@worK provides a structured approach to workplace experience for currently unemployed youth, with a programme duration of 12 months.

The organisation says its model combines workplace placements with work-readiness support, online learning, supervision, mentorship and skills development.

However, applicants should note that the available NASCEE information does not disclose a stipend, age requirement, qualification requirement or 2026 closing date.

Before submitting an application, check the official Youth@worK website for the latest intake and eligibility information.

Official Source and Application

Official programme: Youth@worK

Official website: Youth@worK official website

NASCEE programme profile: Youth@worK on NASCEE

Application status: A current 2026 intake is not confirmed on the NASCEE profile.

The NASCEE profile identifies Youth@worK as the programme organisation and provides its website and contact information.

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Author / Updated Information

Written by: Mbalizuke Nkosi
Published: 15 September 2026
Updated: 15 September 2026
Information checked: 15 September 2026

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