The Foschini Group (TFG) is offering unemployed South African youth an opportunity to gain real workplace experience in retail through the YES Programme Intake 2026.
This programme forms part of the national Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, which helps young people build their first job experience and improve their chances of long-term employment.
What You Need Before You Apply
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Matric certificate (if available)
- Proof of residence (if required)
- Must be available for a 12-month fixed-term programme
- Willingness to work in a retail environment
Programme Overview
Key Details
- Programme Name: TFG YES Programme 2026
- Company: The Foschini Group (TFG)
- Duration: 12 months
- Period: April 2026 – March 2027
- Sector: Retail
- Employment Type: Fixed-term contract
- Location: All provinces in South Africa
- Closing Date: Not specified
This programme is designed for youth entering the job market for the first time.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal if you:
- Have recently completed Matric
- Have no work experience
- Are between 18 and 28 years old
- Want to enter the retail or customer service sector
- Need to build a professional CV
- Are ready for your first formal job opportunity
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be aged 18–28 years
- Be unemployed
- Not have participated in a previous YES Programme
- Not be studying full-time during the programme
- Have less than 12 months of work experience
- Be willing to work in a retail store environment
- Be responsible for own transport and accommodation
Where You Can Be Placed
The programme is available across South Africa, including:
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- North West
- Northern Cape
Placement depends on store availability in your area.
What You Will Learn
The TFG YES Programme focuses on entry-level retail skills.
Customer Service Skills
- Assisting customers in-store
- Handling queries
- Providing quality service
Retail Operations
- Stock handling
- Merchandising
- Store organisation
Workplace Skills
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Professional behaviour
Benefits of the Programme
- 12 months of real work experience
- Exposure to a major South African retail brand
- Stronger CV and references
- Improved job readiness
- Development of essential workplace skills
Documents You Must Prepare
Before applying, ensure you have:
- Certified copy of ID
- Updated CV
- Certified Matric certificate
- Proof of residence (if required)
How to Apply
Applications are made through the official TFG recruitment platform.
Follow the application link provided by TFG YES Programme 2026 recruitment page.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Important Notes
- This programme does not guarantee permanent employment
- Preference may be given to designated groups
- Only shortlisted applicants will receive feedback
Youthscope Expert Insight
Many applicants lose opportunities in programmes like YES because their CVs are too generic and do not show readiness for work.
Mbalizuke Nkosi Pro Tip to Stand Out
Even without experience, your CV should highlight:
- Reliability and punctuality
- School leadership or group work
- Volunteer work or community involvement
- Interest in retail or customer service
Keep your CV simple, clear, and professional. Employers in retail value attitude and customer service potential as much as qualifications.
You Can Also Explore Youthscope
If you are interested in similar opportunities, you can also check:
- Internships in South Africa
- Bursaries for 2026
- Learnership programmes
- Apprenticeships
- Jobs for youth
- Student guides and resources
- Scholarships and funding options
- Fellowship opportunities
Why the TFG YES Programme Matters
In South Africa, many young people struggle to get their first job due to lack of experience. The YES Programme helps bridge that gap by giving structured workplace exposure.
This can help you:
- Build confidence in a real work environment
- Gain references for future jobs
- Improve chances of long-term employment
- Enter retail, sales, or customer service careers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent job?
No. It is a 12-month fixed-term programme.
Do I need Matric?
Preferably yes, but some placements may still consider applicants with Grade 12 completion.
Can I apply if I studied before?
Yes, as long as you are currently unemployed and meet requirements.
Will I get paid?
Yes, participants in YES programmes typically receive a monthly stipend (varies by placement).
Does this guarantee employment after completion?
No, but it significantly improves your chances of future employment.
Final Advice
If you are a young South African looking for your first job, the TFG YES Programme 2026 is one of the strongest entry-level retail opportunities available. Apply early, prepare a clean CV, and show willingness to learn.
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.
With a strong commitment to youth empowerment and skills development, Mbalizuke Nkosi oversees the publication of valuable resources covering learnerships, internships, bursaries, scholarships, employment opportunities, and study guidance across South Africa.
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.