Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) – Water and Environmental Operations Vacancies
Eskom invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the Youth Employment Service (YES) – Water and Environmental Operations Vacancies (3 Posts). The closing date for applications is 31 July 2026. This 12-month opportunity is aimed at unemployed South African youth who are looking to gain valuable work experience in the energy industry through the government’s Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 34, have completed Grade 12, and are looking for your first meaningful work experience, this programme could be the perfect opportunity to start building your career.
Kick-Start Your Career with Eskom’s YES Programme
Finding your first job can be one of the biggest challenges after finishing school. Many employers require previous work experience, making it difficult for young people to enter the job market.
To help address youth unemployment, the South African Presidency introduced the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative. Eskom is one of the organisations supporting this programme by creating opportunities for unemployed young South Africans to gain practical workplace experience.
Successful applicants will receive a 12-month employment contract, giving them the opportunity to work in one of South Africa’s largest and most recognised organisations.
About the Youth Employment Service (YES) Opportunity
This opportunity is available within Eskom’s Primary Energy Division under the Water and Environmental Operations Department.
The advertised positions are based in Sunninghill, although successful applicants may be placed within Eskom operations across different divisions depending on operational requirements.
The programme is designed to expose young people to a professional working environment where they can develop valuable workplace skills and improve their future employment prospects.
What Is the Purpose of the YES Programme?
The Youth Employment Service programme aims to give unemployed youth practical work experience that can strengthen their CVs and prepare them for future employment.
During the 12-month programme, participants will have the opportunity to:
- Gain valuable workplace experience.
- Learn how a large organisation operates.
- Improve communication and teamwork skills.
- Develop professional work habits.
- Build confidence in a corporate environment.
- Strengthen their employability for future job opportunities.
This experience can open doors to future careers in both the public and private sectors.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the Eskom YES Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be between 18 and 34 years old.
- Must have Grade 12 (Matric) or an equivalent qualification.
Only applicants who meet these minimum requirements will be considered during the recruitment process.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must also satisfy the following conditions:
- Must not have been permanently employed by one employer for more than one continuous year.
- Must not be studying full-time during the year of employment.
- Must not have previously participated in or registered for the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative.
- Must successfully complete Eskom’s recruitment process before placement.
These requirements ensure that the programme benefits young people who have not yet had the opportunity to gain meaningful workplace experience.
Skills and Personal Qualities Eskom Is Looking For
Although previous work experience is not required, Eskom is looking for young people with the right attitude and willingness to learn.
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Good communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Professional behaviour.
- Honesty and integrity.
- Customer-focused attitude.
- Good negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- Positive energy.
- Self-motivation.
- Confidence and willingness to take initiative.
- Politeness and respect for others.
- Reliability and punctuality.
These qualities can help you perform well during the programme and prepare you for future career opportunities.
Why You Should Apply
Working at Eskom through the YES Programme offers more than just temporary employment. It provides valuable workplace exposure with one of South Africa’s largest state-owned companies.
Some of the benefits include:
- Twelve months of practical work experience.
- Exposure to the energy industry.
- Opportunity to work in a professional environment.
- Development of workplace and communication skills.
- Improved employability after completing the programme.
- Experience that strengthens your CV.
- Opportunity to build professional networks.
For many young people, this type of experience becomes an important stepping stone towards permanent employment.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for young South Africans who:
- Have completed Grade 12.
- Are currently unemployed.
- Want to gain their first work experience.
- Are eager to learn.
- Enjoy working as part of a team.
- Want to build a long-term career.
- Meet all the YES Programme requirements.
Even if you have never worked before, this programme is specifically designed to help you enter the job market.
Prepare Your Application Carefully
Before submitting your application, make sure you have everything ready.
Helpful tips include:
- Update your CV with your latest information.
- Ensure your contact details are correct.
- Double-check that you meet all the eligibility requirements.
- Read the application instructions carefully.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Taking time to prepare a complete application can improve your chances of being shortlisted.
Important Information for Applicants
Eskom has stated that applicants who do not receive feedback within 28 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The company is committed to employment equity, diversity, and creating equal opportunities. Preference may be given to candidates from designated groups in line with Eskom’s Employment Equity Plan. Applicants living with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.
Don’t Miss This Opportunity
The Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme is one of the best opportunities available for unemployed young South Africans who want to gain valuable workplace experience without needing years of previous employment.
If you meet the requirements, this 12-month work opportunity can help you build practical skills, improve your confidence, strengthen your CV, and prepare you for future career opportunities. Make sure your application is complete and submit it before the 31 July 2026 closing date to avoid missing out on this life-changing opportunity.
