Eskom YES Learners Programme 2026: Apply Now for Youth Employment Service Opportunities in Limpopo
Eskom YES Learners Programme 2026: Who Should Apply and How It Works
The Eskom YES Learners Programme 2026 has officially opened applications, offering unemployed young South Africans a valuable opportunity to gain real workplace experience in the country’s energy sector.
This initiative forms part of the national Youth Employment Service (YES) programme led by the Presidency, which aims to tackle youth unemployment through structured work exposure.
Eskom’s Distribution Division is currently recruiting four YES learners within the LimLanga Cluster, specifically in:
- Giyani
- Phalaborwa
- Limpopo Province
If you are between 18 and 34 years old and looking for your first meaningful work experience, this programme could be an important stepping stone into South Africa’s job market.
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Why the YES Programme Matters in South Africa
Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most pressing economic challenges. The YES initiative was created through collaboration between government and the private sector to give young people real workplace exposure.
The Eskom YES Learners Programme 2026 is particularly valuable because it offers:
- Structured workplace experience
- Exposure to the energy sector
- A recognised national youth initiative
- Improved employability after completion
- Potential pathways into future opportunities
Unlike short informal jobs, YES placements are designed to build real work readiness, which employers increasingly demand.
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đź“Ś Programme Overview
Here are the key details applicants must know:
- Programme: Youth Employment Service (YES)
- Organisation: Eskom Distribution Division
- Number of Positions: 4 YES Learners
- Business Unit: LimLanga Cluster
- Department: Retail
- Location: Giyani and Phalaborwa, Limpopo
- Contract Type: Fixed-term (12 months)
- Position Grade: YY1
- Closing Date: 20 February 2026
- Remuneration: Market-related
⚠️ Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.
What Is the Youth Employment Service (YES)?
The Youth Employment Service is a national programme spearheaded by the Presidency to address the country’s youth unemployment crisis.
Through YES, companies like Eskom provide young people with:
- First-time work exposure
- Workplace discipline
- Professional development
- Industry experience
According to the programme framework, YES placements are intended to help youth become job-ready rather than remain stuck in the “no experience” cycle.
What Eskom YES Learners Will Do
While this is an entry-level opportunity, learners will gain exposure within Eskom’s retail and operational environment.
Participants typically assist with:
- Basic administrative support
- Customer-related processes
- Retail division tasks
- Operational support activities
- General workplace functions
The goal is to help learners understand how a large state-owned energy utility operates in real-world conditions.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the Eskom YES Learners Programme 2026, applicants must meet all listed criteria.
🇿🇦 Citizenship
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
🎂 Age Requirement
Candidates must be:
- Between 18 and 34 years old
🎓 Education Requirement
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- English
- At least one additional South African official language
This ensures learners can function effectively in the workplace environment.
Important Selection Criteria
Eskom has outlined additional screening rules that applicants must meet.
You must:
- ❌ Not have permanent employment exceeding 1 year
- ❌ Not be studying full-time in 2026
- ❌ Not have previously participated in the YES initiative
- âś… Be available for the full 12-month contract
These criteria are strictly applied to ensure the programme benefits first-time entrants into the labour market.
Who Should Apply?
The Eskom YES Learners Programme 2026 is best suited for:
- Unemployed matriculants
- Youth seeking first work experience
- Candidates interested in the energy sector
- Young people wanting workplace exposure
- School leavers struggling to enter the job market
If you have been sending CVs without success due to lack of experience, this programme is specifically designed for people in your position.
Why Eskom Experience Is Valuable
Eskom remains one of South Africa’s largest and most recognisable state-owned entities. Even short-term experience within the organisation can strengthen your CV significantly.
Benefits of participating include:
- Exposure to a major energy utility
- Understanding corporate work environments
- Building professional references
- Developing workplace discipline
- Improving future job prospects
Many employers value candidates who have completed structured national programmes like YES.
What Happens After You Apply
After submitting your application, Eskom will conduct a recruitment process that may include:
- Application screening
- Document verification
- Shortlisting
- Possible interviews
- Final placement decisions
⚠️ Important:
If you do not hear back within 28 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Employment Equity and Inclusivity
Eskom has confirmed its commitment to:
- Employment equity
- Workplace diversity
- Inclusion of designated groups
- Encouraging applications from persons with disabilities
This aligns with national transformation and BBBEE objectives.
Work Environment and Conditions
Successful YES learners should be prepared for:
- A professional corporate environment
- Performance expectations
- Workplace policies and procedures
- A smoke-free workplace policy
- Compliance with Eskom operational standards
Treat this opportunity as a real job experience, not just a temporary placement.
Application Deadline
đź“… Closing Date: 20 February 2026
Because YES opportunities attract high volumes of applications, early submission is strongly recommended.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Competition for Eskom programmes can be intense. To stand out:
âś… Prepare a Professional CV
Make sure your CV:
- Is clearly formatted
- Includes correct contact details
- Highlights any school leadership roles
- Shows willingness to learn
âś… Check Eligibility Carefully
Many applications fail because candidates:
- Previously joined YES
- Are still studying full-time
- Do not meet age requirements
Always verify before applying.
âś… Apply Here
Submitting early helps avoid:
- System congestion
- Missing documents
- Last-minute mistakes
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Eskom YES programme paid?
Yes. The advert states remuneration is market-related, which typically means learners receive a monthly stipend.
How long is the contract?
The programme runs for 12 months.
Can I apply if I previously did YES?
No. Candidates who already participated in YES are not eligible.
Can students apply?
No. Applicants must not be studying full-time in the year of employment.
Where are the positions located?
- Giyani
- Phalaborwa
- Limpopo
Does the programme guarantee permanent employment?
No. However, the experience gained significantly improves future employability.
Final Thoughts
The Eskom YES Learners Programme 2026 offers unemployed youth in Limpopo a meaningful opportunity to gain structured workplace exposure within South Africa’s critical energy sector.
With only four positions available and the closing date approaching, eligible candidates should prepare their documents and apply as soon as possible.
For many young South Africans, YES programmes serve as the first real step into the formal job market. If you meet the requirements and are serious about building your work experience, this opportunity is worth pursuing.
