Apply for the Eskom YES Programme 2026 in KwaZulu-Natal. Youth Employment Service opportunity for unemployed youth seeking experience in engineering, energy, and administration.
Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026: Opportunity for Young People in KwaZulu-Natal
Youth unemployment continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing South Africa. Many young people struggle to find work not because they lack potential, but because they lack experience. To help address this issue, the government partnered with the private and public sectors to launch the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative.
One of the organisations actively supporting this initiative is Eskom. Through the 2026 Eskom YES Programme, unemployed youth are given an opportunity to gain practical work experience within the electricity and energy sector. This programme is currently open to eligible candidates in KwaZulu-Natal and is ideal for young people interested in administration, customer services, and engineering-related environments.
What Is the Youth Employment Service (YES)?
The Youth Employment Service is a national programme led by the Presidency of South Africa. Its primary purpose is to create work opportunities for unemployed youth between the ages of 18 and 34. The programme allows young people to gain their first formal work exposure while receiving a stipend.
YES focuses on improving employability by helping participants develop essential workplace skills, professional behaviour, and confidence. For many participants, YES becomes the foundation for future employment, learnerships, or further training in sectors such as engineering and energy.
About the 2026 Eskom YES Programme
Eskom has opened applications for the 2026 YES Programme under listing reference eskom_002306. This opportunity forms part of Eskom’s commitment to youth development and skills transfer within the electricity supply industry.
Programme Overview:
- Programme: Youth Employment Service (YES)
- Closing Date: 2 January 2026
- Industry: Electricity, Energy & Water Supply
- Job Category: Administration
- Contract Type: Student Job
- Remuneration: Market Related
- Employment Equity Position: No
south-africa-paid-learnerships-opportunities-2026-open-learnerships/
Work Locations:
Successful candidates will be placed in Eskom’s Retail – Customer Services Department, within the Central East Cluster, based in:
- Westville
- Mkondeni
These locations fall within KwaZulu-Natal and provide exposure to Eskom’s customer-facing operations.
Purpose of the Eskom YES Opportunity
The 2026 Eskom YES Programme is designed to give unemployed youth meaningful work exposure in a real operating environment. The programme allows participants to:
- Gain hands-on workplace experience
- Understand how Eskom operates within the energy sector
- Develop customer service and administrative skills
- Learn professional workplace behaviour
- Build a pathway toward careers in engineering, energy, or public utilities
This opportunity is especially valuable for young people who have completed matric or basic technical qualifications but lack work experience.
Minimum Requirements to Apply
To qualify for the Eskom YES Programme, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be 18 to 34 years old
- Must have Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent
- Applicants with a post-matric certificate, programme, or N3 Electrical Engineering qualification may have an advantage
These requirements ensure that the programme remains accessible while supporting skills aligned with the engineering and energy sectors.
Selection Criteria You Must Meet
In addition to the minimum requirements, applicants must meet YES eligibility rules, which include:
- Must not have been permanently employed by one employer for more than 12 months
- Must not be studying full-time during the year of participation
- Must not have participated in the YES initiative before
- Must be willing to undergo Eskom’s recruitment and screening process
- Must be available for placement in KwaZulu-Natal
Only applicants who meet all criteria will be considered.
Behavioural Attributes Eskom Values
Eskom places strong emphasis on personal conduct and work ethic. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate the following behaviours:
- Integrity: Being honest, responsible, and ethical
- Professionalism: Showing respect, punctuality, and commitment
- Customer Focus: Delivering quality service and assisting customers effectively
These attributes are essential in maintaining trust and service excellence within the energy sector.
Benefits of Participating in the 2026 Eskom YES Programme
The 2026 Eskom YES Programme offers several benefits for young participants, including:
- Paid work experience with a major state-owned company
- Exposure to the electricity and energy industry
- Development of soft skills and workplace readiness
- Improved chances of future employment opportunities
- Valuable experience that strengthens your CV
This programme is a stepping stone for youth who wish to pursue careers in engineering, administration, or customer service.
Employment Equity and Inclusivity
Eskom is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion. Preference may be given to applicants from under-represented designated groups in line with Eskom’s employment equity plan. Candidates living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Eskom also reserves the right not to appoint candidates if operational requirements change. All Eskom workplaces operate as smoke-free environments.
Important Information for Applicants
- Applicants who are not contacted within 28 days after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
- Ensure all application information is correct and complete before submission.
- Late applications will not be considered.
apply on official website
For assistance with the application process, candidates may contact:
Candidate Support (Internal and External Candidates)
Email: Candidate.support@ci.hr
Why the 2026 Eskom YES Programme Is Important
As South Africa continues to face electricity supply challenges and skills shortages, developing young talent remains essential. The 2026 Eskom YES Programme supports national development by preparing young people for the world of work while strengthening the future skills pipeline in the energy and engineering sectors.
For unemployed youth in KwaZulu-Natal, this opportunity offers a practical way to gain experience, confidence, and exposure within a critical industry.
Final Words
The Youth Employment Service remains one of the most effective tools for tackling youth unemployment in South Africa. Through the 2026 Eskom YES Programme, young people are given a chance to gain experience, develop skills, and improve their employability.
If you meet the requirements and are serious about starting your career journey, this Eskom YES opportunity could be the first step toward a brighter future.
learnseta.net Disclaimer
learnseta.net is an independent skills development and career information platform. We are not affiliated with Eskom or the Youth Employment Service (YES). All information is shared for informational purposes only. Applicants must apply through official Eskom recruitment channels.
Natasha Langeni writes for Learnseta, sharing learnership and career opportunities that empower South African youth. She is passionate about skills development and connecting learners with programs that open doors to brighter futures.
you can contact us through our email hr@learnseta.net or our website https://learnseta.net/