SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership

SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership 2026: Paid Internships for South African Youth

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Apply for the SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership 2026 and gain 12 months of paid work experience. Open to unemployed South African graduates across multiple fields

SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership 2026: Full Guide to Internships, Requirements, and How to Apply

The SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership 2026 is one of South Africa’s most valuable youth development opportunities, offering unemployed graduates and qualified artisans a structured pathway into the world of work. Implemented by the South African Forestry Company SOC Limited (SAFCOL), this programme forms part of the national Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, which aims to reduce youth unemployment by providing practical workplace exposure.

If you are a young South African looking to gain real work experience, improve your employability, and earn a monthly stipend, the SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership could be the opportunity that changes your career path.

What Is the SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership?

The SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership is a 12-month paid internship programme designed to equip unemployed youth with hands-on work experience in various professional fields. The programme targets graduates and artisans who hold recognised qualifications but have limited or no workplace exposure.

Through this initiative, SAFCOL supports national transformation goals by developing skills, promoting employment equity, and preparing young people for long-term career success in both the public and private sectors.

Who Can Apply for the SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership?

To qualify for the SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership 2026, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Be a South African citizen
  • Be unemployed
  • Be 35 years old or younger
  • Hold a National Diploma, Degree, N6 Certificate, or Trade Test Certificate from a recognised institution
  • Have not worked full-time for more than one year in the relevant field of study
  • Be willing to work in the location specified for the position

Preference is given to previously disadvantaged individuals, women, and persons living with disabilities, in line with SAFCOL’s Employment Equity Plan.

Available SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership Opportunities for 2026

The SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership offers a wide range of internship opportunities across multiple disciplines and provinces. Below is an overview of the available fields:

Finance Internships

  • Finance (Debtors)
  • Finance (Tax & Treasury)
  • Finance (Creditors)
  • Finance (Supply Chain Management – 2 Posts)
  • Finance (Group Reporting & Budgeting)

These roles are ideal for candidates with qualifications in Finance, Accounting, Cost & Management Accounting, Taxation, Supply Chain Management, or Logistics.

Human Resources & Administration

  • Human Capital Operations (Practitioner)
  • Learning & Development
  • Office of the CEO (Management Assistant)

These positions suit candidates with Human Resource Management, Business Administration, HR Development, or ETDP qualifications.

ICT & Technical Roles

  • ICT (Support Technician)

Applicants should hold a Diploma in Information Technology or a related qualification.

Marketing, Communication & Design

  • Strategy, Planning & Commercial (Communication & Marketing)

This role requires a Diploma or Degree in Graphic Design or related creative fields.

Auditing & Compliance

  • Internal Auditing
  • Internal Auditing (Forensic)

These positions are suitable for candidates with National Diplomas or BCom Degrees in Internal Auditing or Law (LLB).

Tourism & Environmental Management

  • Property & Ecotourism (Ecotourism)

Ideal for applicants with Tourism Management or Ecotourism qualifications.

SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership Locations

Internship placements are available in the following areas:

  • Pretoria, Gauteng
  • Mbombela, Mpumalanga
  • Sabie, Mpumalanga
  • Levubu, Limpopo

Applicants must be willing to work in the city linked to the position they apply for.

Monthly Stipend and Programme Duration

Participants in the SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership receive a monthly stipend of R5,000 for the full 12-month duration of the programme. While the programme does not guarantee permanent employment, it significantly improves participants’ chances of securing future job opportunities.

Documents Required for Application

Applicants must submit the following documents:

  1. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  2. Certified copies of all qualifications
  3. Certified copy of a South African ID

Ensure all documents are clear, up to date, and correctly certified before submission.

How to Apply for the SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership 2026

Applications must be submitted via email.

  • 📧 Email address: interns@safcol.co.za
  • 📌 Subject line: Quote the relevant reference number for the position you are applying for
  • ⏰ Closing date: 06 February 2026

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

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Why the SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership Matters

The SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership plays a critical role in tackling youth unemployment in South Africa. It bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world work experience, helping young people develop professional confidence, workplace discipline, and industry-relevant skills.

For many participants, this programme serves as a stepping stone into permanent employment or further career growth.

Useful Resources for Youth and Learnership Opportunities

To strengthen your career planning and improve your chances of success, explore these trusted resources:

These links provide credible, high-authority information that supports your job search and skills development journey.

Final Thoughts

The SAFCOL YES Programme Learnership 2026 is an excellent opportunity for unemployed South African youth to gain valuable work experience, earn a stipend, and build a strong foundation for long-term career success. With placements across finance, ICT, HR, auditing, tourism, and marketing, the programme caters to a wide range of qualifications and interests.

If you meet the requirements, apply early and ensure your documents are complete. Opportunities like this are competitive and can make a meaningful difference in your professional future.

For more verified learnerships, internships, and career opportunities, continue visiting Learnseta.net — your trusted source for youth development in South Africa.

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