TFG YES Youth Learnership Opportunity Programme 2026 – (Apply with or without Matric)

TFG YES Youth Learnership Opportunity Programme 2026 – (Apply with or without Matric)

Young South Africans looking for their first work experience now have an exciting opportunity to enter the job market through the YES Youth Opportunity Programme in Gauteng. This programme is designed to help unemployed youth gain valuable workplace exposure in a dynamic retail environment while building practical skills for future employment.

The YES Programme (Youth Employment Service) is one of South Africa’s most impactful youth employment initiatives. It connects young people with companies that are committed to providing real workplace experience, mentorship, and skills development.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 28 and want to gain your first professional experience, this opportunity could be the perfect stepping stone for your career.

About the YES Youth Opportunity Programme

The YES Youth Opportunity Programme offers young people a 12-month fixed-term work experience placement in a retail environment. Participants will work alongside experienced staff members and learn how businesses operate on a daily basis.

This programme focuses on helping youth develop essential workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, customer service, and professionalism.

During the 12-month contract period, successful candidates will gain exposure to the retail industry while learning how to perform tasks in a professional work setting.

For many young people, programmes like this provide an important opportunity to build confidence, gain experience, and improve future employment prospects.

What Participants Can Expect

Successful applicants who join the YES Programme will receive hands-on work experience while learning valuable workplace skills.

Participants may be involved in tasks such as:

Assisting with daily retail store operations

Supporting team members in customer service activities

Learning how retail businesses operate

Maintaining store standards and cleanliness

Assisting with stock management and basic store duties

Developing communication and teamwork skills

The programme focuses on helping participants gain real work experience, which is often required by employers when applying for future jobs.

Who Should Apply?

The YES Youth Opportunity Programme is aimed at young South Africans who are unemployed and eager to gain workplace experience.

Requirements

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

Must be between 18 and 28 years old

Matric is preferable but not always required

Must be available to work a 12-month fixed-term contract

Must not have been employed permanently by one employer for more than one continuous year

Must not be studying full-time between April 2026 and March 2027

Must not have previously participated in the YES Programme

Must be able to cover their own accommodation and transport costs if required

Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Act.

Why the YES Programme Is Important

One of the biggest challenges facing young people in South Africa is the lack of work experience. Many employers require experience even for entry-level positions, making it difficult for youth to enter the workforce.

The YES Programme helps bridge this gap by providing young people with their first opportunity to gain professional experience.

Benefits of the programme include:

Valuable 12 months of workplace experience

Exposure to a professional retail environment

Development of important job readiness skills

Improved chances of finding employment in the future

Opportunity to build a professional network

For many participants, the YES Programme becomes the first step toward long-term career opportunities.

This opportunity is available in in various provinces, South Africa, one of the country’s largest employment hubs with many retail and business opportunities.

Application Information

Applicants who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Opportunities within youth employment programmes are often highly competitive due to the high demand for entry-level work experience.

When applying, ensure that your CV is updated and includes your contact details and educational background.

Final Thoughts

The YES Youth Opportunity Programme in Gauteng provides a valuable platform for unemployed youth to gain real workplace experience and develop essential job skills. With a 12-month contract in a retail environment, participants will have the opportunity to learn, grow, and prepare themselves for future career opportunities.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY