Eskom YES Learnerships 2026: Your Gateway to Youth Employment

Eskom YES Learnerships: A Gateway to Youth Employment in 2026

Eskom is offering a significant opportunity for young South Africans to gain valuable workplace experience through its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme. In 2026, the company is making available 50 positions within its Corporate Services business unit, aimed at providing unemployed youth with a chance to develop their skills and careers. This initiative is designed to support the government’s goal of creating employment for young people and offering them a pathway into the workforce.

The Eskom YES Programme is more than just a job; it’s an investment in the future of South Africa’s youth. By participating in this program, successful candidates will not only gain practical experience but also learn about the operations of a major state-owned enterprise. This exposure can be a crucial stepping stone for individuals looking to build a stable and rewarding career.

Understanding the Eskom YES Programme

The Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme is a national initiative that partners with companies to create work opportunities for young unemployed individuals. Eskom, as a key player in the country’s infrastructure, is committed to contributing to this program. For 2026, Eskom is specifically looking to fill 50 positions under the YES initiative, focusing on its Corporate Services division. These roles are located in Sunninghill, Midrand, and Rosherville in Gauteng.

The program aims to provide young South Africans, aged between 18 and 34, with a structured environment to learn and grow. Successful applicants will go through Eskom’s standard recruitment process. If selected, they will be placed within Eskom’s operations, gaining exposure to various aspects of the company’s business. This is a fantastic chance for those who have completed their Grade 12 or hold equivalent qualifications, and even for those with post-matric certificates, to get their foot in the door.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To be considered for the Eskom YES Programme in 2026, applicants must meet a specific set of requirements. These are designed to ensure that the opportunities are directed towards those who can benefit most and who fit the program’s objectives.

First and foremost, applicants must be South African citizens. Age is also a key factor, with the program open to individuals between 18 and 34 years old. A Grade 12 certificate or an equivalent qualification is the minimum educational requirement. However, individuals who have completed post-matric certificates or other relevant programs are also encouraged to apply, as this can indicate a higher level of commitment and potential.

Furthermore, there are restrictions on previous employment and study. Candidates must not have been permanently employed by a single employer for more than one continuous year. This ensures the program targets those who are genuinely seeking initial or further workplace experience. Additionally, applicants should not be enrolled in full-time studies during the year of the learnership, as the program is intended to be a full-time work experience opportunity. Finally, individuals who have previously participated in or registered for the YES initiative are not eligible to apply again.

Key Behavioral Competencies Valued by Eskom

Beyond the formal qualifications and age requirements, Eskom is also looking for candidates who demonstrate certain behavioral competencies. These qualities are essential for success not only in the learnership program but also in any professional environment. Eskom values individuals who exhibit:

• Integrity: This means being honest, ethical, and having strong moral principles in all actions and decisions.
• Professionalism: This involves conducting oneself in a manner that is respectful, responsible, and aligned with workplace standards.
• Customer Focus: This quality highlights the importance of understanding and meeting the needs of customers, whether internal or external, with a commitment to service excellence.

These behavioral traits are considered just as important as technical skills or academic qualifications, as they contribute to a positive and productive work environment.

The Recruitment and Placement Process

The application process for the Eskom YES Programme is the first step towards securing one of these valuable opportunities. All applications are submitted online through the Eskom careers portal. It is crucial for applicants to ensure they meet all the eligibility requirements before submitting their application to avoid disappointment.

After the closing date, Eskom will review all applications. The company states that if an applicant has not been contacted within 28 days after the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful. This is a standard practice to manage expectations and streamline the communication process. Eskom also reserves the right not to make appointments to the advertised opportunities, which is a common clause in recruitment processes.

Successful candidates will be placed within Eskom’s operations across its various divisions. This placement is designed to provide diverse learning experiences. Eskom also encourages applications from candidates with disabilities and may give preference to candidates from under-represented designated groups, in line with its employment equity plan.

Applying for the Eskom YES Programme 2026

The application window for the Eskom YES Programme 2026 opens with specific details that applicants must use. The positions are listed as Youth Employment Service (YES) X50, with a reference number of 50973284BS and a listing reference of eskom_007018. These details are essential for correctly submitting the application through the Eskom recruitment portal.

The deadline for submitting applications is 22 September 2026. It is highly recommended that interested individuals apply well before this date to avoid any last-minute technical issues or delays. This program represents a significant chance for young South Africans to gain essential work experience and begin their professional journeys.

Conclusion

The Eskom YES Programme for 2026 offers a compelling opportunity for unemployed South African youth to gain practical experience and develop their professional skills. With 50 positions available in Corporate Services, the program targets individuals aged 18-34 who hold a Grade 12 certificate or equivalent. By focusing on integrity, professionalism, and customer focus, Eskom aims to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed in the workplace. Meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting a timely application through the Eskom careers portal are key steps for anyone aspiring to be part of this valuable initiative.