Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) & Learnerships 2026

Eskom has opened several intake windows for the 2026 cycle. These programs are part of a national initiative to combat youth unemployment by providing 12 months of paid workplace experience.

174 x Eskom Learnerships and Internships 2026

1. Active Opportunities (Closing February 2026)

2. Standard YES Programme Requirements

To qualify for any Eskom YES position, you must generally meet these “Presidency-led” criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a South African Citizen with a valid ID.
• Age: Between 18 and 34 years old.
• Education: Minimum Grade 12 (Matric) certificate. Some technical roles require an N3 in Electrical Engineering.
• Employment Status: – Must NOT have been permanently employed with a single employer for more than 1 year.
  • Must NOT be studying full-time during the 2026 programme year.
  • Must NOT have participated in the YES initiative before.

3. How to Apply

Eskom uses a centralized career portal. Avoid third-party sites that ask for money; Eskom applications are free.

1. Visit the Official Portal: eskomcareers.ci.hr
2. Create a Profile: You will need to upload:
   • An updated CV.
   • Certified copy of your ID.
   • Certified copy of your Matric Certificate/Qualifications.
3. Search for YES: Use the search bar to look for “Youth Employment Service” or specific reference numbers (e.g., eskom_002827 for Engineering).
4. Submit: Ensure your profile is 100% complete before clicking “Apply.”

4. What to Expect

• Duration: 12-month fixed-term contract.
• Stipend: A monthly market-related stipend is provided.
• Placement: You could be placed in Generation, Transmission, Distribution, or Group Capital divisions depending on your location and the specific advert.
• Outcome: If you haven’t heard back within 28 days of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

5. Tips for Success

• Local Preference: Many YES adverts (like those for Mpumalanga or KwaZulu-Natal) prioritize candidates living near the specific power station or office.
• Double Check Dates: The most recent KZN intake closed on January 2nd, while Hospitality and Engineering are currently active. Check the portal weekly for new “batches” of intake.

Benefits of the Eskom YES Learnership 2026 Intake

The Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) programme is a 12-month initiative aimed at providing South Africa’s unemployed youth with high-quality work experience. For the 2026 intake, the benefits extend beyond a simple paycheck, offering a foundation for long-term employability in the energy and corporate sectors.

1. Professional Development and Work Experience

• First-Time Work Exposure: The “YES” program is specifically designed for youth who have never had a permanent job. It breaks the “no experience, no job” cycle by providing a 12-month contract at one of South Africa’s largest State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
• Industry Insight: Participants gain direct exposure to the energy sector, which is currently undergoing massive transformation. This includes administrative, customer service, and technical support roles within Eskom’s various clusters (e.g., Central East Cluster in KZN).
• Structured Mentorship: Learners work under the guidance of experienced professionals, learning workplace etiquette, professional conduct, and industry-specific skills that are highly valued by future employers.

2. Financial Support

• Monthly Stipend: Participants receive a market-related monthly stipend (estimated between R4,500 and R5,000 for YES learners, depending on the specific post and bargaining agreements).
• No Application Fees: Unlike many scams, the Eskom YES program is 100% free to apply for. Eskom covers all training costs, and in some remote locations, may provide subsidized transport or accommodation.

3. Enhanced Employability and Qualifications

• YES CV & Reference: Upon completion, participants receive a certificate of completion and a formal reference from Eskom, which significantly boosts a CV’s credibility in the private sector.
• Skills Acquisition: Beyond technical tasks, the program focuses on “soft skills” such as:
  • Customer-focused communication.
  • Integrity and professionalism.
  • Computer literacy (MS Office Suite).
  • Health and safety standards.
• Accredited Training: Many YES placements include classroom-based theoretical training that is aligned with NQF (National Qualifications Framework) standards.

4. Path to Future Opportunities

• Absorption Potential: While permanent employment at Eskom is not guaranteed and depends on vacancies, the program aims to make youth “employment-ready” for the broader market.
• Entrepreneurship Foundations: The skills learned (especially in administration and customer relations) provide a strong foundation for those looking to start their own businesses in the service or technical sectors.
• SA Youth Network: Being part of the YES initiative connects you to the broader SA Youth and Harambee networks, which track alumni and alert them to new job opportunities post-program.

5. Minimum Requirements for 2026

To access these benefits, applicants typically must meet the following:

• Citizenship: South African Citizen.
• Age: 18 to 34 years old.
• Education: Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent; N3 Electrical Engineering is often a plus for technical streams.
• Exclusivity: Must not have participated in a YES program before and must not be currently studying full-time.

Important Reminder

Eskom recruitment is handled only through official channels:

• Official Portal: eskomcareers.ci.hr
• Warning: Eskom will never use a Gmail address or ask for payment for uniforms, medicals, or “placement fees.”