Eskom YES Programme 2026: Youth Employment Service (YES) X18 – Grade 12 Opportunity in Mpumalanga

The Eskom (YES) Programme 2026 is an excellent stepping stone for unemployed youth who want to gain meaningful work experience. If you meet the requirements, don’t miss this opportunity to begin your professional journey with one of South Africa’s leading energy providers. If you’re a young South African looking for your first work experience, the Eskom YES Programme 2026 is an excellent opportunity. Eskom is inviting unemployed youth aged 18 to 34 to apply for a 12-month fixed-term contract at Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga.

This programme is part of the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, aimed at helping young people gain valuable workplace experience in South Africa’s energy sector.

Quick Overview

About the Eskom YES Programme 2026

The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a national initiative led by the Presidency to reduce youth unemployment in South Africa. Through this programme, Eskom offers unemployed young people an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience that can improve future employment prospects.

Successful applicants will receive a 12-month work placement within Eskom’s operations.

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What You’ll Gain

Participants can benefit from:

• Valuable workplace experience
• Exposure to South Africa’s electricity and energy sector
• Professional development
• Improved employability
• Opportunity to build workplace skills
• Experience working in a large state-owned enterprise

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be between 18 and 34 years old.
• Have Grade 12 (Matric) or an equivalent qualification.
• Be unemployed.
• Not have worked permanently for one employer for more than one continuous year.
• Not be studying full-time during the programme.
• Not have participated in the YES Programme previously.

Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Teamwork
• Good communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Professionalism
• Integrity
• Customer focus
• Negotiation and liaison skills
• Energy and enthusiasm
• Self-motivation
• Assertiveness
• Punctuality

Placement Information

Successful applicants will undergo Eskom’s recruitment process and may be placed within Eskom Operations depending on business requirements.

Why You Should Apply

This opportunity is ideal if you:

• Have recently completed Grade 12.
• Have little or no work experience.
• Want to strengthen your CV.
• Are looking to start a career in administration or the energy sector.
• Want practical workplace exposure with one of South Africa’s largest employers.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application before the 29 July 2026 closing date using the official Eskom careers portal.

Reference Number: eskom_005893

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

South African citizens aged 18 to 34 who meet the eligibility requirements.

Is Grade 12 required?

Yes. Applicants must have Grade 12 (Matric) or an equivalent qualification.

How long is the programme?

The YES Programme runs for 12 months.

Is previous work experience required?

No. This programme is specifically designed for unemployed youth seeking workplace experience.

Can students apply?

No. Applicants should not be studying full-time during the period of employment.

Can I apply if I previously joined the YES Programme?

No. Previous YES participants are not eligible.

Where will successful candidates work?

Placements will be made within Eskom Operations, with this vacancy based at Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga.

Conclusion

The Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026 offers unemployed young South Africans a valuable opportunity to gain 12 months of practical work experience with one of the country’s leading energy providers. If you are between 18 and 34 years old, have Grade 12 (Matric), and meet the programme’s eligibility requirements, this could be the perfect first step toward building your career.