Eskom YES Programme 2026: 9 Opportunities for Matric Applicants

Eskom YES Programme 2026: 9 Opportunities for Matric Applicants

The Eskom YES Programme 2026 is giving nine young South Africans an opportunity to gain meaningful workplace experience at Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga. The opportunity is aimed at young people who have completed Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification and are looking for a practical way to build their employment history.

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Eligible applicants must be South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 34 and must meet the Youth Employment Service (YES) eligibility requirements. Successful candidates will receive a 12-month temporary contract, with applications closing on 16 September 2026.

For young people who have completed Matric but continue to encounter the common “experience required” barrier when applying for jobs, this opportunity could provide valuable exposure to a major organisation and help strengthen their future CVs.

Eskom YES Programme 2026: What Applicants Need to Know

The Youth Employment Service, commonly known as YES, is designed to help young South Africans gain workplace experience and develop practical employment skills.

For this intake, Eskom is offering nine opportunities connected to its Human Resources environment at Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga.

The programme provides a 12-month temporary workplace experience opportunity. It is important for applicants to understand that this is not a learnership or apprenticeship. Instead, participants will gain practical experience that can help them become more competitive when applying for future employment.

For a young person entering the labour market, a full year of workplace exposure can provide valuable evidence of professional experience on a CV.

Eskom YES Programme 2026: Who Can Apply?

Applicants should carefully check the eligibility requirements before submitting their applications.

The requirements include:

• Must be a South African citizen.
• Must be between 18 and 34 years old.
• Must have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
• Must not have been permanently employed by one employer continuously for more than one year.
• Must not be enrolled as a full-time student during the year of employment.
• Must not have previously participated in or registered for the YES initiative.

A university diploma or degree is not required for this particular intake. Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification is the minimum academic requirement stated for the opportunity.

Applicants should answer all eligibility questions honestly and ensure that the information provided in their applications matches their supporting documents and CV.

Can You Apply If You Have Worked Before?

Having previous work experience does not automatically prevent someone from applying.

The key consideration is the requirement relating to continuous permanent employment with one employer for more than one year.

Therefore, young people who have completed temporary work, short-term employment or other limited work experience should not automatically assume that they are excluded.

Applicants should disclose their employment history accurately rather than changing information to try to meet the requirements.

Can Full-Time Students Apply?

Applicants who are studying full-time during the year of employment should carefully consider the programme’s eligibility requirements.

The YES opportunity is intended for young people who are available to participate in the workplace during the 12-month employment period.

If you are currently enrolled as a full-time student, check your circumstances against the official requirements before submitting an application.

Can You Participate in YES More Than Once?

No.

Applicants who have previously participated in or registered for the YES initiative do not meet the requirements for this intake.

This applies even if the applicant previously participated in YES through a different employer.

The initiative is intended to expand access to first-work-experience opportunities to young people who have not previously participated in the programme.

What Skills Could Help You Stand Out?

Although Grade 12 is the minimum academic requirement, applicants should also understand the importance of workplace behaviour and transferable skills.

Useful qualities may include:

• Teamwork
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Customer focus
• Communication
• Good interpersonal skills
• Negotiation
• Liaising skills
• Politeness
• Promptness
• Energy and enthusiasm
• Initiative
• Assertiveness

These qualities can be useful beyond the 12-month programme because employers across different industries look for candidates who can communicate effectively, work with others and take responsibility for assigned tasks.

Eskom YES Programme 2026: Why It Could Help After Matric

One of the biggest challenges facing young job seekers is the experience gap.

Many entry-level vacancies ask applicants to demonstrate previous workplace experience, yet young people cannot gain that experience without first being given an opportunity.

A structured workplace programme can help address this problem.

During the 12-month period, participants may develop practical skills relating to:

• Professional communication
• Workplace conduct
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Administration
• Following organisational procedures
• Customer service
• Accountability
• Professional responsibility

The experience gained can strengthen a CV and provide examples that candidates can discuss during future interviews.

However, applicants should understand that completing the programme does not guarantee permanent employment with Eskom.

Where Will Successful Applicants Work?

The nine opportunities are associated with Eskom’s Human Resources environment at Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga.

The exact duties and workplace responsibilities may depend on operational requirements.

Applicants should therefore consider the practical requirements of accepting a 12-month workplace opportunity, including transportation, availability and the ability to report consistently to the workplace.

Before accepting an opportunity, candidates should make sure they understand the location and can reasonably meet the attendance requirements.

Eskom YES Programme 2026: Is It Paid?

The remuneration for this intake is listed as market related.

A specific monthly salary amount has not been provided in the information supplied for this opportunity.

Applicants should therefore be cautious about salary figures shared on social media or unofficial recruitment websites. Any financial information should be confirmed through Eskom’s official recruitment information.

Applicants should also remember that legitimate employers do not require candidates to pay money in exchange for selection.

Itumeleng’s Insider Tip

Before submitting your application, update your CV and make the most important information easy for a recruiter to find.

Place your Grade 12 qualification, contact details and any relevant short-term work experience clearly on your CV.

Even if you have limited experience, highlight qualities such as reliability, communication, teamwork, willingness to learn and responsibility.

Do not exaggerate qualifications or employment history. Accurate information is essential when applying for formal employment opportunities.

What Should You Prepare Before Applying?

Before opening the application form, prepare the information you are likely to need.

Check that your:

• Full name and identification information are correct.
• Telephone number is active.
• Email address is correct.
• Grade 12 information is accurate.
• Previous employment information is up to date.
• Current study status is correctly stated.
• Previous YES participation status is accurate.
• CV is updated and ready to upload.

Your answers should remain consistent throughout the application. Do not provide inaccurate information simply because you believe it could improve your chances.

Before applying, make sure you:

• Update your CV.
• Ensure your contact details are correct.
• Upload clear certified documents if requested.
• Double-check your academic information.
• Apply well before the closing date.
• Keep copies of your application confirmation.
• Submitting an incomplete application may reduce your chances of being shortlisted.

How to Apply for the Eskom YES Programme 2026

Applications for this opportunity are completed online through Eskom’s recruitment platform.

The reference for this intake is eskom_006965.

Applicants should carefully check that they are applying for the correct Youth Employment Service (YES) X9 opportunity before submitting their application.

Upload an updated CV and carefully review all information before completing the application.

Applicants should never pay a person who claims they can guarantee selection, secure an interview or obtain employment with Eskom.

Eskom YES Programme 2026: Application Closing Date

Applications close on 16 September 2026.

With the deadline approaching, eligible applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours to submit their applications.

Last-minute applications can be affected by technical difficulties, forgotten login details, slow internet connections or problems with documents and CV uploads.

Submitting early gives applicants more time to correct mistakes and confirm that their application has been successfully completed.

What Happens After You Apply?

Applicants who progress will go through Eskom’s recruitment process.

Successful candidates will subsequently be placed according to the organisation’s operational requirements.

Applicants should keep their contact details active after submitting their applications and regularly check their email and other communication channels.

According to the opportunity information, applicants who are not contacted within 28 days after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.

Not being selected for this particular opportunity should not discourage job seekers from applying for other internships, learnerships, graduate programmes, workplace experience opportunities and entry-level vacancies.

TRAINTOWORK Advice

If you qualify for this opportunity, do not wait until the final day to apply. Recruitment systems often experience heavy traffic close to closing dates, and last-minute technical problems could prevent your application from being submitted successfully.

Before applying, make sure your CV is updated, your academic records are ready, and your proof of residence is available if requested. Even if you are still completing a qualification and only require workplace exposure to graduate, continue looking for opportunities that can provide the practical experience needed to complete your studies and strengthen your future employment prospects.

Also continue applying for similar internships and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities instead of relying on a single application.

Eskom YES Programme 2026: Final Thoughts

The Eskom YES Programme 2026 offers nine young South Africans the opportunity to gain 12 months of practical workplace experience within Eskom’s environment at Kendal Power Station.

The opportunity is particularly relevant to Matric applicants who have struggled to gain their first meaningful workplace experience.

Applicants must be South African citizens aged 18 to 34, have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification and satisfy the programme’s employment, study-status and previous YES participation requirements.

No university qualification is required for this intake.

While participation does not guarantee permanent employment, the workplace experience gained during the programme could help participants develop professional skills, strengthen their CVs and become better prepared for future opportunities.

The closing date is 16 September 2026, so eligible applicants should review the requirements carefully and submit their applications as early as possible.

FAQ

Is the Eskom YES Programme 2026 open to Matric applicants?
Yes. Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification is the minimum academic requirement for this intake.

How many opportunities are available?
There are nine opportunities associated with the intake at Kendal Power Station.

What is the Eskom YES Programme closing date?
Applications close on 16 September 2026.

How long is the Eskom YES contract?
Successful applicants will receive a 12-month temporary contract.

Do I need a university degree to apply?
No. A university diploma or degree is not required for this particular intake. Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification is required.

Can someone who has worked before apply?
Yes, previous work experience does not automatically exclude an applicant. However, applicants must meet the YES eligibility requirements relating to previous employment.

Can full-time students participate?
Applicants should not be enrolled as full-time students during the year of employment.

Can I participate in YES more than once?
No. Applicants who have previously participated in or registered for YES do not meet the requirements for this intake.

Is the Eskom YES Programme a learnership?
No. This opportunity is a Youth Employment Service workplace experience programme and is not a learnership or apprenticeship.

Is the Eskom YES Programme paid?
The remuneration is listed as market related. A specific monthly amount has not been publicly stated in the information provided.

What is the application reference?
The reference provided for this intake is eskom_006965.

Will completing the programme guarantee permanent employment at Eskom?
No. The 12-month opportunity can provide valuable workplace experience, but it does not guarantee permanent employment.