The YES Learnership 2026 presents an exciting opportunity for young South Africans who are eager to gain valuable workplace experience and improve their employability. Offered through the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, this programme is designed to help unemployed youth enter the workplace, gain practical skills, and develop professional experience that can support future career opportunities.

Based in Roodepoort, Gauteng, the programme provides successful candidates with exposure to real working environments across various departments. Participants will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals while developing practical skills in administration, operations, warehousing, customer support, and technical environments.

As youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s major challenges, programmes such as the YES initiative continue to play an important role in creating opportunities for young people to gain meaningful workplace exposure and build a stronger foundation for future employment.

About the YES Learnership Programme

The Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative was introduced as a national programme aimed at creating work opportunities for unemployed youth. The programme helps businesses contribute to youth development while giving participants the opportunity to gain practical work experience.

The YES Learnership 2026 offers a 12-month fixed-term opportunity where participants can develop workplace skills and gain hands-on experience within a professional business environment.

Unlike traditional academic programmes, the focus of this opportunity is workplace exposure and practical learning. Participants gain experience through day-to-day responsibilities, mentorship, and active involvement in business operations.

The programme allows young people to build confidence, improve workplace readiness, and strengthen their understanding of professional environments.

Programme Overview

The YES Learnership provides exposure to different operational areas within the company. Learners will assist departments with administrative tasks, document management, operational support, reporting activities, and workplace projects.

The programme aims to help participants:

• Gain workplace experience
• Develop professional skills
• Improve employability
• Build confidence in a working environment
• Learn business operations
• Develop communication skills
• Strengthen teamwork abilities
• Improve organisational skills
• Gain exposure to professional workplace culture

This experience can be valuable for young people seeking future opportunities within administration, operations, customer service, logistics, and other business-related fields.

Location of the Programme

The YES Learnership is based in:

Location: Roodepoort, Gauteng

Applicants should ensure they are able to work within Gauteng or make the necessary arrangements should they be selected for the programme.

Duration of the Programme

The programme runs for:

• 12 months fixed-term contract

This allows participants sufficient time to gain practical workplace exposure and develop professional competencies within a structured business environment.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants interested in the YES Learnership 2026 must meet the following requirements:

Educational Requirements

• Must have completed Grade 12 (Matric) or an equivalent qualification
• A post-matric certificate or programme will be advantageous

General Requirements

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must be between 18 and 34 years of age
• Must currently be unemployed
• Must have strong mathematical skills
• Must have good attention to detail
• Must be able to work effectively within a team
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications
• Must be familiar with Microsoft Word
• Must be familiar with Microsoft Excel
• Must be familiar with Microsoft Outlook
• Must be familiar with Microsoft Teams
• Must not have been permanently employed by a single employer for more than one year
• Must not be studying full-time during the employment period
• Must not have previously participated in the YES programme

Applicants who meet these requirements may be considered for the opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

Successful participants will be expected to contribute to daily business operations while developing valuable workplace experience.

Responsibilities may include:

• Providing administrative support
• Assisting with operational activities
• Capturing data accurately
• Maintaining records and filing systems
• Managing documents and information
• Supporting departmental projects
• Assisting team members with daily tasks
• Responding to customer queries
• Assisting suppliers and stakeholders
• Participating in workplace training sessions
• Attending team meetings
• Supporting report preparation
• Assisting with scheduling activities
• Supporting documentation processes
• Assisting with inventory management
• Supporting asset management processes
• Assisting with stock management activities
• Performing general office duties
• Coordinating workplace activities
• Following company policies and procedures
• Participating in mentorship and development opportunities

These responsibilities help learners gain practical experience in multiple business functions.

Skills Required

To perform successfully in the YES Learnership Programme, applicants should possess the following skills and attributes:

Technical Skills

• Computer literacy
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Data capturing skills
• Document management skills
• Filing and record-keeping abilities
• Basic reporting skills
• Administrative support skills
• Mathematical proficiency

Workplace Skills

• Communication skills
• Time management
• Organisational skills
• Teamwork abilities
• Professional conduct
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability
• Accountability
• Reliability
• Customer service orientation

These skills contribute to workplace success and can support future employment opportunities.

Benefits of Participating in the YES Learnership

Young people who participate in the programme can gain several valuable benefits.

Practical Work Experience

One of the biggest advantages is the opportunity to gain real workplace experience. Employers often look for candidates who have previous workplace exposure, making practical experience extremely valuable.

Professional Development

Participants will learn how professional workplaces operate and develop skills that can support future career growth.

Workplace Confidence

Exposure to a professional environment helps build confidence and improves readiness for future employment opportunities.

Improved Employability

The experience gained through the programme can strengthen a candidate’s CV and improve competitiveness within the job market.

Exposure to Business Operations

Participants gain insight into how departments function, how teams collaborate, and how organisations achieve business goals.

Why Workplace Experience Matters

Many young job seekers face challenges because they lack practical experience. Workplace programmes help bridge the gap between education and employment by allowing participants to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

Workplace experience can help individuals:

• Understand employer expectations
• Improve communication skills
• Learn workplace etiquette
• Develop professional relationships
• Gain industry knowledge
• Improve work performance
• Build transferable skills

These benefits can significantly improve future career prospects.

Professional Skills Learners May Develop

Throughout the programme, participants may strengthen a variety of professional skills.

Communication Skills

Learners interact with colleagues, supervisors, customers, and stakeholders, helping improve both written and verbal communication.

Teamwork

Most workplace environments require collaboration. Participants learn how to work effectively within teams to achieve shared objectives.

Time Management

Managing tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities helps learners develop strong time management skills.

Problem Solving

Daily workplace activities often require employees to identify issues and find practical solutions.

Organisation

Maintaining records, handling documents, and supporting operational activities improves organisational abilities.

Professional Behaviour

Participants learn workplace ethics, accountability, professionalism, and responsibility.

Building a Strong Application

Applicants should ensure their application is professional and complete.

Documents That May Strengthen an Application

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Grade 12 certificate
• South African ID document
• Additional certificates if available
• Computer skills certificates
• Microsoft Office certificates

A professional application demonstrates seriousness and commitment to the opportunity.

Career Opportunities After the Programme

The skills and experience gained during the YES Learnership can support future opportunities in various fields, including:

• Administration
• Office Support
• Customer Service
• Data Capturing
• Operations
• Warehousing
• Logistics
• Inventory Management
• Reception
• Business Support
• General Administration
• Project Support

The workplace experience gained can help participants pursue both entry-level and future career development opportunities.

Qualities of Successful Candidates

Employers often look for candidates who demonstrate:

• Positive attitude
• Strong work ethic
• Willingness to learn
• Professional behaviour
• Reliability
• Teamwork
• Initiative
• Adaptability
• Good communication
• Accountability

Developing these qualities can significantly improve long-term career success.