Eskom KwaZulu-Natal
Overview of the Youth Employment Service (YES) Learnership
The Youth Employment Service (YES) Learnership is a national public-private initiative introduced to address youth unemployment in South Africa. This programme is supported by government and leading organisations to provide young people with meaningful work experience and skills development. Eskom, one of South Africa’s most critical state-owned enterprises in the energy sector, is actively participating in this initiative by offering YES opportunities to unemployed youth.
This YES learnership opportunity is based in KwaZulu-Natal and provides participants with a chance to gain first-time work exposure within the electricity, energy, and water supply industry.
Position Summary and Key Details
This YES learnership opportunity is structured as a student job and focuses on administrative and customer service support within Eskom’s operations.
Key position details
- Programme name: Youth Employment Service (YES) Learnership
- Industry: Electricity, Energy and Water Supply
- Job category: Administration
- Contract type: Student job
- Location: KwaZulu-Natal
- Areas of placement: Westville and Mkondeni
- Business unit: Central East Cluster
- Department: Retail – Customer Services
- Remuneration: Market related
- Listing reference: eskom_002306
- Application closing date: 2 January 2026
This opportunity is ideal for youth seeking structured exposure in a professional working environment.
Introduction to the YES Initiative
The Youth Employment Service was launched as a response to South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate. The initiative is led by the Presidency and supported by both public and private sector organisations.
Purpose of the YES initiative
- Create work opportunities for unemployed youth
- Provide first-time job exposure
- Improve employability and workplace readiness
- Support skills development across industries
- Encourage youth participation in the economy
Through Eskom’s participation, young people gain experience in a highly regulated and essential sector.
About Eskom and the Energy Industry
Eskom is South Africa’s primary electricity supplier and plays a critical role in national development and economic stability. The organisation operates across generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, supporting households, businesses, and industries.
Importance of the energy sector
- Essential for economic growth
- Supports industrial and commercial activity
- Enables service delivery and infrastructure
- Provides long-term career opportunities
Exposure to this sector allows learners to understand how large-scale utilities operate.
Purpose of the YES Learnership at Eskom
The Eskom YES learnership aims to provide young South Africans with valuable workplace experience while supporting operational needs within customer services and administration.
Programme objectives
- Offer real workplace exposure
- Build practical administrative skills
- Develop professional work behaviour
- Introduce youth to corporate environments
- Improve future employment prospects
This learnership focuses on learning through practical participation rather than formal academic study.
Key Responsibilities and Job Scope
Participants in the YES learnership will be placed within Eskom operations and will support various administrative and customer service functions.
Typical responsibilities may include
- Supporting customer service operations
- Assisting with administrative tasks
- Capturing and processing data
- Filing and record management
- Supporting departmental daily activities
- Communicating professionally with internal teams
- Following Eskom policies and procedures
Duties are designed to build confidence, discipline, and workplace competence.
Minimum Requirements for Application
To qualify for the YES learnership at Eskom, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria.
Minimum requirements
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be between 18 and 34 years old
- Must have Grade 12 or equivalent
- Alternatively, a post-matric certificate or programme
- N3 Electrical Engineering qualification is acceptable
These requirements ensure that applicants have a basic educational foundation suitable for the role.
Selection Criteria and Eligibility Conditions
The YES programme has specific selection rules to ensure fair access and to benefit first-time job seekers.
Selection criteria include
- Must not have been permanently employed with one employer for more than one year
- Must not be studying full time during the year of employment
- Must not have participated in the YES initiative previously
- Must be willing to undergo Eskom’s recruitment and placement process
- Must be available for placement in KwaZulu-Natal
These criteria ensure that opportunities reach youth who need work exposure most.
Behavioural Competencies Required
Beyond academic qualifications, Eskom places strong emphasis on professional behaviour and attitude.
Required behavioural attributes
- Integrity in all work activities
- Professional conduct in the workplace
- Strong customer-focused approach
- Willingness to learn and follow instructions
- Respect for workplace rules and colleagues
These attributes are essential for success in a structured corporate environment.
Benefits of Participating in the YES Learnership
Although this is a temporary work opportunity, the benefits for participants are significant.
Key benefits for learners
- First-time work experience
- Exposure to a major national utility
- Development of administrative and customer service skills
- Improved employability after programme completion
- Market-related remuneration
- Professional reference for future job applications
- Increased confidence and workplace readiness
The experience gained can open doors to future opportunities.
Employment Equity and Inclusivity
Eskom is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in its recruitment processes.
Equity and transformation principles
- Recruitment aligned with Eskom’s Employment Equity Plan
- Preference may be given to under-represented groups
- Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- Fair and transparent selection process
This commitment supports national transformation goals.
Important Notices to Applicants
Applicants should take note of important conditions related to the recruitment process.
Important information
- Eskom reserves the right not to fill the position
- Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection
- If not contacted within 28 days after closing, the application should be considered unsuccessful
- The workplace environment is smoke-free for employees and visitors
Applicants are advised to ensure accuracy in their applications.
Location and Work Environment
This YES learnership opportunity is based in KwaZulu-Natal, with placements in Westville and Mkondeni.
Work environment highlights
- Structured corporate environment
- Exposure to energy and utility operations
- Professional supervision and guidance
- Administrative and customer service focus
The environment supports learning, discipline, and growth.
Why the YES Learnership Is Important for Youth
Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s greatest challenges. Programmes like YES play a critical role in addressing this issue.
Importance of the YES programme
- Provides work experience to unemployed youth
- Reduces barriers to entering the job market
- Builds skills and confidence
- Supports economic participation
- Encourages long-term career development
Participation in YES can be a life-changing opportunity for many young people.
Final Summary
The Youth Employment Service (YES) Learnership at Eskom in KwaZulu-Natal offers unemployed South African youth a valuable opportunity to gain practical work experience within the electricity and energy sector. With a focus on administration and customer services, the programme equips participants with essential workplace skills while providing exposure to a nationally significant organisation.
By meeting clear eligibility criteria and focusing on professional behaviour, this learnership supports youth development, employability, and economic inclusion. For young people eager to enter the job market and build a strong foundation for future careers, the Eskom YES learnership represents a meaningful and impactful opportunity before the application closing date of 2 January 2026.
