Everyone remembers their first job. For some, it was the moment they earned their first paycheck. For others, it was the first time they gained confidence, learned workplace skills, and discovered what they were capable of achieving.
The challenge for many young South Africans is getting that first opportunity. Employers often look for experience, yet gaining experience requires someone willing to provide that first chance. This is exactly why programmes like the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative have become so important. They help young people enter the job market, develop practical workplace skills, and gain valuable experience that can strengthen future career prospects.
TFG (The Foschini Group), one of South Africa’s largest retail companies, is inviting young people to apply for its YES Youth Opportunity Programme. This initiative offers participants an opportunity to gain their first working experience within an exciting retail environment while developing skills that can support future employment opportunities.
TFG YES Youth Opportunity 2026
TFG is calling on young South Africans to apply for its Youth Employment Service (YES) Opportunity Programme.
Successful candidates will be placed within TFG’s retail environment, where they will gain practical workplace exposure, develop valuable employability skills, and experience the day-to-day operations of one of South Africa’s leading retail groups.
The programme offers young people an opportunity to build workplace confidence while learning from experienced retail professionals.
About the YES Programme
The Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme is a business-led initiative designed to help create employment opportunities for young South Africans.
The programme aims to:
- Improve youth employability
- Provide workplace exposure
- Develop practical skills
- Enhance career readiness
- Create pathways to future employment opportunities
Many participants use the experience gained through YES programmes to strengthen their CVs and improve their chances of securing future jobs.
About TFG
TFG (The Foschini Group) is one of Africa’s largest diversified retail groups.
The company operates an internationally diversified portfolio of 34 speciality lifestyle and apparel brands that serve millions of customers across multiple markets.
TFG’s vision is to create remarkable omnichannel experiences for customers while providing employees with opportunities for growth, learning, and career development.
The company describes itself as more than just a workplace, but as a launchpad for growth and opportunity.
Why Retail Experience Matters
Retail is one of the largest employment sectors in South Africa.
Working in retail can help young people develop skills that are valuable across many industries, including:
- Customer service
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Sales support
- Time management
- Professionalism
- Workplace discipline
These transferable skills can support future careers in retail, administration, customer service, marketing, logistics, and management.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for the TFG YES Youth Opportunity Programme, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 28 years old
- Be South African citizens
- Be available and willing to work on a fixed-term 12-month contract
- Meet the requirements of the YES Programme
Educational Requirements
- Matric is preferable
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Not have been employed permanently with a single employer continuously for more than one year
- Not be studying full-time during the period of employment
- Not have participated in or been registered on the YES Programme before
- Be able to arrange their own accommodation if required
- Be able to arrange their own transportation if required
Employment Equity Consideration
Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in accordance with the Employment Equity Act.
TFG remains committed to promoting workplace diversity and creating opportunities for young South Africans from various backgrounds.
Skills That Can Be Developed Through the Programme
Participants may gain exposure to:
Customer Service
Learning how to interact professionally with customers and provide excellent service.
Communication Skills
Developing confidence when engaging with customers, colleagues, and supervisors.
Teamwork
Working collaboratively within a fast-paced retail environment.
Problem Solving
Assisting customers and supporting store operations often requires quick thinking and adaptability.
Workplace Readiness
Understanding professional conduct, punctuality, accountability, and workplace expectations.
These skills remain valuable regardless of the career path participants choose to pursue in the future.
Why First Work Experience Is So Important
One of the biggest challenges facing young job seekers is the lack of practical workplace experience.
Employers often look for evidence that candidates can:
- Work in a team
- Follow instructions
- Communicate effectively
- Take responsibility
- Adapt to professional environments
Programmes like this help young people build those experiences while strengthening their employability.
Thabang Maimela’s Tip
One thing I always tell young job seekers is that your first opportunity doesn’t have to be your dream job. It simply needs to be your starting point.
Many successful careers begin with retail experience because it teaches skills that employers value in almost every industry. Customer service, teamwork, communication, accountability, and professionalism are skills that stay with you long after you leave your first role.
If you meet the requirements, don’t underestimate this opportunity. A 12-month programme with a company like TFG can help you gain confidence, build your CV, and create opportunities that may not exist today.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the requirements should submit their applications before the closing date.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all information provided is accurate and that all required supporting documents are included.
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Closing Date: 10 July 2026
Apply Now For The TFG YES Youth Opportunity 2026
I am Thabang Maimela, Founder and Editor of CareersPursuit and YouthSETA, two South African platforms dedicated to helping individuals access employment opportunities, skills development programmes, and career growth resources. Through CareersPursuit, I focus on jobs, internships, apprenticeships, graduate programmes, learnerships, and career advice, while YouthSETA specialises in SETA learnerships, skills programmes, youth development initiatives, and workplace readiness resources. My mission is to make reliable, up to date information more accessible, helping South Africans build skills, improve employability, and navigate their career journeys with confidence. Read more about the author on the About US page.