What Is the YES Programme?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme is a South African initiative that encourages businesses to create work opportunities for unemployed young people.
The programme was launched through collaboration between:
- Government
- Private sector businesses
- Labour organisations
- Civil society partners
The objective is simple: provide young South Africans with workplace experience that improves employability and career prospects.
Thousands of young people have already participated in YES opportunities across various industries.
Finding your first job can be one of the biggest challenges facing young South Africans today. Many employers require work experience, yet gaining experience often requires getting a job first.
To help address this challenge, South Africa introduced the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme, a national initiative designed to create meaningful workplace opportunities for unemployed youth.
The YES4youth Programme provides young people with valuable workplace exposure, practical skills, and professional experience that can improve their chances of finding long-term employment.
In this guide, YouthSETA explains what the YES Programme is, how it works, who can apply, and why it has become one of South Africa’s most important youth employment initiatives.
How Does the YES Programme Work?
Participating companies create temporary work opportunities for eligible youth.
Young people are placed within businesses where they gain:
- Workplace experience
- Professional exposure
- Practical skills
- Industry knowledge
- Career development opportunities
Most placements run for approximately 12 months.
During this period, participants gain valuable experience that can strengthen future job applications.
Who Can Apply for a YES Programme?
Eligibility requirements may vary between employers, but most YES opportunities require applicants to:
- Be South African citizens
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be unemployed
- Not be studying full-time
- Have a valid South African ID
Some employers may require:
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- TVET qualifications
- Diplomas
- Degrees
Requirements depend on the nature of the placement.
What Types of Opportunities Are Available?
YES opportunities are available across a wide range of industries.
Examples include:
Administration
- Reception
- Data capturing
- Office administration
- Customer support
Retail
- Sales support
- Customer service
- Stock control
Manufacturing
- Production support
- Warehouse operations
- Logistics assistance
Information Technology
- Technical support
- IT administration
- Digital services
Financial Services
- Client support
- Business administration
- Operations assistance
Do YES Participants Receive a Stipend?
Most YES opportunities provide a monthly stipend or allowance.
The amount varies depending on:
- The employer
- The role
- Industry requirements
- Funding arrangements
Participants should review the specific details provided by the employer when applying.
What Skills Can You Gain Through a YES Programme?
Participants often develop:
Communication Skills
Learning how to communicate professionally in the workplace.
Teamwork
Working effectively with colleagues and supervisors.
Time Management
Meeting deadlines and managing responsibilities.
Problem Solving
Handling workplace challenges and customer needs.
Industry Knowledge
Understanding how businesses operate within specific sectors.
These are valuable skills that employers look for when hiring.
Does the YES Programme Guarantee Employment?
No.
The programme does not guarantee permanent employment after completion.
However, participants gain something extremely valuable: work experience.
Many employers prefer candidates who have already worked in a professional environment and understand workplace expectations.
For this reason, YES experience can significantly strengthen future job applications.
Benefits of the YES Programme
Workplace Experience
Gain practical exposure in a real working environment.
Professional Development
Develop skills that improve employability.
Industry Exposure
Learn how businesses operate within your chosen field.
Networking Opportunities
Build professional relationships with colleagues and managers.
Improved Career Prospects
Increase your chances of securing future employment.
How to Find YES Opportunities
YES opportunities are often advertised by:
- Private companies
- Government partners
- Recruitment agencies
- Youth development organisations
- Employment platforms
YouthSETA regularly publishes information and guidance relating to YES opportunities available across South Africa.
Thabang Maimela’s Perspective
One thing I have learned from speaking with job seekers over the years is that many people underestimate the value of workplace exposure.
The YES Programme may not always lead directly to permanent employment, but it provides something many employers are looking for: experience.
For a young person entering the job market, spending a year in a professional environment can build confidence, develop workplace skills, and create opportunities that may not have existed before.
My advice is simple: if you qualify for a YES opportunity, take it seriously and treat it as the beginning of your professional journey.
— Thabang Maimela
Founder & Editor, YouthSETA
My Conclusion
The Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme plays an important role in helping young South Africans gain valuable workplace experience.
By creating opportunities for unemployed youth to enter the workforce, the programme helps participants develop practical skills, build confidence, and improve their employability.
For many young people, a YES placement can be the first step toward a successful and rewarding career.
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.