Eskom YES Programme 2026: X25 Work Opportunities for Matric Applicants Nationwide

Who can apply

• Be South African citizens.
• Be between 18 and 34 years old.
• Have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
• Applicants with post-matric certificates/programmes may also be considered.
• The advert does not specify particular Grade 12 subjects or minimum Matric marks.
• Therefore, applicants should not assume that Mathematics, Physical Sciences or another specific subject is compulsory unless Eskom’s application system states otherwise.
• Because Grade 12 is one of the key minimum requirements, it should be clearly visible under the education section of your CV.
• National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
• School Name
• Year completed: 2025
• If you completed another qualification after Matric, list that separately.

Documents you will need

• The supplied vacancy information does not provide a complete document checklist.
• Applicants should therefore follow the instructions shown on Eskom’s recruitment platform.
• It is nevertheless sensible to have clear electronic copies of commonly requested application documents available, particularly your CV and qualification documents.
• Do not submit documents that were not requested simply because another Eskom vacancy asked for them.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to Eskom - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

Nine young South Africans could gain their first meaningful workplace experience through Eskom’s Youth Employment Service Programme at Kendal Power Station. Applicants only need Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification, must be aged 18 to 34 and meet the YES eligibility rules. Successful candidates will receive a 12-month temporary contract, with applications closing on 16 September 2026.

For someone who has finished Matric but keeps encountering the same “experience required” barrier, this programme provides a chance to start building a real employment record inside South Africa’s energy sector.

The nine opportunities fall within the Human Resources environment at Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga, with participants gaining workplace exposure through Eskom’s operations.

What is the Eskom YES Programme?

The Youth Employment Service, commonly known as YES, is designed to help young South Africans gain their first meaningful workplace experience.

For this intake, Eskom is offering successful candidates a 12-month temporary contract.

The programme is not a learnership or apprenticeship.

It is a workplace experience opportunity intended to help young people develop practical employment skills and strengthen their future applications.

For Matric applicants with limited formal experience, 12 months inside a major organisation can make a significant difference to a curriculum vitae.

Who can qualify for the Eskom YES Programme?

Applicants need to meet several eligibility requirements.

You must:

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

You do not need a university degree or diploma for this intake.

Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification is the minimum academic requirement.

Can you apply if you have worked before?

Yes, having some previous work experience does not automatically exclude you.

The important condition is that you should not have been permanently employed by a single employer continuously for more than one year.

This means previous temporary work, short contracts or limited workplace experience should not automatically discourage you from checking your eligibility.

Always provide your employment history accurately.

Can full-time students participate?

No.

Applicants should not be studying full-time during the year of employment.

This programme is intended for young people who are available to participate in the workplace opportunity.

If you are currently enrolled as a full-time student, this requirement is important to consider before submitting.

Can you participate in YES more than once?

No.

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

This applies even if your previous YES experience was with another employer.

The initiative is designed to expand first-work-experience opportunities to more young people.

Which skills could help you stand out?

Although Grade 12 is the academic requirement, workplace behaviour and communication still matter.

Useful qualities include:

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

These are transferable skills that can support your career long after the 12-month programme ends.

Why could this programme help after Matric?

Many young South Africans face a frustrating cycle after completing school.

Employers want experience, but young applicants need someone to give them an opportunity before they can gain that experience.

A programme like YES can help bridge that gap.

Over 12 months, participants can build practical experience in areas such as:

• Professional communication
• Workplace conduct
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Administration
• Following organisational procedures
• Customer service
• Taking responsibility for assigned work

The programme does not guarantee permanent employment with Eskom, but the experience gained could strengthen future applications.

Where will successful applicants work?

The nine opportunities are linked to Kendal Power Station and Eskom’s Human Resources environment.

Successful candidates may gain experience within Eskom operations according to business requirements.

Applicants should consider the practical implications of participating in a 12-month programme before submitting.

Transport, availability and the ability to report consistently are important when committing to a workplace opportunity.

Update your curriculum vitae before submitting and place your Grade 12 qualification, contact details and any previous short-term experience where recruiters can find them quickly. Even without extensive experience, demonstrate reliability, communication and willingness to learn.

Is the Eskom YES Programme paid?

The remuneration for this intake is listed as market related.

A specific salary or monthly amount has not been published.

Applicants should therefore avoid relying on payment figures circulating through social media unless Eskom confirms them directly.

What should you prepare before applying?

Before opening the application form, make sure your curriculum vitae is updated.

Check:

• Your full name and identification information
• Your telephone number
• Your email address
• Your Grade 12 details
• Your previous employment information
• Your current study status
• Your previous YES participation status
• Your curriculum vitae

Your answers should be accurate and consistent.

Do not change your employment or study history because you think a different answer will improve your chances.

How do you submit your application?

Applications are completed online through Eskom’s recruitment platform.

The reference for this intake is eskom_006965.

Applications must be submitted through the official Eskom online application portal.

Make sure you are applying for Youth Employment Service (YES) X9 before completing your submission.

Review all information carefully and upload an updated curriculum vitae.

Never pay anyone who promises to secure your selection.

When do applications close?

Applications close on 16 September 2026.

With the deadline now very close, eligible applicants should prioritise completing their application rather than waiting until the final hours.

Technical problems, forgotten login details or an outdated curriculum vitae can become much harder to fix at the last minute.

What happens after you submit?

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

Successful candidates will then be placed according to operational requirements.

If you are not contacted within 28 days after the closing date, your application should be considered unsuccessful.

Keep your telephone number and email address active throughout that period.

Final Thoughts

The Eskom YES Programme 2026 offers nine young South Africans an opportunity to gain 12 months of practical workplace experience within the energy sector.

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

No university qualification is required for this intake.

For young people who meet the criteria but have struggled to build formal workplace experience, the programme could provide an important first step towards a stronger curriculum vitae and improved future employment prospects.

Applications close on 16 September 2026, so eligible candidates should complete their submission as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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