The National YES Learnership 2026 is a flagship youth employment initiative under the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme, designed to provide unemployed South African youth with structured workplace experience, skills development, mentoring, and a monthly stipend. This national initiative connects participants with opportunities across key industries — including government, corporate, logistics, ICT, finance, retail, and public service — with the overarching goal of improving youth employability and strengthening the workforce.
Participants gain real-world work exposure while building vital professional skills and workplace readiness that support future career pathways.
What Is the YES Learnership?
The YES (Youth Employment Service) Learnership is a public-private partnership model supported by government and private sector employers. It offers:
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A 12-month structured development programme
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Hands-on experience in operational and professional roles
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A monthly stipend for learning participation
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A recognised learnership certificate upon completion
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Workplace readiness and employability skills
The National YES Learnership aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace experience for youth aged 18–34 years.
National YES Learnership Overview
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Programme Name: National YES Learnership 2026
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Programme Type: YES Learnership / Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
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Duration: 12 months
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Location: Throughout South Africa (varies by employer host)
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Stipend: Paid (YES placement stipend)
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Target Group:
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South African citizens
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Aged 18–34 years
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Unemployed (not studying full-time at the time of application)
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Have not previously completed a YES placement
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Who Can Apply?
The National YES Learnership is open to eligible youth who:
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Are South African citizens
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Are between 18 and 34 years old
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Are unemployed or unemployed with no full-time study commitment
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Have a Grade 12 / Matric or higher qualification
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Have not previously participated in the YES Programme
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Are ready to complete a 12-month supervised learnership
This inclusive programme supports candidates from a variety of educational backgrounds — from matriculants to tertiary graduates — depending on the learnership stream and placement requirements.
Key Learnership Streams
Depending on industry partners and host organisations, the National YES Learnership may include placements across areas such as:
1. Administration & Office Support
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General clerical duties
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Front-office support
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Documentation and filing
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Office data capture
2. Customer Service
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Customer enquiries and support
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Front-line communication
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Service delivery tasks
3. ICT & Digital Support
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Basic computer systems support
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Data entry and reporting
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Digital operations
4. Retail & Logistics
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Shop floor support
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Inventory management
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Distribution assistance
5. Finance & Accounting
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Data capture and reconciliation
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Invoice processing
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Financial administration
6. Public Sector & Compliance
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Support municipal or provincial office functions
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Policy and governance support
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Community engagement assistance
Skills & Competencies Developed
Participants in the National YES Learnership gain valuable workplace skills, including:
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Communication and teamwork
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Time management and organisational skills
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Customer engagement and professionalism
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Data capture and basic digital literacy
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Workplace compliance and ethics
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Problem-solving and adaptability
These skills strengthen participants’ employability and confidence in professional settings.
Benefits of the National YES Learnership
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Structured 12-month workplace experience
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Monthly stipend to support learners
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Mentorship and professional growth
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Real-world exposure to employer work environments
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Nationally recognised learnership certification
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Enhanced employability and career prospects
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Networking opportunities with industry professionals
How to Apply
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Prepare your documents:
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Updated CV
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Certified copy of ID
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Certified qualification(s) or Matric certificate
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Visit the official YES application portal during the application window
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Search for National YES Learnership 2026 opportunities
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Complete the online application form and upload supporting documents
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Submit before the closing date
Application Tip: Carefully review the requirements of each host employer and tailor your CV to reflect relevant soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the National YES Learnership paid?
Yes — participants receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the 12-month learnership.
Q2: Who is eligible to apply?
Unemployed South African citizens aged 18–34 years not currently studying full-time.
Q3: How long does the learnership last?
The YES Learnership lasts 12 months.
Q4: Do I need work experience to apply?
No work experience is required — the programme is designed for entry-level candidates.
Q5: Will I get a certificate at the end?
Yes — successful participants receive a YES Learnership certificate.
Q6: Can I apply if I have previously completed a YES placement?
No — applicants must not have participated in the YES Programme before.
Why Choose the National YES Learnership?
The National YES Learnership 2026 offers a career-launching opportunity for young South Africans to gain practical skills, workplace experience, and professional confidence. It is ideal for candidates looking to transition from education into employment across multiple sectors.
