YES Internship Programmes 2025
Duration: 12 months
Stipend: R3,500 – R5,000 (varies by company)
Location: Nationwide (urban and rural areas)
Start Date: Rolling intake throughout 2025
Eligibility: Ages 18–34, unemployed, no prior YES experience
What Is the YES Internship Programme?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a national programme that offers unemployed South Africans aged 18 to 34 the chance to gain paid, full-time work experience over a period of 12 months. The initiative is a collaboration between government, business, and labour, created to tackle South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate.
Key Benefits of the YES Programme
- Monthly stipend between R3,500 and R5,000
- Nationally recognized YES Certificate upon completion
- Workplace experience in diverse industries
- Boost your CV and future employability
- Chance of full-time employment post-internship
Sectors Hosting YES Internships
YES internships are offered in a wide variety of industries, including:
- Retail & Customer Service
- Finance & Banking
- Healthcare & Social Services
- Engineering & Technical Services
- Telecommunications (e.g., MTN, Vodacom)
- Agriculture
- Administration & Government
Top employers such as ABSA, Nedbank, Shoprite, Discovery, Sasol, and Vodacom have historically hosted YES participants.
Typical Internship Tasks
- General administrative support and record keeping
- Customer service and client engagement
- Assisting in HR, marketing, finance, and logistics
- Use of business tools (email, Excel, CRM platforms)
- Team projects, meetings, and on-the-job training
Who Can Apply?
You must meet the following criteria:
- South African citizen
- Ages 18 to 34
- Unemployed and not in education/training
- Completed Grade 12 (Matric)
- No previous YES internship experience
- Basic computer skills and good communication recommended
Some roles may require N6 certificates, Diplomas, or Degrees.
How to Apply
- Register on the YES portal: yes4youth.co.za
- Upload your ID, CV, and highest qualification
- Search for internships by province, sector, or company
- Apply to relevant listings and wait for feedback
🛈 Some companies also list YES roles on their own career sites. Be sure to check those directly as well.
Important Reminders
- Internships begin at various times throughout 2025
- Make sure all documents are up to date and clearly scanned
- You can only participate once in the YES programme
- Completion of the programme boosts your chances of future employment
Final Thought
The YES Internship Programme 2025 is a game-changing opportunity for young South Africans to break into the workforce. Whether you’re interested in retail, IT, finance, or administration, this programme provides real-world experience and a stepping stone to a brighter future.
📢 Apply early – opportunities fill up fast!
Visit yes4youth.co.za to start your journey today.
Would you like help creating a standout CV or writing a motivational cover letter for a YES application? I’d be happy to assist.
