YES Youth Opportunity Taking CV 2026 – Apply Now for Work Experience & Jobs

If you are a young South African looking for work experience, the YES Youth Opportunity Programme is one of the best chances available in 2026. Many companies across the country are now taking CVs for YES Youth placements, giving unemployed youth a chance to gain valuable work experience.

🎯 What Is the YES Youth Programme?

The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a government-supported initiative that helps young people get real work experience in companies for 12 months.

The goal is simple:
👉 Reduce youth unemployment
👉 Give job experience
👉 Improve employability

Companies participating in YES place young people in roles such as:

• Retail assistants
• General workers
• Office assistants
• Cleaners
• Warehouse assistants

📢 YES Youth Opportunity Taking CVs in 2026

Yes — many companies in South Africa are currently taking CVs for YES Youth placements in 2026.

These opportunities are available in:

• Retail stores (Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Spar)
• Banks and offices
• Warehouses and factories
• Security companies
• Government-linked projects

⚠️ Intake periods happen throughout the year, so you must apply early and keep checking updates.

👷 Jobs Offered Through YES Programme

Successful applicants may be placed in roles such as:

• General Workers
• Cashiers
• Shop Assistants
• Cleaners
• Stock Packers
• Admin Assistants
• Customer Service Agents

These roles help you gain real work experience for future employment opportunities.

📋 Requirements for YES Youth Programme

To qualify, you must:

• Be a South African citizen 🇿🇦
• Be between 18 – 34 years old
• Be unemployed
• Have Grade 10 – Grade 12 (Matric preferred)
• Not have participated in YES before

Advantage:

• No experience required
• Basic computer skills (for office roles)

💰 Do You Get Paid?

Yes — participants receive a monthly stipend, which varies depending on the company.

• Average stipend: R3,500 – R5,500 per month
• Some companies may offer more depending on role

📍 Where to Submit Your CV

You can submit your CV to:

• YES official partner companies
• Recruitment agencies
• Company websites
• Retail stores directly
• Online job portals

👉 Some companies also allow walk-in CV submissions.

🌐 How to Apply for YES Youth Opportunities

Step 1: Prepare Your CV

Include:

• Personal details
• Education
• Any short courses or skills

Step 2: Gather Documents

• Certified ID copy
• Updated CV
• School certificates

Step 3: Apply Online or In Person

• Visit company websites
• Apply through YES programme partners
• Submit CV at participating stores

🔥 Tips to Increase Your Chances

• Apply to multiple companies
• Keep your CV simple and professional
• Visit stores physically to submit CVs
• Apply early before closing dates
• Check YES opportunities weekly

📢 Conclusion

The YES Youth Opportunity programme in 2026 is one of the best chances for unemployed youth in South Africa to gain work experience and improve their future job prospects.

If you are between 18 and 34 and unemployed, this is your opportunity to start building your career.

👉 Submit your CV today and increase your chances of being placed in a 12-month work experience programme.