A first workplace opportunity can change how young people see their future. The TFG YES Programme Intake 2026 gives unemployed youth a chance to gain 12 months of retail experience, build confidence, strengthen their CV and learn practical skills inside one of South Africa’s biggest retail groups.
The Foschini Group is inviting unemployed South African youth to apply for the TFG YES Programme Intake 2026. The programme offers 12 months of fixed-term workplace experience in the retail sector and is aimed at young people who want to enter the world of work.
The programme is expected to run between April 2026 and March 2027.
It is available across all provinces, with placement depending on store availability near the applicant’s area.
This opportunity is ideal for youth who have little or no work experience and want to build practical skills in customer service, retail operations and workplace behaviour.
For many young applicants, a YES programme can become the first real line of experience on a CV.
What Is The TFG YES Programme?
The TFG YES Programme is part of the Youth Employment Service initiative, which helps young South Africans gain workplace exposure.
Through this programme, selected candidates will work in a retail environment for 12 months.
The goal is to help participants build experience, confidence and basic workplace skills that can support future employment.
The opportunity is offered as a fixed-term contract.
Who Should Apply For This Programme?
This programme is suitable for young people who want their first step into the retail workplace.
It may be a good fit for applicants who:
- Recently completed Matric
- Have no work experience
- Want to enter the labour market
- Are interested in retail or customer service
- Want to build their CV
- Want to grow confidence in a workplace setting
The programme is especially useful for applicants who are ready to learn, follow instructions and work with customers.
What Are The Minimum Requirements?
Applicants must meet the listed requirements before applying.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 28 years old
- Preferably have Matric
- Be unemployed
- Not have participated in a YES Programme before
- Not be studying full-time during the programme period
- Not have permanent work experience exceeding 12 months
- Be willing to work in a retail environment
- Be responsible for their own transport and accommodation
These requirements show that the programme is aimed at youth who need practical workplace exposure.
Where Is The Programme Available?
The TFG YES Programme is available nationwide.
Programme placement may be available in:
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- North West
- Northern Cape
Placement will depend on store availability near the applicant’s area.
Applicants should make sure their location details are correct when completing the online application.
Accurate location information can help match applicants to nearby store opportunities.
What Will Participants Learn?
Participants will gain exposure to retail work and customer-facing responsibilities.
The programme may help learners build practical skills in customer service, store operations and workplace discipline.
This experience can be useful for future applications in retail, sales, merchandising, cashier support, customer service and store administration.
What Customer Service Skills Can Participants Gain?
Customer service is a major part of retail work.
Participants may learn how to:
- Assist customers
- Handle customer queries
- Communicate professionally
- Offer friendly service
- Work with different types of customers
These skills are useful because customer service experience is valued across many industries.
What Retail Operations Skills Can Participants Build?
Retail operations involve the daily activities that help stores run smoothly.
Participants may gain exposure to:
- Stock handling
- Merchandising
- Store organisation
- Product presentation
- Basic retail routines
This can help young people understand how retail teams prepare stores for customers every day.
What Workplace Skills Will Help Participants Grow?
The YES Programme can also help participants develop general workplace skills.
These include:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Professional behaviour
- Reliability
- Following instructions
- Problem-solving
These skills matter because employers often look for attitude and discipline, not only qualifications.
What Are The Benefits Of The TFG YES Programme?
The programme offers young people a chance to gain real workplace experience inside a leading retail group.
Benefits may include:
- 12 months of practical work exposure
- Experience in a retail environment
- A stronger CV
- Improved workplace confidence
- Skills that can support future employment
- Possible workplace references
- Exposure to customer service and store operations
This programme does not guarantee permanent employment, but it can help participants become more employable.
What Documents Should Applicants Prepare?
Applicants should prepare their documents before starting the online application.
Useful documents may include:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Matric certificate, if available
- Proof of residence, if required
Applicants should make sure their CV is clear, updated and easy to read.
If documents need to be uploaded, they should be readable and correctly labelled.
How Do You Apply For The TFG YES Programme?
Applications must be submitted online through the TFG careers platform.
Applications must be submitted through the official TFG YES Programme online application portal.
Applicants should complete the online profile carefully and check that all information is correct before submitting.
Is There A Closing Date?
No specific closing date was provided in the details supplied.
Applicants should submit their applications as soon as possible and keep checking the official TFG careers platform for updates.
Because placements may depend on availability, early application is recommended.
What Should Applicants Know Before Applying?
The programme does not guarantee permanent employment after completion.
Preference may be given to designated groups.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applicants should also make sure they can commit to the full programme period and are not planning full-time studies during the programme.
How Can Applicants Strengthen Their Application?
A strong application should show that the applicant is ready for retail work.
Applicants should highlight qualities such as reliability, communication, customer service interest and willingness to learn.
Any informal experience can help, including helping at a shop, volunteering, packing stock, assisting customers, working at events or helping with community activities.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Before applying, update your CV so it clearly shows your age, location, education, contact details and interest in retail. If you have helped customers, packed shelves, handled products or worked with people in any way, include it. TFG needs applicants who can learn quickly and behave professionally in-store.
Why Is This Programme Worth Considering?
The TFG YES Programme gives unemployed youth a practical way to gain workplace exposure.
Retail experience can help young people build confidence, learn customer service and understand how stores operate.
For applicants with no previous work experience, the programme can create a stronger foundation for future applications.
It can also help participants show future employers that they have completed a structured workplace programme.
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Final Thoughts
The TFG YES Programme Intake 2026 is a valuable 12-month opportunity for unemployed youth aged 18 to 28 who want to gain retail workplace experience.
The programme is linked to the Youth Employment Service initiative and is available across all provinces, depending on store placement.
Applicants should prepare an updated CV, ID copy, Matric certificate where available, and submit their application through the official TFG online application portal as soon as possible.
