Bidfood SA YES Learnerships 2026 – Paid 12-Month Work Experience for Unemployed Youth

Are you an unemployed young South African looking to gain valuable, paid work experience? Bidfood South Africa is offering a fantastic 12-month opportunity in Bloemfontein designed to boost your skills and improve your job prospects through the national Youth Employment Service (YES) programme.

📅 Closing Date: Friday, 19 December 2025

About the Bidfood SA YES Programme 2026

The YES Programme is a government-recognised initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment by providing structured, mentored workplace placements to individuals with little or no prior work exposure. Bidfood South Africa participates to empower youth within the fast-paced wholesale and retail foodservice industry.

This programme is perfect for you if you are:

  • Unemployed and recently completed Matric.
  • Eager to gain your first formal work experience.
  • Interested in the retail, wholesale, or foodservice sector.

No previous work experience is required to apply!

What the YES Programme Offers

Successful candidates will benefit from:

  • A full 12-month paid work experience placement.
  • Hands-on learning and exposure to the Wholesale & Retail foodservice industry.
  • Workplace coaching and mentorship.
  • Development of crucial professional skills: Communication, teamwork, time management, and workplace discipline.
  • Significantly improved employability after programme completion.

This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between your education and meaningful employment.

Who Can Apply? (Minimum Requirements)

To qualify for this opportunity, you must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be a South African citizen aged 18 to 35 years.
  • Be currently unemployed and not a full-time student.
  • Have never participated in the YES Programme before.
  • Be in possession of a Matric certificate (Grade 12).
  • Be willing to commit to the full 12-month programme based in Bloemfontein.

A strong work ethic and a genuine interest in the foodservice or retail industry are essential!

How to Apply for the Bidfood SA YES Programme 2026

Applications must be submitted via email with specific instructions to ensure consideration.

📝 Application Documents:

  1. An updated, comprehensive CV.
  2. A certified copy of your highest qualification (Matric certificate).

📤 Submission Details:

⚠️ Applications without the correct subject line or missing required documents may not be considered.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

The YES Programme is a powerful first step towards building your confidence and securing your long-term employment prospects.

If you are serious about launching your career and gaining essential workplace exposure in 2026, ensure your application reaches the Bidfood Careers team before the closing date.

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Itumeleng Ndlovu

Itumeleng Ndlovu is the Founder and Managing Editor of SETA Careers, an independent South African platform dedicated to publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships, and skills development programmes. She specialises in researching and verifying updates from official government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges, and accredited institutions to ensure readers receive clear, reliable, and up-to-date guidance. She is committed to simplifying complex education and career information so South African students and job seekers can make informed decisions with confidence. Contact: info@setacareers.co.za