Eskom is offering two 12-month Youth Employment Service placements in Programme Management for unemployed young people with Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification. Candidates must be South African citizens aged 18 to 34, meet the programme’s first-work-experience rules and submit their online applications by 30 July 2026.
The YY1 internship contracts fall under Programme Management in Eskom’s Office of the Group Executive. The advert identifies Eskom’s Sunninghill site in Gauteng as the base and lists the remuneration as market related. No fixed monthly stipend amount is disclosed.
For young people caught in the familiar cycle of needing experience before they can secure experience, this programme offers a structured entry into one of the country’s largest organisations.
Who can be considered for Eskom’s two YES placements?
Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification is the minimum academic requirement. Applicants do not need a diploma or degree to meet the advertised qualification threshold.
However, Eskom has included several Youth Employment Service eligibility conditions. Candidates must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 34 years old.
- Hold Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
- Not have worked permanently for one employer for more than one continuous year.
- Not be studying full time during the year of employment.
- Never have participated in or registered for the Youth Employment Service initiative before.
These requirements are important because the programme is intended to provide qualifying unemployed youth with meaningful first-time workplace exposure.
Candidates who have completed short-term, temporary or occasional work may still be considered, provided they meet the permanent-employment condition stated in the advert.
What will the 12-month programme offer successful candidates?
Successful candidates will receive a 12-month contract within Eskom’s Programme Management environment. The listing does not publish a detailed set of daily responsibilities or require specialised technical experience.
Instead, the opportunity centres on gaining practical exposure inside the energy industry. Participants may develop a better understanding of professional communication, workplace procedures, teamwork and stakeholder engagement.
The advert identifies Sunninghill as the base for these two positions. It also explains that Youth Employment Service participants may be placed across Eskom operations and divisions, depending on operational requirements.
Remuneration will be market related. Since Eskom has not published an exact amount, candidates should avoid relying on unofficial stipend figures shared on social media.
Which strengths could help candidates stand out?
Eskom is looking for young people who can adjust to a structured professional environment and work effectively with others.
The behavioural qualities highlighted in the advert include:
- Integrity and professionalism.
- A customer-focused attitude.
- The ability to contribute as part of a team.
- Politeness, promptness and reliability.
- Energy, confidence and self-motivation.
- An assertive but respectful approach.
Communication will also be important. Candidates should be able to demonstrate sound interpersonal, negotiation and liaison skills.
Previous energy-sector experience is not listed as a requirement. Applicants can therefore draw examples from school projects, volunteering, community involvement, sports, temporary work or other activities that show responsibility and teamwork.
How can candidates submit their applications?
Applications must be completed through the official Eskom online application portal no later than 30 July 2026.
Before completing the online process:
- Update your curriculum vitae with accurate contact details.
- Make sure your education and employment dates are correct.
- Upload only the documents requested by the portal.
- Review every section for missing or inconsistent information.
- Save any submission confirmation or reference number received.
Candidates who experience technical difficulties with the careers portal can contact Candidate.support@ci.hr. This address is for candidate support and should not be used to submit an application.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: This programme does not require years of experience, so focus your curriculum vitae on readiness and potential. Highlight school projects, volunteering, computer skills, leadership, communication and reliability. Most importantly, ensure your dates clearly show that you meet the Youth Employment Service eligibility rules.
What happens after an application is submitted?
Applicants will go through Eskom’s recruitment process. Those who meet the requirements may be contacted for further screening before final placement.
Eskom advises candidates to regard their applications as unsuccessful if they have not received feedback within 28 days after the closing date.
The opportunity is aligned with Eskom’s employment equity commitments. Preference may be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, although appointments are not limited to these groups. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to submit applications.
Eskom also reserves the right not to make an appointment.
What else should candidates know about Eskom’s YES intake?
Who qualifies for these placements?
South African citizens aged 18 to 34 who have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification may be considered, provided they also satisfy the programme’s employment, study and previous-participation rules.
How many positions are available and how long is the contract?
Eskom is recruiting for two positions. Each successful candidate will receive a 12-month Youth Employment Service contract.
Has Eskom announced a monthly stipend?
No exact stipend has been published. The vacancy lists the remuneration as market related.
Where will the successful candidates be based?
The listing identifies Eskom’s Sunninghill site in Gauteng as the location, within Programme Management in the Office of the Group Executive.
When will applications close?
Online applications close on 30 July 2026. Candidates should submit early in case they encounter registration or document-upload problems.
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Final Thoughts
Eskom’s 2026 Programme Management placements offer Grade 12 candidates a realistic route into the workplace without demanding a diploma, degree or extensive experience.
The eligibility rules are strict, particularly around age, full-time studies, previous permanent employment and earlier participation in the Youth Employment Service initiative. Candidates who meet every condition should prepare an accurate curriculum vitae and complete the online process well before 30 July 2026.
