YES Youth Programme 2025/2026 | Apply with Grade 12

YES Youth Programme

South Africa’s future depends on its youth. With unemployment rates among young people remaining high, initiatives that connect them to meaningful work are more than just programmes—they are lifelines. The YES Youth Programme 2025/2026, supported by Afrika Tikkun in partnership with a leading automotive client, is one such lifeline.

This opportunity opens the door for unemployed youth to gain hands-on work experience, skills training, and career development over a 12-month period. If you are eager to grow, committed to hard work, and ready to learn in an industry that thrives on innovation and precision, this programme could be your ticket to a brighter future.

What is the YES Youth Programme 2025/2026?

The Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative was created to address the urgent challenge of youth unemployment in South Africa. Its goal is simple but powerful: give young people who have never had formal work experience the chance to step into the job market.

For the 2025/2026 intake, Afrika Tikkun, a well-known organisation focused on youth development, has joined hands with a respected automotive industry partner. Together, they are offering unemployed youth a chance to gain 12 months of work experience, supported by mentorship and training.

Unlike short-term internships, this programme combines work readiness training with practical on-the-job experience, ensuring candidates not only find employment but also develop long-term career pathways.

Why This Programme Matters

Youth unemployment in South Africa often traps talented young people in a cycle of poverty and limited opportunity. Many lack the work experience that employers demand, making it harder to even get a foot in the door.

The YES Youth Programme breaks that cycle by giving participants the first line on their CV that shows real industry exposure. And since this particular intake is tied to the automotive industry, participants will gain skills in one of South Africa’s most dynamic sectors.

This is not just about having a job for a year. It’s about building:

• Confidence to handle workplace challenges
• Skills that employers value
• Networks that open doors for future employment
• Career direction through exposure to different roles

For many, this programme can be the difference between struggling to find work and launching a stable career.

What Candidates Will Do

The 12-month programme balances work readiness training with practical experience. Participants can expect to:

• Receive training in workplace readiness, including communication, teamwork, and professionalism.
• Work alongside experienced professionals in the automotive sector.
• Gain exposure to areas like customer service, stock management, technical support, and administration.
• Be supported by mentors who guide them through challenges and growth opportunities.

The emphasis is on learning by doing, while also meeting real performance standards.

Requirements to Apply

To be considered for the YES Youth Programme 2025/2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must have Grade 12 (Matric certificate).
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• A degree or diploma will be advantageous but is not essential.
• Customer service skills are valuable.
• Basic computer literacy is required.
• Administration and stock management skills will be helpful.
• Some technical skills related to automotive work are an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills in both spoken and written English.
• Must commit to the full 12 months of the programme.
• Never participated in a YES Programme before.

Locations Available

The YES Youth Programme placements are available across several provinces in South Africa. Applicants can indicate their preferred region when applying.

• YES Programme – Limpopo
• YES Programme – Mpumalanga
• YES Programme – North West

How to Apply

Application Form YES Programme – Limpopo
Application Form YES Programme – Mpumalanga
Application Form YES Programme – North West

1. Complete the application form: Be sure to fill in all sections accurately.
2. Select your province: Limpopo, Mpumalanga, or North West.
3. Submit your application before the closing date.

📌 Applicants should note that incomplete or late applications may not be considered.

The YES Youth Programme 2025/2026 is more than a chance to gain experience—it’s a stepping stone to a better future. With Afrika Tikkun and an automotive partner leading the initiative, this opportunity combines training, mentorship, and real-world exposure in one of South Africa’s most important industries.

For young South Africans who are unemployed, motivated, and ready to commit, this could be the career break you’ve been waiting for.

LEARNER YES PROGRAM