Eskom Opens YES Programme Opportunities to Help South African Youth Build Careers in the Energy Industry
South Africa’s energy sector remains one of the country’s most important industries, offering career opportunities that can provide valuable workplace experience and improve long-term employability.
As part of the Youth Employment Service (YES) Initiative, Eskom is recruiting seven (7) unemployed young South Africans to join its PTM Engineering division. Successful applicants will receive a 12-month fixed-term contract and gain practical workplace experience while supporting administrative functions within Eskom’s Generation business.
Although the vacancy advert lists remuneration as market-related, participants in similar YES programmes typically receive a monthly stipend or salary of approximately R7,200 per month, depending on programme funding and placement conditions.
Applications close on 22 July 2026.
Programme Overview
| Programme | Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) |
|---|---|
| Employer | Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd |
| Division | PTM Engineering |
| Number of Opportunities | 7 |
| Industry | Electricity, Energy & Water Supply |
| Employment Type | 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract |
| Location | Witbank (Mpumalanga) / Selected placements at Koeberg Power Station |
| Estimated Monthly Salary | Approximately R7,200 (market-related) |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 or Post-Matric Qualification |
| Closing Date | 22 July 2026 |
| Reference Number | eskom_005917 |
About the Eskom YES Programme
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a national initiative established through a partnership between government and the private sector to help reduce youth unemployment in South Africa.
Through the programme, Eskom provides unemployed young people with meaningful workplace experience, allowing them to develop practical skills while working in one of Africa’s largest electricity utilities.
Participants gain exposure to professional working environments, administrative systems, and engineering support services that can strengthen future career opportunities.
Why Work in South Africa’s Energy Sector?
The energy industry offers excellent opportunities for career growth because it supports critical infrastructure, engineering, maintenance, administration, and technical services.
Working within Eskom allows participants to gain experience in a highly regulated environment where professionalism, safety, and continuous learning are emphasised.
Experience gained during the YES programme may improve future employment opportunities within:
- Energy companies
- Engineering firms
- Government departments
- Municipal utilities
- Infrastructure projects
- Manufacturing companies
Salary and Financial Benefits
Successful participants can expect:
- Estimated monthly earnings: Approximately R7,200 (market-related and subject to Eskom’s programme conditions)
- 12 months of workplace experience
- Professional development
- Exposure to one of South Africa’s largest employers
- Improved employability
Smart Financial Tips for YES Participants
A regular monthly income offers an opportunity to build financial security. Participants should consider:
- Creating a monthly budget
- Saving a percentage of each payment
- Building an emergency fund
- Avoiding unnecessary debt
- Investing in additional education or professional certifications
Developing good financial habits early can support long-term career success.
Key Responsibilities
Successful participants will provide administrative support within PTM Engineering and may assist with:
- General office administration
- Document management
- Data capturing
- Filing and record keeping
- Administrative support to engineering teams
- Coordinating office activities
- Assisting with reports and documentation
- Supporting operational processes
Responsibilities may vary depending on the assigned Eskom site.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be between 18 and 34 years old
- Have Grade 12 (Matric) or an equivalent qualification
- Hold a post-matric certificate or qualification (where applicable)
Selection Criteria
Applicants must:
- Not have been permanently employed by one employer for more than one continuous year
- Not be studying full-time during the programme
- Never have participated in the YES Initiative previously
- Successfully complete Eskom’s recruitment and selection process
Skills You’ll Develop
Participants will strengthen valuable workplace skills, including:
Technical Skills
- Office administration
- Document management
- Data capturing
- Records administration
- Engineering support administration
Professional Skills
- Communication
- Time management
- Computer literacy
- Teamwork
- Professional ethics
- Customer service
- Workplace organisation
- Problem-solving
These transferable skills are valuable across government, engineering, utilities, and corporate administration.
Career Opportunities After Completion
Experience gained through Eskom’s YES Programme may support future careers such as:
- Administrative Assistant
- Office Administrator
- Engineering Administrator
- Data Capturer
- Project Administrator
- Technical Clerk
- Operations Support Assistant
- Utility Services Administrator
While permanent employment is not guaranteed, participants gain valuable workplace experience that can strengthen future job applications.
Why Apply?
The Eskom YES Programme offers:
- Practical workplace experience
- Exposure to South Africa’s energy industry
- Professional development
- Workplace mentoring
- Improved employability
- Administrative experience within engineering operations
- Opportunity to build a professional network
Application Tips
To improve your chances of selection:
- Update your CV.
- Include all qualifications.
- Ensure your contact details are correct.
- Highlight computer literacy and administrative skills.
- Apply before the closing date.
- Ensure you meet all YES Programme requirements.
Where to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official Eskom Careers Portal using:
Reference Number: eskom_005917
Ensure that all required supporting documents are uploaded before submitting your application.
Closing Date
22 July 2026
Late applications may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
South African citizens aged 18–34 who meet the programme requirements.
How long is the contract?
Successful applicants will receive a 12-month fixed-term contract.
Is previous work experience required?
No. The programme is designed to provide unemployed youth with their first meaningful workplace experience.
Can I apply if I have participated in YES before?
No. Previous YES participants are not eligible.
Will I be permanently employed after the programme?
Permanent employment is not guaranteed. However, the experience gained may improve future employment prospects.
Editorial Policy
This article has been prepared to provide South African job seekers with accurate information about the Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme. Information is based on the official Eskom vacancy advertisement. Applicants should verify programme details, eligibility criteria, and application procedures through the official Eskom Careers website before applying.
Sources and References
- Eskom Careers – YES Programme (Reference: eskom_005917)
- Youth Employment Service (YES South Africa)
- Department of Employment and Labour
- Department of Public Enterprises
Disclaimer: The official vacancy lists remuneration as market-related. The estimated figure of approximately R7,200 per month is based on similar YES placements and may vary depending on Eskom’s remuneration policies. Applicants should refer to the official vacancy advertisement for confirmed salary details before applying.
