Unlock Your Career Potential: The Ultimate Guide to YES Programme Open Learnerships
South Africa’s youth face a tough job market, with unemployment rates hovering near 60% for those under 35. Many young people feel stuck, but the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme changes that. It offers open learnerships that blend real work with training, giving you a shot at a solid start.
These YES Programme learnerships aren’t just temporary gigs. They provide structured experience plus formal education, helping you build skills employers want. Businesses join in too, gaining fresh talent while meeting goals to help the economy grow. If you’re job hunting, this guide shows how open YES learnerships can open doors for you right now.
Understanding the YES Programme and Learnership Model
What Exactly is the YES Programme?
The YES Programme started in 2018 as a team effort between the government, companies, and unions. Its main goal is to connect young South Africans to work opportunities and cut down on youth joblessness. Over 100,000 people have joined since it began, showing real impact.
Unlike a basic internship, a YES Programme learnership leads to a real certificate. You get hands-on work plus classes that count toward a qualification. This setup makes you more ready for full-time jobs and stands out on your resume.
Think of it like a bridge from school to the office. It fills the gap where many grads lack experience. Companies love it because they spot talent early and often keep top performers.
The Structure of a YES Learnership
Most YES learnerships last one year, split between time at work and in class. You might spend four days on the job and one day learning theory. This mix keeps things practical and builds your knowledge step by step.
The YES Programme works with SETA, the body that checks training quality. They make sure your learnership meets national standards, so the qualification you earn holds weight. At the end, you get an NQF level certificate, like level 5 for some roles.
This structure suits beginners. It teaches you the ropes without overwhelming you. Many finish feeling confident and skilled for bigger challenges.
Benefits for the Learner: Skills vs. Stipend
You get a monthly stipend during the learnership, often around R3,500 to cover basics. But the real win is the skills you gain. That NQF qualification opens doors to better jobs long-term.
YES focuses on soft skills too, like showing up on time and working in teams. These help you fit into any workplace. One learner said it turned her shyness into strong communication.
Don’t just chase the pay. The experience shapes your career. It’s like planting seeds that grow into steady employment.
Identifying Current YES Programme Open Learnerships
Where to Find Real-Time Vacancies
Check the official YES Programme website first—it’s the hub for all open spots. They post updates weekly on their portal. Also scan sites like Indeed or CareerJunction with “YES Programme” searches.
Big companies like banks or tech firms list openings on their career pages. Set up alerts for keywords such as “open YES programme learnerships South Africa” or “Youth Employment Service vacancies.” This way, you catch chances fast.
Follow YES Programme on social media for quick tips. They share links to fresh intakes. Act soon—these spots fill up quick.
Key Sectors Currently Recruiting
Finance leads with many YES Programme in banking and admin roles. Tech and digital fields follow, teaching coding basics or IT support. Manufacturing needs hands for assembly lines, while the green economy pushes eco-friendly jobs like solar tech.
Trends shift based on needs. For example, retail adds digital sales training to old-school store work. Healthcare often seeks admin helpers amid growing demand.
These sectors offer variety. Pick one that matches your interests. High-demand areas mean more open YES learnerships year-round.
- Finance: Entry-level banking tasks.
- Tech: Basic app development.
- Manufacturing: Quality control basics.
- Green Economy: Waste management skills.
Eligibility Criteria Breakdown
You need to be 18 to 35 years old and a South African citizen. Most spots require at least a Matric certificate. No need for a degree—many target those with just high school under their belt.
Prior work isn’t required; that’s the point for many. Unemployed youth with some volunteer time often qualify. Disabilities? YES makes room with support.
Common mix-up: People think you must have experience. Nope—these learnerships build it from scratch. Check details on each posting to confirm.
Crafting a Winning Application for YES Learnerships
Optimizing Your CV for the YES Framework
Keep your CV to two pages, clear and simple. Use bold headings for education, skills, and any volunteer work. Highlight Matric results and school projects that show teamwork.
In YES applications, they scan hundreds, so make it ATS-friendly—no fancy graphics. List soft skills like reliability right up top.
Actionable Tip: Add community service, like helping at events. It proves you’re ready for work without paid jobs.
Tailor it for each sector. For tech YES learnerships, mention any gadget tinkering. This grabs attention quick.
Mastering the Motivation Letter/Cover Letter
Start with why YES excites you—talk about beating unemployment and growing skills. Link your story to their goal of strong workers. Keep it one page, honest and direct.
Show your career aim, even if basic. Say how this learnership fits your plan to enter finance, for instance. Use examples from life to back it up.
End with enthusiasm. Ask for the chance to chat more. This letter sells you as a fit.
Preparing for Assessment and Interview Stages
Expect aptitude tests on math or logic first. Then group tasks to see how you team up. Final chats focus on your fit for the role.
Practice common questions like “Tell me about a challenge you faced.” Use STAR method: situation, task, action, result.
Actionable Tip: Research the company—know their products. Prep stories on solving problems at school or home. Dress neat and arrive early.
Stay calm; it’s a chance to shine. Many pass by showing real interest.
Beyond Completion: Securing Long-Term Employment
The Role of the Host Company in Placement
Companies host YES learners to earn points on their BBBEE score. This pushes them to train well and often hire top ones. About 60% of finishers get kept on, per reports.
They see your growth firsthand. Good performance leads to full-time offers. It’s a win for both sides.
This incentive means real effort from employers. Use it to network inside.
Leveraging the Qualification for Future Growth
After finishing, your NQF cert lets you apply for higher training. Aim for NQF 6 or jobs in your field. Update your CV with the experience.
Many move to specialized roles. For example, a YES grad in manufacturing started as a helper. She used her skills to land a technician spot at the same firm, earning double.
Build on it—join networks or short courses. This keeps momentum going. Your learnership is just the start.
Conclusion: Your Next Step Towards Employability
YES Programme open learnerships offer a clear path from job search to real work. They tackle youth unemployment head-on with training that matters. You’ve got the tools now to apply.
Key points: Prep your docs strong, target the right sectors, and think long-term. Don’t wait—check vacancies today and submit that application. Your career boost starts with one step. Take it now.
Mpho Nkuna is the administrator of MecSETA, a digital platform dedicated to connecting South African youth with funded learnerships, internships, bursaries, and career development opportunities. Passionate about education and skills development
