Youth Employment Service (YES) Opportunity at Eskom Mpumalanga

Eskom is inviting eligible young South Africans to apply for nine Youth Employment Service (YES) opportunities based at Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga. The temporary programme forms part of the Youth Employment Service, a public-private initiative led by the Presidency to help address youth unemployment by creating opportunities for young people to gain valuable workplace experience. Successful candidates will receive a 12-month contract and may be placed within Eskom Operations across divisions in South Africa.

The Eskom YES programme is aimed at young people who are ready to enter the formal job market and gain their first meaningful work experience. Candidates who meet the age, education and programme eligibility requirements will have an opportunity to develop practical workplace skills while being exposed to the professional environment of one of South Africa’s major electricity and energy organisations. The programme is particularly relevant to unemployed youth seeking to strengthen their CVs and develop skills that can support future employment opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate actively in the 12-month Youth Employment Service programme.
• Gain practical workplace experience within the Eskom operating environment.
• Perform duties and assignments allocated within the relevant Eskom department or division.
• Participate in workplace learning and development activities where required.
• Apply instructions and training provided by supervisors and relevant Eskom employees.
• Work effectively as part of a team and contribute positively to workplace objectives.
• Communicate professionally with colleagues, supervisors, managers and relevant stakeholders.
• Develop sound interpersonal relationships in the workplace.
• Demonstrate integrity and professionalism when carrying out assigned responsibilities.
• Maintain a customer-focused approach when interacting with employees, customers or other stakeholders.
• Apply appropriate communication, negotiation and liaising skills when dealing with workplace matters.
• Follow Eskom policies, procedures and applicable workplace requirements.
• Complete assigned duties accurately and within the required timeframes.
• Approach workplace responsibilities with energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
• Take initiative when appropriate and demonstrate a self-starter attitude.
• Remain polite, professional and respectful in workplace interactions.
• Demonstrate assertiveness while maintaining appropriate professional conduct.
• Accept responsibility for assigned duties and personal workplace development.
• Adapt to different workplace responsibilities and operational requirements.
• Participate constructively in the recruitment, placement and onboarding process.
• Be prepared for placement within Eskom Operations across divisions and provinces following successful selection.
• Support a positive, respectful and productive working environment.
• Undertake other reasonable duties associated with the YES programme as allocated.

Requirements and Skills

• Applicants must be South African citizens.
• Candidates must be between 18 and 34 years of age.
• Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification is required.
• Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements of the Youth Employment Service programme.
• Applicants should not have been permanently employed continuously by a single employer for more than one year.
• Candidates must not be studying full time during the year of employment.
• Applicants must not have previously participated in or registered for the YES initiative.
• Candidates should be willing to work under a 12-month temporary contract.
• Good communication skills are essential.
• Sound interpersonal skills are required.
• Negotiation skills will be advantageous.
• Strong liaising skills are important when interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Candidates must demonstrate integrity and professionalism.
• A customer-focused approach is required.
• Applicants should be able to work effectively as team players.
• Politeness and respectful workplace conduct are expected.
• Promptness and reliability are important.
• Candidates should be energetic and willing to participate actively in workplace activities.
• A self-starter attitude and willingness to take initiative are important.
• Assertiveness and confidence will be beneficial when handling workplace responsibilities.
• Candidates should be willing to learn new skills and adapt to a professional working environment.
• Good organisational and time-management habits will assist with completing assigned duties.
• Applicants should be able to follow instructions and established procedures accurately.

The Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) opportunity provides young South Africans with an important chance to gain practical work experience at a time when entering the job market can be challenging. The programme is specifically designed to help unemployed youth obtain meaningful workplace exposure and develop skills that can improve their future employment prospects. For candidates who meet the requirements, the 12-month placement can provide valuable experience to add to their CV while introducing them to the professional energy sector.

Successful candidates will be placed within Eskom Operations across divisions and across South African provinces, depending on the outcome of the recruitment and placement process. Although the vacancy is associated with Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga, applicants should understand that successful placement may take place in another Eskom operational environment. Candidates should therefore be flexible and prepared to adapt to the location and duties associated with their eventual placement.

The programme is designed for young people who are ready to enter the workplace rather than full-time students. Applicants must be between 18 and 34 years old, have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification and meet the additional YES eligibility conditions. Candidates who have been permanently employed continuously by one employer for more than one year, who intend to study full time during the employment year or who have previously participated in the YES initiative do not meet the stated requirements.

Eskom is looking for candidates who demonstrate more than just the required educational qualification. Integrity, professionalism, customer focus, teamwork and strong communication skills are important because successful participants will be entering a professional workplace. Candidates should also be willing to learn, take initiative, follow instructions and work positively with supervisors and colleagues.

The Youth Employment Service programme can help participants develop valuable transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, workplace discipline and customer service. These skills can be useful when applying for future permanent jobs, internships, learnerships or other career development opportunities. The experience of working within a large organisation can also help young participants gain a better understanding of professional expectations and workplace responsibilities.

Applicants should carefully review the programme eligibility requirements before submitting their applications. The opportunity is offered on a temporary basis for 12 months, and successful candidates will undergo Eskom’s recruitment process before being placed within the relevant operations. Candidates should also be prepared to comply with Eskom’s workplace policies and procedures and participate constructively in the onboarding and placement process.

Eskom states that applicants who have not been contacted within 28 days after the closing date should accept that their applications were unsuccessful. The organisation is also committed to equality, employment equity and diversity, and preference may be given, but is not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups in line with Eskom’s employment equity plan, goals and targets. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Eskom also maintains a smoke-free environment for employees and visitors in the workplace. Candidates who require assistance relating to the advert can contact recruitmentgx@eskom.co.za. Applicants should ensure that they provide accurate information and carefully review their eligibility before applying for the Youth Employment Service opportunity.

The closing date for the Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) x9 opportunity is 16 September 2026. This programme offers eligible young people a chance to gain valuable first work experience, build workplace skills and gain exposure to Eskom’s operations through a 12-month contract. Young South Africans who meet the requirements and are ready to take their first step into the professional world are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.

Apply here