Young South Africans looking for their first workplace opportunity can apply for the Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme X9 2026 in Mpumalanga.
Eskom is offering 9 Youth Employment Service opportunities under its Human Resources department at Kendal Power Station. The programme is aimed at young people who want to gain valuable workplace experience and improve their employability.
Applicants must be South African citizens aged 18 to 34 and have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
The successful candidates will be placed on a 12-month contract within Eskom Operations.
Applications close on 16 September 2026.
Quick Overview of the Eskom YES Programme X9
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Eskom |
| Programme | Youth Employment Service (YES) |
| Opportunities | 9 |
| Reference Number | eskom_006965 |
| Department | Human Resources |
| Business Unit | Kendal Power Station |
| Location | Mpumalanga |
| Contract | 12 months |
| Contract Type | Temporary |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 or equivalent |
| Age | 18–34 years |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Experience | No specific work experience required |
| Remuneration | Market related |
| Closing Date | 16 September 2026 |
The official Eskom advert confirms that the position is a Youth Employment Service (YES) opportunity at Kendal Power Station and that successful candidates will receive a 12-month contract.
What Is the Eskom YES Programme?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a public-private initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment by providing young people with meaningful workplace experience.
Eskom uses the programme to create opportunities for unemployed youth to enter the workplace and gain experience in the energy industry.
For this intake, successful candidates will be placed within Eskom Operations for a period of 12 months.
This makes the opportunity particularly useful for young people who have completed Grade 12 but have limited or no formal workplace experience.
Where Is the Eskom YES Programme Based?
The vacancy is based in Mpumalanga.
The advertised business unit is:
Kendal Power Station
The position falls under the Human Resources Department and carries the position/task grade YY1.
Although the vacancy is advertised from Kendal Power Station, Eskom states that successful YES participants may be placed in Eskom Operations across its divisions.
Eskom YES Programme Requirements
Applicants must meet the basic requirements before applying.
South African Citizenship
Applicants must be South African citizens.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between:
18 and 34 years old.
Grade 12
A Grade 12 certificate or equivalent qualification is required.
Fresh listings:
This means the opportunity is accessible to young people who have completed Matric and are looking to gain practical workplace experience.
Previous Work Experience
The advert does not require a specific number of years of work experience.
However, the YES selection criteria state that applicants should not have been permanently employed by one employer continuously for more than one year.
This is important because the programme is designed to help young people gain meaningful work experience.
Other YES Selection Criteria
In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must meet the programme’s selection criteria.
Applicants:
- Should not have been permanently employed by one employer continuously for more than one year.
- Should not be studying full-time during the year of employment.
- Should not have previously participated in or registered for the YES initiative.
- Must successfully complete Eskom’s recruitment and selection process.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee appointment.
Skills and Competencies Eskom Wants
Although the vacancy does not specify a detailed list of daily duties, Eskom identifies several skills and personal qualities that applicants should demonstrate.
These include:
Leadership and Teamwork
Applicants should be able to work effectively with other people and contribute positively to a team.
Integrity and Professionalism
Eskom expects candidates to demonstrate:
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Customer focus
Communication Skills
Good communication and interpersonal skills are important for working in a professional environment.
The advert also lists:
- Negotiation skills
- Liaising skills
- Sound interpersonal skills
Personal Attributes
Eskom identifies several desirable personal attributes, including:
- Politeness
- Promptness
- Energy
- Self-motivation
- Assertiveness
Applicants should reflect these qualities naturally in their CV and during any recruitment or interview process.
What Will Successful YES Participants Do?
The current advert does not provide specific day-to-day responsibilities for the X9 intake. The key responsibilities section is listed as N/A.
However, the programme is intended to provide workplace experience within Eskom Operations.
Participants can therefore expect exposure to a professional working environment and opportunities to develop workplace skills during the 12-month contract.
Applicants should not rely on unofficial lists of duties unless those responsibilities are confirmed by Eskom.
What Can You Gain From the Eskom YES Programme?
A 12-month workplace placement can help young people build practical experience that can be added to their CV.
Potential benefits include:
- Workplace exposure
- Professional communication experience
- Teamwork experience
- Exposure to organisational policies and procedures
- Improved confidence
- Professional networking
- A stronger CV
- Better understanding of workplace expectations
For young people entering the job market for the first time, gaining a full year of recognised workplace experience can be valuable when applying for future jobs, internships and graduate opportunities.
Is There a Salary or Stipend?
The official Eskom advert lists the remuneration as:
Market Related
It does not publish a specific monthly stipend or salary amount for this vacancy.
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on amounts posted by unofficial websites or social media unless Eskom confirms the figure.
How to Apply for Eskom YES Programme X9
Applications must be submitted through the official Eskom careers platform.
Apply for Eskom YES Programme X9 2026
Step 1: Check the Requirements
Make sure you:
- Are a South African citizen.
- Are aged 18–34.
- Have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
- Have not previously participated in YES.
- Are not studying full-time during the employment year.
- Meet the employment-history requirement.
Step 2: Prepare Your CV
Your CV should clearly show:
- Full name
- Contact details
- Location
- Grade 12 qualification
- Additional qualifications, if any
- Computer skills
- Communication skills
- Volunteer or community experience
- Any previous work exposure
Keep the CV clear and easy to read.
Step 3: Register or Log In
The Eskom careers system allows applicants to create an applicant profile and upload a CV.
Step 4: Complete the Application
Search for the vacancy using the reference number:
eskom_006965
Check that the vacancy is titled:
Youth Employment Service (YES) X9
Step 5: Submit Before the Closing Date
Make sure the completed application is submitted before:
16 September 2026
Eskom YES Programme Closing Date
The official Eskom careers listing states that applications close on:
16 September 2026
The vacancy reference number is:
eskom_006965
Applicants are encouraged to apply early rather than waiting until the final day.
What Happens After You Apply?
Eskom states that applicants will go through a recruitment process.
Successful candidates will then be placed within Eskom Operations across the relevant divisions.
Eskom also states that if you are not contacted within 28 days after the closing date, you should regard your application as unsuccessful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with Grade 12?
Yes. Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification is the minimum educational requirement for the advertised YES opportunity.
What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be between 18 and 34 years old.
Where is the opportunity based?
The advertised position is under Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga, within Eskom’s Human Resources department.
How long is the contract?
Successful candidates will receive a 12-month contract.
Do I need previous work experience?
No specific work-experience requirement is listed. However, applicants must meet the YES selection criteria relating to previous permanent employment.
Can I apply if I am studying full-time?
No. The selection criteria state that applicants should not be studying full-time in the year of employment.
Can I apply if I previously participated in YES?
No. The selection criteria state that applicants should not have previously participated in or registered for the YES initiative.
How much does Eskom pay?
The official advert states Market Related remuneration. No specific monthly amount is published.
How many opportunities are available?
The vacancy is advertised as Youth Employment Service (YES) X9, meaning there are 9 opportunities associated with this listing.
What is the closing date?
Applications close on 16 September 2026.
Eskom YES Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, check that you have:
- South African citizenship
- Age between 18 and 34
- Grade 12 or equivalent qualification
- Updated CV
- Not previously participated in YES
- Not studying full-time during the employment year
- No permanent employment history with one employer exceeding one continuous year
- Correct vacancy reference: eskom_006965
- Application submitted before 16 September 2026
Important Advice for Applicants
Do not submit the same generic CV for every opportunity.
For the Eskom YES Programme, highlight your communication, teamwork, leadership and interpersonal abilities. If you have volunteer experience, community involvement, school leadership experience or other activities that demonstrate responsibility, include them where relevant.
Also make sure your contact details are correct.
Eskom may need to contact shortlisted candidates during the recruitment process.
Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and Eskom states that employment equity and diversity considerations may apply during recruitment.
Beware of Recruitment Scams
Applicants should only use the official Eskom careers platform when applying.
Do not pay anyone who claims they can secure an Eskom YES position for you.
Do not provide your banking details or personal information to unofficial recruiters promising guaranteed employment.
Conclusion
The Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme X9 2026 provides an opportunity for young South Africans to gain valuable workplace experience within Eskom.
The current vacancy offers 9 opportunities in Mpumalanga, with the position linked to Kendal Power Station’s Human Resources Department. Applicants must be 18–34 years old, South African citizens and have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
Successful candidates will receive a 12-month contract, while the official advert lists remuneration as market related.
The Eskom YES Programme is especially relevant to young people who have completed Matric and need practical workplace experience to strengthen their CV.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your CV and apply through the official Eskom careers platform before the 16 September 2026 closing date.