Right now Eskom is opening its Youth Employment Service (YES) internship for unemployed South African youth in Gauteng, and the deadline is fast approaching. If you are looking for your first real work experience in the energy sector, this could be the chance you have been waiting for.
What the opportunity is
Eskom’s YES Internship Programme offers a 12‑month contract for entry‑level work in various divisions of the utility. The role is paid at a market‑related rate and is designed to give you hands‑on experience in electricity, energy and water‑supply operations.
Who can apply – eligibility criteria
- South African citizen
- Age between 18 and 34 years
- Completed Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification (no degree required)
- Currently unemployed and not studying full‑time during the contract year
- Never taken part in the YES Programme before
- Not been permanently employed by one employer for more than one continuous year
- Willing and able to commit to the full 12‑month internship
What you will gain
The internship is built to develop practical skills that employers value. You will learn:
- Professional workplace behaviour and ethics
- Effective communication and teamwork
- Customer‑service and interpersonal skills
- Basic administrative and liaison tasks
- Health‑ and safety awareness in the energy industry
- How Eskom’s policies and procedures operate on a daily basis
These competencies can strengthen your CV and give you a solid reference for future jobs.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Visit the official Eskom careers portal: Eskom YES Internship Application.
- Search using keywords such as “Youth Employment Service”, “YES”, “Gauteng”, “Internship”, or “Grade 12”.
- Find a listing that matches your profile. Check the reference number, department and location carefully.
- Log in or create a new applicant account.
- Fill in all required fields – personal details, education, and employment history.
- Upload the documents listed in the next section (PDF or clear JPG format).
- Review everything to make sure information is accurate.
- Submit before 23:59 on 31 July 2026.
Documents you need to prepare
- Up‑to‑date CV
- South African ID copy
- Clear copy of your Grade 12 (or equivalent) certificate
- Proof of address (if requested)
- Any additional certificates or training documents relevant to the role
- Accurate employment‑history details for verification
Make sure each file is legible; blurry scans may delay your application.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that you meet every eligibility point before you start the application.
- Tailor your CV to highlight teamwork, reliability and any customer‑service experience you have, even from volunteer work.
- Write a brief cover note (if the portal allows) explaining why you want to work in the energy sector and what you hope to learn.
- Proofread all entries – spelling mistakes can create a negative impression.
- Apply early. Some YES listings close sooner than the main deadline, and spots are limited.
- Be honest about previous employment and YES participation; Eskom will verify the information.
Final thoughts and next steps
The Eskom YES Internship is a genuine pathway into the energy industry for young South Africans who have little or no work experience. While the programme does not guarantee a permanent job after 12 months, the skills and professional references you gain can open many doors.
If you fit the criteria, gather your documents, polish your CV, and submit your application before the 31 July 2026 deadline. Taking this step could be the start of a rewarding career in South Africa’s most essential utility.
