Eskom’s Youth Employment Service (YES) Internship Program 2026: A Real Chance to Start Your Career
If you’re a South African who is 18 to 34 years old, not currently working full‑time, and looking for a real job that will give you hands‑on experience in the energy sector, you should read on. Eskom, South Africa’s main power company, is launching a 12‑month internship called the Eskom YES Internship Programme 2026. It’s part of a national effort to help young people find steady work, and it offers a fixed‑term contract with places across all provinces. This is your first real step into a corporate environment and a chance to build a portfolio that will open doors for future jobs.
What You’ll Get
- A year of paid work – You’ll be on a fixed‑term contract for 12 months, which means steady income while you learn.
- Real‑world exposure – You’ll work in Eskom operations, seeing how South Africa’s power supply is kept running.
- Skill building – You’ll learn professional habits, teamwork, and technical knowledge that employers value.
- Better chances for future employment – The experience and references you gain will help you land a job after the internship ends.
Program Details
- Length – 12 months
- Contract type – Fixed‑term contract
- Locations – Eskom sites in KwaZulu‑Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Free State.
Each location has a specific closing date, so keep an eye on the dates that matter for where you want to work.
Who Can Apply?
This program is designed for:
- Young people who are currently unemployed and want to get their first job.
- Recent school leavers or graduates who still have a Grade 12 (Matric) or a post‑matric certificate.
- Anyone who has never taken part in the YES initiative before.
If you’ve already been hired full‑time for more than a year or are studying full‑time, you’re not eligible.
Entry Requirements
To be considered you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 34 years old.
- Have a Matric qualification or a post‑matric programme.
- Not have worked continuously for more than one year with the same employer.
- Not be studying full‑time during the year of the internship.
- Not have already applied or taken part in a YES programme.
These rules help ensure the internship reaches people who truly need a first work experience.
How to Apply
Apply online through Eskom’s recruitment portal. Click the link below that matches the province you want to work in. Each link takes you straight to the application form.
KwaZulu‑Natal – Apply for the Eskom Youth Employment Programme (closing 13 February 2026)
Apply online nowEastern Cape – Apply for the Eskom Youth Employment Programme (closing 17 February 2026)
Apply online nowWestern Cape – Apply for the Eskom Youth Employment Programme (closing 12 February 2026)
Apply online nowFree State – Apply for the Eskom Youth Employment Programme (closing 17 February 2026)
Apply online now
If you’re interested in other provinces, visit Eskom’s main page and search for YES opportunities.
Why This Matters
The energy sector is a big part of our economy, and Eskom is the main company that runs it. By joining their internship, you’ll be learning how power plants work, how electricity is transmitted, and how businesses keep South Africa lit. That knowledge can help you in many careers, from engineering to customer service to IT support.
Because the internship is part of a public‑private partnership led by the Presidency, the program is backed by national support. That means the skills and experience you gain have strong credibility when you move on to other jobs.
Next Steps
- Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Pick the province you’re most interested in and note its application deadline.
- Click the “Apply online now” link and fill out the form.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Good luck! If you’re ready to start a real job and learn a lot in a year, the Eskom YES Internship Programme could be the perfect fit. For more information or to learn about other opportunities, visit the main page of Eskom at Eskom.