Do you need a steady income and real work experience right now? The National Youth Service (NYS) Building Maintenance Programme offers 350 paid positions across Mpumalanga, and the deadline is only a few weeks away.
What the opportunity is
The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, together with the Department of Employment and Labour, is running an 18‑month National Youth Service Building Maintenance Programme. It is designed to give unemployed young South Africans practical skills in building upkeep while earning a stipend of R5 000 per month.
Who can apply (requirements)
- Age: 18–35 years
- South African ID
- One of the following qualifications:
- Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science
- N3 with Mathematics and Engineering Science
- National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 3 in Engineering
Make sure you meet one of these criteria before you start the application.
What you will gain
- R5 000 monthly stipend for 18 months
- Hands‑on training in landscaping, painting, bricklaying, plastering, tiling, carpentry, door and window fitting, glass fitting, plumbing and electrical work
- Exposure to workplace productivity, citizenship and professional values
- Possibility to sit for Trade Test positions in plumbing, electrical, welding, bricklaying & plastering, and carpentry
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Visit the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) portal: Apply for the Mpumalanga National Youth Service Programme 2026.
- Register an account or log in if you already have one.
- Enter your personal details, education, skills, qualifications and any work experience.
- Search for the opportunity using the correct ESSA Opportunity Reference provided in the official advert.
- Select the district and site that interest you (see list below) and submit your application before 07 October 2026 at 10:00.
- Attend the compulsory one‑day briefing on 19 October 2026 if you are shortlisted.
Distribution of posts by district
- Ehlanzeni District – 87 posts
- Bohlabela District – 87 posts
- Nkangala District – 88 posts
- Gert Sibande District – 88 posts
- Total – 350 posts
Placement sites
Ehlanzeni (87 posts)
- Malekutu Cost Centre
- Mbombela Cost Centre
- Barberton Hospital
- Rob Ferreira Hospital
- Themba Hospital
- Tonga Cost Centre
- Tonga Hospital
- Shongwe Hospital
Bohlabela (87 posts)
- Acornhoek Cost Centre
- Malamule Cost Centre
- Pilgrims Rest
- Mashishing Cost Centre
- Sabie Hospital
- Matibidi Hospital
Nkangala (88 posts)
- eMalahleni General Hospital
- Middelburg Cost Centre
- Delmas Cost Centre
- Belfast Hospital
- Machadodorp Hospital
- KwaMhlanga Cost Centre
- Siyabuswa Cost Centre
- Vaalbank Cost Centre
- Mmametlhake Hospital
Gert Sibande (88 posts)
- Elukwatini District Office
- Embhuleni Hospital
- Mayflower Cost Centre
- Carolina Hospital
- Piet Retief Hospital
- Msukaligwa District Office (Ermelo)
- Ermelo Hospital
- Amajuba Hospital (Volksrust)
- Elsie Ballot Hospital (Amsterdam)
- Lekwa District Office (Standerton)
- Standerton Hospital
- Greylingstad Cost Centre
- Evander Hospital
- Bethal Hospital
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that you have the correct qualification before you start.
- Use the exact ESSA Opportunity Reference when searching for a site.
- Complete every section of the ESSA profile – missing information can lead to rejection.
- Attend the 19 October briefing; it is mandatory and gives you a better understanding of the programme.
- If you have a technical background, consider applying for the Trade Test positions (plumbing, electrical, welding, bricklaying & plastering, carpentry). Review the specific requirements listed in the Trade Test advert.
- Visit your nearest Department of Employment and Labour Labour Centre for free assistance with the application.
Next steps
Applications open on 23 September 2026 and close on 07 October 2026 at 10:00. Act now, submit a complete application via ESSA, and prepare to attend the briefing on 19 October. This could be the first step toward a steady income and valuable trade skills.
