Complete Guide to Applying for the YES Programme

You’ve got your matric, maybe even a diploma or a degree. You send out CV after CV, but you keep hearing the same thing: “We’re looking for someone with experience.” It’s the most frustrating puzzle in Mzansi: how do you get experience if no one will give you a job to get that experience in the first place?

Enter the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme.

YES is not a loan or a grant. It’s something far more powerful for your long-term career: a bridge. It’s a partnership between the South African government and thousands of private companies designed to tackle this exact problem by giving unemployed youth their first-ever quality work experience.

Think of it as a 12-month “internship on steroids” that gives you a real job, a real salary, and a real chance to prove yourself. Here’s how you can get on board.

First, What Exactly is the YES Programme?

Let’s get this clear: YES is not a government department that hires you. YES is a connector. They connect young, unemployed people (like you) with companies that have committed to creating new, one-year job positions.

Here’s how it works:

1. Companies Sign Up: Businesses across South Africa (from big banks to small factories) join the YES Programme.
2. They Create New Jobs: These companies create 12-month job placements specifically for unemployed youth.
3. You Get Placed: YES helps these companies find suitable candidates through its database. If you’re a match, you get offered a one-year contract.
4. You Get Paid and Trained: During the 12 months, you receive a monthly stipend (salary) from the company, you gain invaluable on-the-job skills, and you often get access to training modules on the YES mobile app.

At the end of the 12 months, you walk away with a powerful CV, a reference letter, and a year of “Quality Work Experience” (QWE) under your belt, making you far more employable. Many YES youth are even offered permanent positions by their host companies.

The Eligibility Checklist: Are You a YES Candidate?

Before you rush to apply, make sure you meet the specific criteria. The programme is designed for a particular group of young South Africans.

You must be:

• Between 18 and 34 years old.
• A South African citizen.
• Black, Coloured, or Indian (as per the B-BBEE codes that drive the programme).
• Currently unemployed and not in full-time education.
• Not have previously participated in a YES programme with another company.

Your level of education doesn’t matter as much as you think. Whether you have a matric certificate, a TVET college diploma, or a university degree, there are opportunities available across different sectors.

How to Apply: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Registered

Applying for YES happens online. You need to create a digital profile that companies can see. Think of it as your online CV.

Step 1: Go to the Official YES Website

Your journey starts at the official registration portal. Do not use fake sites or pay anyone to register you.

• The official website is: https://www.yes4youth.co.za/
• Look for a button that says “Register as Youth” or “Find a work experience”.

Step 2: Create Your Profile

This is the most important step. You will be asked to fill in your personal information. Be accurate and have the following details ready:

• Your full name and South African ID number.
• Your contact details (a reliable cell phone number and an email address that you check regularly).
• Your physical address.
• Your education history (highest grade passed, any tertiary qualifications).
• Your skills (even things like computer literacy, languages spoken, or a driver’s license).

Step 3: Make Your Profile Shine

Your profile is your first impression. A lazy, incomplete profile will be ignored.

• Use a Professional Email Address: coolguy27@… doesn’t look as good as firstname.lastname@….
• Double-Check for Typos: Read through everything you’ve written. Spelling and grammar mistakes look unprofessional.
• Be Honest: Do not lie about your qualifications or skills.
• Upload a CV: If you have a CV, upload it. Make sure it’s neat, up-to-date, and easy to read.

Step 4: The Waiting and Matching Game

This is where you need to be patient. After you register, you don’t apply for specific jobs. Instead, companies search the YES database for candidates that match their needs.

• How Matching Works: A company in your area might be looking for someone with a matric and an interest in administration. The YES system will then show them profiles of registered youth who fit that description.
• The Contact: If a company is interested in you, they will contact you directly (usually via email or phone) to set up an interview.

This means you might not hear anything for weeks or even months. It all depends on what jobs become available in your area and whether your profile is a good match.

Step 5: Download and Use the YES App

YES has a mobile app that is a crucial tool. Download it onto your phone. You can use the app to:

• Keep your profile updated.
• Access free work-readiness modules (e.g., how to prepare for an interview, financial literacy).
• Receive notifications about potential opportunities.

Pro-Tips for Increasing Your Chances

• Keep Your Details Updated: Did you move? Get a new phone number? Complete a short online course? Go back and update your profile immediately.
• Check Your Emails and Phone Daily: Opportunities can come at any time. Don’t miss an interview invitation because you didn’t check your inbox.
• Be Patient but Proactive: While you wait, keep improving yourself. Do free online courses, volunteer in your community—add these to your profile to show you are motivated.
• Prepare for an Interview: When a company calls, be ready! Research the company, think about your strengths, and practice answering common interview questions.

The YES Programme is a game-changer. It’s your chance to break the “no experience” cycle and step onto the first rung of the career ladder. It takes patience, but the reward—a year of paid experience and a much brighter future—is worth it.

Don’t wait. Register your profile today and open the door to your first real job opportunity. Visit the official YES registration page: https://www.yes4youth.co.za/for-youth/