YES Programme South Africa: Youth Employment Service Guide
The Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme is a South African government-private sector initiative that provides 12-month paid work experience placements to unemployed youth aged 18-35. Launched in 2018 by President Ramaphosa in partnership with South African business, the YES programme has created hundreds of thousands of youth employment opportunities. This guide explains what YES is, how to find a placement, what to expect, and how companies participate.
What Is the YES Programme?
YES stands for Youth Employment Service. It is a special purpose vehicle established through a partnership between the South African government and the private sector. Companies that participate in YES provide 12-month paid work experience placements to unemployed South African youth who have not previously held formal employment.
The programme is linked to South Africa's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework. Companies that host YES participants and meet the programme's requirements earn an improved B-BBEE level rating — typically moving up one or two levels on the B-BBEE scorecard. This incentive drives corporate participation.
The official YES Programme website is www.yes4youth.co.za. All placement listings, company registrations, and youth registrations are managed through this portal.
YES placements are specifically designed for youth who have never had formal work experience. If you have already had a permanent or contract job, you may still qualify depending on the company's specific YES programme requirements.
Who Is Eligible for a YES Placement?
- South African citizens aged 18 to 35
- Currently unemployed and not enrolled in any formal educational institution
- Have not previously held formal employment (first-time work experience seekers are prioritised)
- Black (African, Coloured, or Indian) South Africans are prioritised under B-BBEE requirements
- No minimum qualification is specified — YES placements are available to youth at all education levels, from matric to postgraduate
What Does a YES Placement Involve?
A YES placement is a 12-month paid work experience programme within a participating company. The youth participant works in a real role within the business, gaining practical experience, skills, and a professional track record.
The minimum monthly stipend for YES participants is tied to the National Minimum Wage, which was R28.79 per hour (R4,993 per month based on 173 hours) as of March 2025. Many companies pay above the minimum. YES participants are NOT permanent employees — the placement lasts exactly 12 months.
At the end of the 12 months, participants receive a reference letter and a record of service. Some companies absorb top-performing YES participants into permanent roles, though this is not guaranteed.
How to Find a YES Placement
- Go to www.yes4youth.co.za and click 'Youth Registration'.
- Create a profile with your personal details, education level, location, and skills.
- Browse available placement opportunities by industry, location, and company.
- Apply directly to placements that match your profile and location.
- You will be contacted by the company's YES coordinator if you are shortlisted.
- Some placements are facilitated by NYDA offices — visit your nearest NYDA branch (see www.nyda.gov.za for branch locations) to get assistance with YES registration and placement.
Industries and Types of YES Placements
YES placements exist across virtually all sectors of the South African economy. Common placement types include:
- Retail and customer service (major retailers like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Mr Price)
- Financial services and banking (Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank, Absa)
- Manufacturing and production
- IT support and digital roles
- Agriculture and agro-processing
- Healthcare and community services
- Construction and property
- Hospitality and tourism
- Media, marketing, and communications
Companies that achieve the enhanced YES target (2x the standard number of participants, or participants absorbed into permanent employment at 100% of the standard target) can improve their B-BBEE level by two levels — a significant incentive for businesses that supply to government or large corporates.
How Companies Participate in YES
Any company with a valid B-BBEE certificate can apply to become a YES employer. Participating companies commit to hosting a minimum number of YES participants for 12 months and paying them at least the National Minimum Wage.
In return, companies earn B-BBEE scorecard benefits: a company can improve its B-BBEE level by one level by meeting the standard YES target, or by two levels by meeting an enhanced target (hiring 1.5 times the standard number of participants or employing participants from specific target groups).
To register as a YES employer, companies apply at www.yes4youth.co.za under 'Business Registration'. The YES team provides support, training, and verification services.
YES Programme Contact and Support
- Website: www.yes4youth.co.za
- Email: info@yes4youth.co.za
- For youth support, also contact your nearest NYDA office: www.nyda.gov.za