Country Bird Holdings (CBH), through its Supreme Poultry business unit, invites interested and suitably qualified young South Africans to apply for eight YES4Youth Programme opportunities across its hatcheries and breeder farms in the North West and Free State provinces. These opportunities are designed to provide unemployed youth with valuable practical work experience in the agricultural and poultry production sector.
A total of 80 positions are available across eight locations, with 10 positions advertised for each site. Successful candidates will participate in a 12-month work experience placement scheduled to commence on 1 November 2026.
The programme offers young people an opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to poultry farming, hatchery operations, egg handling, chick production, farm hygiene, equipment use and biosecurity procedures. Participants will work alongside experienced employees while developing practical skills that may support future employment opportunities in agriculture and related industries.
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
Available YES4Youth Programme Positions
The following opportunities are available under Supreme Poultry, within the Agriculture division of Country Bird Holdings.
1. YES4Youth Programme – Ramatlabama Hatchery
- Reference Number: CBH261009-6
- Location: Ramatlabama, North West
- Number of Positions: 10
- Job Category: Agriculture
- Contract Duration: 12 months
- Programme Start Date: 1 November 2026
- Closing Date: 12 October 2026
Successful candidates will gain practical experience in hatchery operations, including egg setting, egg transfer, hatching, chick handling and poultry care. Duties will also include cleaning, hygiene, monitoring poultry and following strict biosecurity procedures.
2. YES4Youth Programme – Lichtenburg Hatchery
- Reference Number: CBH261009-5
- Location: Lichtenburg, North West
- Number of Positions: 10
- Job Category: Agriculture
- Contract Duration: 12 months
- Programme Start Date: 1 November 2026
- Closing Date: 12 October 2026
Participants will receive hands-on training in hatchery activities, including egg handling, chick production, poultry care, cleaning and sanitation. The role requires candidates who are comfortable working directly with chickens in a practical agricultural environment.
3. YES4Youth Programme – Belgie Hatchery
- Reference Number: CBH261009-4
- Location: Belgie, Bloemfontein, Free State
- Number of Positions: 10
- Job Category: Agriculture
- Contract Duration: 12 months
- Programme Start Date: 1 November 2026
- Closing Date: 12 October 2026
This opportunity provides exposure to daily hatchery operations and the production of day-old chicks. Participants will assist with poultry handling, egg quality, equipment use, cleaning, hygiene and compliance with health and safety requirements.
4. YES4Youth Programme – Kelly’s View Breeders
- Reference Number: CBH261009-3
- Location: Kelly’s View, Free State
- Number of Positions: 10
- Job Category: Agriculture
- Contract Duration: 12 months
- Programme Start Date: 1 November 2026
- Closing Date: 12 October 2026
Selected participants will gain practical experience on a breeder farm, assisting with poultry care, egg collection, egg handling, quality monitoring, cleaning and general farm duties. The placement will provide insight into the daily activities involved in managing poultry breeders.
5. YES4Youth Programme – Belgie Breeders
- Reference Number: CBH261009-2
- Location: Belgie, Bloemfontein, Free State
- Number of Positions: 10
- Job Category: Agriculture
- Contract Duration: 12 months
- Programme Start Date: 1 November 2026
- Closing Date: 12 October 2026
The placement focuses on breeder farm operations, poultry handling, egg collection, egg quality, sanitation and equipment use. Participants will learn from experienced farm employees while following established hygiene, health and safety procedures.
6. YES4Youth Programme – Boschpoort Breeders
- Reference Number: CBH261009-1
- Location: Boschpoort, North West
- Number of Positions: 10
- Job Category: Agriculture
- Contract Duration: 12 months
- Programme Start Date: 1 November 2026
- Closing Date: 12 October 2026
Participants will be introduced to breeder farm operations and gain experience in poultry care, egg collection, farm hygiene, cleaning and the use of agricultural equipment. The role requires a willingness to work in a hands-on environment and comply with biosecurity requirements.
7. YES4Youth Programme – Ramatlabama Breeders
- Reference Number: CBH261008-1
- Location: Ramatlabama, North West
- Number of Positions: 10
- Job Category: Agriculture
- Contract Duration: 12 months
- Programme Start Date: 1 November 2026
- Closing Date: 12 October 2026
Successful candidates will gain practical experience in breeder farm activities, including poultry care, egg collection and handling, quality monitoring, cleaning and general farm operations. Teamwork and compliance with strict hygiene and biosecurity procedures will be essential.
8. YES4Youth Programme – Additional Hatchery and Breeder Farm Opportunities
Applicants should select the specific vacancy that matches their preferred work location and operational area from the positions listed above. Each advertised position has its own reference number, so candidates should ensure that the correct vacancy is selected when submitting an application.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the Country Bird Holdings YES4Youth Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Matric certificate or Grade 12 qualification.
- A tertiary qualification will be an advantage.
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be between 18 and 28 years old.
- Must currently be unemployed.
- Must not have participated in a YES4Youth programme previously.
- Must be willing to commit to the full 12-month work experience placement.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. Applicants should provide accurate information and ensure that the details submitted with their applications are correct.
Duties and Responsibilities
The programme provides practical exposure to poultry farming and hatchery operations. Depending on the selected placement, responsibilities and learning activities may include:
- Assisting with the daily care, handling and monitoring of chickens.
- Learning about hatchery operations and the production of day-old chicks.
- Gaining exposure to egg setting, transfer, hatching and chick handling at hatchery sites.
- Assisting with egg collection, handling and quality checks at breeder farms.
- Carrying out cleaning, sanitation and general farm or hatchery duties.
- Learning how equipment is used in poultry production.
- Following strict biosecurity, health and safety procedures.
- Working with experienced employees and contributing to team activities.
- Maintaining hygiene standards and complying with operational instructions.
Candidates should understand that these are practical agricultural placements rather than office-based positions. Employees will be around chickens regularly and must be comfortable handling poultry and working in a farm or hatchery environment.
Biosecurity procedures include showering in and out of facilities multiple times a day, as required by the company. These measures help maintain hygiene and protect poultry health.
Medical Examination Requirements
Shortlisted candidates must pass an entry medical examination and test negative for salmonella to be eligible for final selection.
Applicants should be prepared to comply with the employer’s medical screening and workplace health requirements before placement.
How to Apply
Interested and suitably qualified candidates should apply online through the relevant Country Bird Holdings recruitment link provided under their preferred vacancy.
Applicants should follow the instructions on the recruitment platform, complete the required application information and submit the necessary supporting documents. It is important to select the correct job title and reference number to ensure that the application corresponds to the intended position.
Candidates are encouraged to apply for a location that suits their circumstances, particularly because the advertised roles involve hands-on work at specific hatcheries and breeder farms.
Closing Date
Applications close on 12 October 2026.
The programme is scheduled to commence on 1 November 2026 and will run for 12 months.
Young South Africans who meet the eligibility requirements and are interested in developing practical skills in poultry production are encouraged to apply before the deadline. These placements offer an opportunity to gain workplace experience, learn from experienced agricultural employees and develop skills relevant to the poultry industry.
Important: Each vacancy has a separate reference number and recruitment link. Use the correct link for the position and location of interest. Final selection is subject to the employer’s requirements, including the medical examination and negative salmonella test.