Solareff invites unemployed South African youth to apply for the Youth Employment Service (YES) Learnership Programme 2026. Young South Africans seeking workplace experience now have an opportunity to apply for multiple YES Learnership positions available in Gauteng and Cape Town. The programme offers successful candidates the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience while working in a professional environment.
The Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative is a Presidency-led programme aimed at addressing youth unemployment and supporting Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) transformation objectives. Through the programme, eligible young people are placed in workplaces where they can develop practical skills, gain industry exposure, and improve their future employment prospects.
Solareff is offering 12-month fixed-term YES opportunities across various departments, including Finance and Construction. Participants will gain hands-on experience in administration, operational support, warehousing, document management, and technical functions while working alongside experienced professionals.
The programme provides an excellent opportunity for unemployed youth to develop workplace skills, build professional experience, and strengthen their CVs. Applications close on 03 June 2026.
Overview of the Available Opportunities
YES Learnership – Construction Department
Reference Number: SOL260529-2
Department: Construction
Location: Cape Town
Province: Gauteng
Job Type: Fixed-Term Position (12 Months)
Number of Positions: 1
Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 / National Certificate
Job Category: Construction
YES Learnership – Finance Department
Reference Number: SOL260529-1
Department: Finance
Location: Roodepoort
Province: Gauteng
Job Type: Fixed-Term Position (12 Months)
Number of Positions: 14
Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 / National Certificate
Job Category: Administrative
The opportunities provide participants with practical exposure to various workplace functions while working alongside experienced professionals.
About the YES Programme
The Youth Employment Service (YES) programme was introduced to create work opportunities for unemployed South African youth. Many young people struggle to secure employment because employers often require previous work experience. The YES initiative helps bridge this gap by providing structured workplace exposure.
Participants receive practical work experience within real business environments, allowing them to understand workplace expectations, build professional networks, and develop valuable skills that can strengthen future job applications.
It is important to note that these positions are not traditional internships, apprenticeships, or formal learnerships that result in a qualification or certificate. Instead, the focus is on workplace experience and professional development.
Successful candidates may gain exposure to:
- Administrative functions
- Operational support activities
- Warehousing processes
- Technical support functions
- Data management
- Office coordination
- Inventory administration
- Business communication
- Workplace systems and procedures
The experience gained can help participants become more competitive in the labour market after completing the programme.
Minimum Requirements
Candidates interested in applying must meet all eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Educational Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent qualification
A post-matric certificate, course, or programme will be considered advantageous but is not mandatory.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the programme, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be between 18 and 34 years old
- Have strong mathematical abilities
- Demonstrate attention to detail
- Be able to work effectively within a team environment
- Possess computer literacy skills
- Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Teams
In addition, applicants must satisfy the YES programme requirements, which include:
- Not having been permanently employed by a single employer for more than one year
- Not studying full-time during the employment period
- Not having previously participated in the YES programme
- Not being registered on the YES initiative before
Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in an application being disqualified.
Duties and Responsibilities
Selected candidates will support various departmental functions depending on placement requirements and operational needs.
Administrative Support
Participants will assist with administrative and office-related activities, helping departments maintain efficient daily operations.
Responsibilities may include:
- Preparing documents
- Updating records
- Filing information
- Managing correspondence
- Supporting office administration processes
Data Capturing and Record Keeping
Accurate information management is essential in modern business environments. Successful candidates may assist with:
- Capturing information into company systems
- Updating databases
- Maintaining records
- Verifying information accuracy
- Organising departmental documents
Attention to detail will play a crucial role in ensuring information remains accurate and up to date.
Document Management
Participants will support document control processes by:
- Organising files
- Maintaining filing systems
- Archiving documents
- Retrieving records when required
- Ensuring information is properly stored
This experience can help develop organisational and administrative skills valued across many industries.
Team Support
Candidates will work closely with supervisors and colleagues to support daily departmental activities.
Tasks may include:
- Assisting team members
- Supporting departmental projects
- Helping coordinate activities
- Providing operational assistance
- Completing assigned duties within agreed timelines
The programme encourages teamwork and collaboration, helping participants gain experience working in professional environments.
Stakeholder Support
Participants may interact with:
- Customers
- Suppliers
- Internal departments
- Service providers
- Business partners
Responsibilities may involve responding to enquiries, providing information, and directing requests to the appropriate personnel.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills will therefore be beneficial.
Meetings and Training Activities
Throughout the programme, participants will have opportunities to attend:
- Team meetings
- Workplace training sessions
- Development workshops
- Departmental briefings
- Learning and mentorship activities
Exposure to these activities can help candidates understand professional workplace expectations and business operations.
Compliance and Safety
Participants will be expected to follow all company policies and procedures.
This includes:
- Adhering to workplace regulations
- Following health and safety requirements
- Maintaining professional conduct
- Protecting company information
- Complying with operational standards
Understanding workplace compliance is an important skill that can benefit candidates throughout their careers.
Reporting and Documentation
Candidates may assist with:
- Preparing reports
- Compiling schedules
- Updating departmental records
- Organising documentation
- Supporting reporting processes
This exposure provides valuable experience in business administration and office management.
Inventory and Resource Management
Depending on departmental placement, participants may also assist with:
- Stock management
- Asset tracking
- Inventory monitoring
- Resource allocation support
- Warehouse administration activities
These responsibilities provide insight into operational and logistical functions within a business environment.
Professional Development
One of the key benefits of the programme is the opportunity to develop workplace skills through practical experience and mentorship.
Participants will have the chance to strengthen:
- Communication skills
- Teamwork abilities
- Time management
- Problem-solving skills
- Organisational skills
- Administrative competencies
- Computer skills
- Professional conduct
These skills are highly valued by employers across multiple industries.
Why Consider Applying?
Many entry-level job opportunities require previous experience, creating challenges for young job seekers. Programmes such as YES help candidates gain practical workplace exposure that can improve employability.
Benefits of participating may include:
- Real workplace experience
- Exposure to professional environments
- Development of administrative skills
- Improved computer literacy
- Enhanced communication abilities
- Networking opportunities
- Mentorship and guidance
- Increased confidence in the workplace
- Better future employment prospects
For unemployed youth looking to build experience and strengthen their CVs, this opportunity may serve as an important stepping stone toward future career growth.
Application Closing Date
Closing Date: 03 June 2026
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date. Late applications may not be considered.
Only applicants who meet all minimum requirements should apply. Supporting documentation should be prepared and submitted according to the employer’s application instructions.
The Solareff YES Learnership Programme presents an opportunity for young South Africans to gain valuable workplace experience while developing practical skills that can support future career opportunities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements should submit their applications before the closing date of 03 June 2026. Applicants are encouraged to prepare an updated CV, certified copies of qualifications, and any other supporting documents that may be required during the application process.
Interested candidates can apply through the official Solareff careers portal. Only applications submitted through the prescribed application process will be considered. Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete, as incomplete or late applications may not be considered.