Are you a young South African aged 18-34 looking for your first job opportunity? The Youth Employment Service (YES) program could be your gateway to gaining valuable work experience and kickstarting your career. Launched in 2018 as a private-sector-led initiative, YES partners with leading businesses to tackle South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis by offering 12-month paid work placements. If you’re wondering how to upload your CV for YES Youth jobs, how the program works, or which retail shops participate, this guide has you covered for 2025!
In this post, we’ll walk you through the CV upload process, explain YES’s structure, and highlight key retail partners like PEP, Shoprite, and Pick n Pay. Let’s get you started on your YES Youth journey!What Is the YES Youth Program?
YES is a groundbreaking initiative that connects unemployed South African youth (aged 18-34) with 12-month quality work experiences at top companies. Backed by over 1,500 private-sector partners, YES has created over 125,000 jobs since its inception, injecting R6 billion in youth salaries into the economy. It’s not government-funded but collaborates with businesses to boost employability while offering companies B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) scorecard benefits—up to two levels up!
Participants gain:
Practical work experience.
Skills development (e.g., retail, logistics, customer service).
A CV, reference letter, and certificate upon completion.
Retail shops like PEP, Shoprite, and Pick n Pay are among the prominent YES partners, making it a great option for those interested in the retail sector.
How Does YES Youth Work?
Here’s how the YES program operates:
Businesses Sign Up: Companies commit to hiring youth for 12-month placements, funded by the business or YES implementation partners.
Youth Recruitment: You apply through YES platforms or partners, often via SAYouth.mobi, a zero-rated site.
Placement: If selected, you’re placed at a host company (e.g., a retail shop) to work and learn.
Support: Monthly surveys via the YesLife app track your progress, and you receive training to boost skills.
Post-Program: After 12 months, you may be absorbed by the host, apply elsewhere, or pursue further opportunities with your enhanced CV.
YES focuses on black youth (African, Coloured, Indian) from disadvantaged backgrounds, prioritizing those unemployed for over six months.
Eligibility Criteria for YES Youth Jobs in 2025
To apply, you must meet these basic requirements:
Age: 18-34 years old.
Citizenship: South African citizen with a valid ID.
Employment Status: Unemployed for at least six months.
Education: No specific qualification required, though 95% of participants have Matric.
Criminal Record: No serious convictions preferred.
How to Upload Your CV for YES Youth Jobs: Step-by-Step Process
Uploading your CV is simple via the SAYouth platform, which YES uses to connect youth to opportunities. Here’s how to do it in 2025:
Step 1: Register on SAYouth.mobi
Visit sayouth.mobi, a free, zero-rated platform (no data costs).
Click “Join Now” or “Sign Up.”
Enter your details: full name, ID number, contact info, and location.
Step 2: Build Your Profile
After registering, log in and create a profile.
Add your education (e.g., Grade 10 or Matric), any work experience (even informal), and skills (e.g., teamwork, communication).
Step 3: Upload Your CV
Prepare a simple CV in Word (.docx) or PDF format (under 4MB):
Personal details (name, contact info).
Education history.
Skills and any experience (e.g., volunteering, odd jobs).
From your SAYouth profile, go to “Upload CV” or “Documents.”
Select your file and click “Upload.” Ensure it’s clear and error-free.
Step 4: Search for YES Opportunities
Use the search bar to find YES jobs by typing “YES” or filtering by location (e.g., Johannesburg, Cape Town).
Look for retail-specific roles (e.g., “PEP YES Placement,” “Shoprite YES”).
Step 5: Apply
Click on a job that interests you.
Follow the prompts—some require additional questions or documents (e.g., certified ID copy).
Submit your application and wait for a response (typically within 4 weeks).
Tip: Keep your SAYouth profile updated to increase visibility to employers!
Which Shops Participate in YES Youth?
YES partners with major retail chains across South Africa, offering placements in stores nationwide. Here are key shops involved in 2025:
PEP: With over 2,500 stores, PEP hires YES youth as sales assistants, cashiers, and general workers. Placements focus on customer service and retail skills.
Shoprite Group: The highest-impact YES employer, Shoprite has created over 11,000 jobs. Roles include cashiers, packers, and retail readiness training (NQF Level 3).
Pick n Pay: Offers positions like shelf packers, cashiers, and general workers across its supermarkets and hypermarkets, emphasizing hands-on retail experience.
Other Retailers: Smaller chains or franchises (e.g., Boxer, part of Pick n Pay) may also participate, depending on regional needs.
These shops often recruit through SAYouth or their own YES-aligned progr
ams, so check both platforms.
