Youth Employment & Internships in South Africa (2025 Guide)

South Africa offers multiple employment and internship programmes to help unemployed youth gain skills, experience and a stable income. At MyInfoHub we list verified opportunities, explain how to apply and warn you about common recruitment scams. We do not collect applicant data — we link to official platforms and trusted partners.

✅ Top Youth Employment Programmes for 2025

YES Programme (Youth Employment Service)

The YES Programme offers 12-month paid work experience placements across public and private sectors for unemployed youth.

Requirements: Age 18–34, South African citizen, unemployed and not in full-time education.

Apply via YES →

SA Youth / Presidential Employment & Youth Platforms

National youth portals (like SA Youth) provide job listings, teacher assistant placements and digital pathway opportunities. These platforms often have zero-rating (no data cost) arrangements with major mobile networks.

Register on SAYouth →

EPWP — Public Works Opportunities

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) offers short-term paid community and infrastructure work that builds skills and local experience, often in environmental, tourism and social projects.

EPWP info →

🎓 Internships: Government & Private Sector

Graduate internships are offered by national departments, municipalities and large private companies. These roles bridge the gap between study and full-time employment.

  • Check government circulars for public sector internships (DPSA).
  • Private sector internships commonly appear on major job boards and company careers pages.

Official listings & resources:

📌 Required Documents for Applications

Always prepare these before you apply to save time:

  • Updated CV (PDF recommended)
  • Certified copy of ID (issued within the last 3 months)
  • Matric certificate or latest results
  • Highest qualification (if applicable)
  • Bank confirmation / proof of banking details
  • References or contactable referees (if available)

🏁 How to Apply — Practical Steps

  1. Create a clear CV tailored to the role.
  2. Register on official portals (YES, SAYouth, EPWP) and reputable job boards.
  3. Complete application forms accurately — double check contact details.
  4. Prepare for interviews: research the employer and practise common questions.
  5. Follow up politely if you don’t hear back after 2–3 weeks.

🔒 Stay Safe — Avoid Recruitment Scams

Recruitment scams are common. Red flags include:

  • Requests for payment or “registration fees”
  • Offers without interviews or formal job descriptions
  • Recruiters using free email providers (e.g., @gmail) instead of company domains
  • Pressure to provide OTPs, bank PINs or upload ID documents to unknown sites

If in doubt, verify the employer via official channels and report suspicious adverts to your local authorities or to our Grant & Scam Awareness guide.

📈 Tips While You Search

  • Apply widely but track applications in a simple spreadsheet.
  • Take short free courses (digital literacy, basic Excel, CV writing).
  • Volunteer to gain practical experience if opportunities are limited.
  • Attend local recruitment drives and university career fairs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who qualifies for YES placements?

Youth aged 18–34 who are unemployed and South African citizens qualify for YES placements. Visit the official YES website for current intake details.

Do I have to pay to apply for internships or YES?

No — legitimate internships, YES placements and EPWP jobs do not require payment. If anyone asks for money, it is a scam.

Where can I find learnerships that pay a stipend?

Learnerships are offered by SETAs and usually include a stipend. See our SETA Learnership Programs page for current opportunities.

📌 Disclaimer

MyInfoHub is an independent information site and is not affiliated with YES, EPWP, SA Youth, or any listed employers. Information is based on public resources and may change; always confirm details on official websites before applying.

Last updated: November 2025