Eskom Youth Employment Service Learnership Programme

Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme – Eastern Cape

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Reference Number: eskom_003169
Application Deadline: 17 February 2026
Location: Eastern Cape
Industry: Electricity, Energy & Water Supply
Job Category: Administrative Support and Secretarial
Contract Type: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Remuneration: Market-related
Employment Equity Position: No
Position/Task Grade: YY1
Department: Retail

Programme Overview

This opportunity forms part of the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative and offers qualifying candidates 12 months of workplace experience within Eskom Operations across various divisions, subject to a successful recruitment process.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Not have been permanently employed by a single employer for longer than one continuous year.

• Not be enrolled in full-time studies during the year of employment.

• Not have previously participated in or registered for the YES initiative.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be a South African citizen.

• Be between the ages of 18 and 34.

• Have a Grade 12 certificate (or equivalent) and/or a post-matric qualification or programme.

Key Attributes

• Demonstrate integrity and professionalism.

• Be customer-focused.

If you have not received feedback within 28 days after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Eskom is committed to promoting equality, employment equity, and diversity. In line with its Employment Equity Plan and targets, preference may be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups. Eskom reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised position. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Eskom maintains a smoke-free working environment for employees and visitors.

Eskom: Powering South Africa’s Economy

Eskom is South Africa’s primary electricity supplier and one of the largest state-owned utilities on the African continent. Established in 1923 as the Electricity Supply Commission, Eskom has played a central role in powering the country’s industrial growth, infrastructure development, and economic expansion for over a century.

A Backbone of the Economy

Electricity is the foundation of modern economies, and Eskom generates, transmits, and distributes the majority of South Africa’s power. Its operations support key sectors such as mining, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and telecommunications. Without reliable electricity supply, economic productivity and service delivery would be severely impacted.

Eskom operates a diverse fleet of power stations, including:

• Coal-fired power stations (the backbone of current generation capacity)

• Hydroelectric schemes

• Nuclear power generation

• Open-cycle gas turbines

• Growing renewable energy integration

One of its most notable assets is the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, Africa’s only commercial nuclear power plant, which provides low-carbon baseload electricity to the national grid.

Structure and Operations

Eskom’s operations are structured around three core divisions:

1. Generation – Producing electricity from various energy sources.

2. Transmission – Managing and maintaining the national grid to move electricity across provinces.

3. Distribution – Delivering electricity directly to customers in certain areas.

The utility supplies power to millions of households, businesses, municipalities, and large industrial users.

Challenges and Transformation

In recent years, Eskom has faced significant operational and financial challenges. Aging infrastructure, maintenance backlogs, financial constraints, and governance issues have contributed to electricity supply shortages, commonly known as load shedding.

To address these challenges, Eskom and the South African government have initiated several reforms, including:

• Unbundling Eskom into separate Generation, Transmission, and Distribution entities

• Investing in maintenance and plant recovery programmes

• Supporting private sector participation in renewable energy

• Strengthening governance and financial sustainability measures

These reforms aim to create a more efficient, competitive, and sustainable electricity market.

Role in the Energy Transition

Globally, energy systems are shifting toward cleaner and more sustainable sources. Eskom plays a critical role in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, balancing energy security with environmental responsibility.

The utility is working toward:

• Reducing carbon emissions

• Expanding renewable energy integration

• Repurposing old coal stations

• Supporting skills development in new energy technologies

As South Africa navigates its energy future, Eskom’s transformation will be essential to achieving long-term stability and sustainability.

Commitment to Service and Development

Beyond electricity generation, Eskom contributes to socio-economic development through youth employment initiatives, technical training programmes, infrastructure investment, and supplier development.

Despite its challenges, Eskom remains a strategic national asset and a cornerstone of South Africa’s development. Its success is closely tied to the country’s economic recovery, industrial competitiveness, and overall quality of life.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE YES PROGRAMME