Eskom Youth Development & Job Opportunities 2026
Eskom has launched several significant youth development initiatives for 2026, ranging from technical learnerships to professional graduate programs. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the current opportunities.
1. National Transmission Company (NTCSA) Intake 2026
This is one of the largest skills-development drives for 2026, with 174 structured training opportunities.
| Program Type | Target Group | Key Fields | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer in Training (EIT) | University Graduates | Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Industrial, Mechatronics, Computer Science | 24 Months |
| Graduate in Training (GIT) | University Graduates | Law, Commerce, Finance, HR, Social Work, Environmental Science | 24 Months |
| Technician in Training | S4/Diploma Holders | Heavy Current, Telecommunications, Civil, Surveying | 12 Months |
| Learner Artisan | Matriculants/N3 | Electricians, Fitters, Boilermakers | 3 Years |
| Non-Technical Learners | Diploma Holders | IT, Logistics, Supply Chain, Admin | 12 Months |
2. Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026
The YES initiative is a partnership with the Presidency to provide first-time work experience.
- Target: Unemployed youth aged 18–34.
- Minimum Requirements: Grade 12 (Matric) or N3 Electrical Engineering.
- Focus Areas: Customer Services, Administration, and Office Support.
- Location: Primarily KwaZulu-Natal (Westville & Mkondeni) and Gauteng (Megawatt Park), though national placements occur.
3. Specialized Learnerships & Internships
- Hospitality Learnership: A 24-month fixed-term contract based in Midrand at the Eskom Academy of Learning. Requires a National Diploma in Catering or Hospitality.
- Learner Diplomat: An internship for Supply Chain Management graduates (National Diploma required), based in the Cape Coastal Cluster (Brackenfell/East London).
4. Eskom Bursary Programme 2026
Eskom awarded over 200 bursaries for the 2026 financial year to students entering public universities.
- Fields: Engineering (all disciplines), Computer Science, and IT.
- Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and a monthly stipend.
- Selection: High performance in English (Level 4), Mathematics (Level 5), and Physical Science (Level 5).
5. General Application Requirements
To qualify for most Eskom youth programs, you generally must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be aged between 18 and 34.
- Have not been permanently employed for more than 12 months.
- Not be currently registered for full-time studies (except for bursaries).
How to Apply
- Official Portal: All applications must be submitted via the Eskom Careers Website.
- Search Tips: Use keywords like “Learnership 2026”, “Graduate”, or specific reference numbers found on the portal.
- Documents Required: – Certified ID copy.
- Certified Matric Certificate/latest academic results.
- Updated CV.
- Proof of qualification/University acceptance letter.
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The Benefits of joining ESKOM Youth Development Learnerships and Job’s Opportunities for 2026
Joining an Eskom Youth Development program in 2026 is a significant career move for young South Africans. As the country’s primary energy provider, Eskom offers a structured environment that bridges the gap between academic theory and the fast-paced energy industry.
Key Benefits of Eskom Youth Programs
Participating in these programs—whether through the YES (Youth Employment Service) initiative, Learnerships, or Bursaries—provides several strategic advantages:
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Accredited Qualifications: Most learnerships are registered with SETAs or the QCTO, meaning you earn a nationally recognized qualification while you work.
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Monthly Stipend: Participants receive a market-related monthly stipend to cover living costs, making the programs accessible to unemployed youth.
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Practical Workplace Exposure: You gain hands-on experience in high-demand fields like Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil), IT, Finance, and Hospitality.
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Mentorship: You are paired with experienced industry professionals who provide guidance, helping you develop both technical and “soft” skills (like leadership and problem-solving).
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Enhanced Employability: While permanent employment at Eskom isn’t guaranteed, having “Eskom” on your CV is highly regarded by private engineering and energy firms across South Africa.
Available Opportunities for 2026
Eskom typically releases various opportunities throughout the year. For 2026, the following pathways are prominent:
1. Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme
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Duration: 12-month fixed-term contract.
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Focus: Aimed at giving “first-time” work experience to unemployed youth.
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Target: Grade 12 (Matric) holders and graduates.
2. Technical & Non-Technical Learnerships
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Fields: Electrical Engineering, Maintenance, Contact Centre Operations, and even Hospitality (at the Eskom Academy of Learning).
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Outcome: These often lead to trade tests (for artisans) or specialized diplomas.
3. Eskom Bursary Programme
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Recent Update: In February 2026, Eskom awarded 200 bursaries to students in engineering and science to build a pipeline for the “Just Energy Transition.”
General Application Requirements
While specific roles vary, the baseline criteria usually include:
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South African Citizenship: Must have a valid SA ID.
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Age: 18 to 34 years old.
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Education: Minimum Grade 12 (Matric) for YES; National Diplomas (NQF 6) or N3–N6 for specialized learnerships.
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Employment Status: Must be currently unemployed and not studying full-time.
How to Apply for 2026 Vacancies
All official applications must go through the Eskom Careers Portal. Avoid third-party sites that ask for payment; Eskom will never charge you to apply for a job.
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Visit the Eskom Recruitment Website.
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Create a profile and upload certified copies of your ID and qualifications.
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Search for keywords like “Learner,” “YES,” or “Intern.”
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Submit before the specific closing date (many 2026 programs have deadlines in January/February).
Note: Eskom does not charge any application fees. Be wary of recruitment scams on social media asking for payment.
