GIBS Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026
Kickstart Your Career: GIBS Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026
If you’re a motivated young South African graduate looking for hands-on work experience that can launch your career, the GIBS YES Programme is a golden opportunity. The programme is part of the national youth employment drive and offers one-year full-time contracts starting in January 2026.
Why this programme matters
South Africa faces serious youth unemployment: a large proportion of young people aged 15-34 remain unemployed. The GIBS programme aims to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and real-world workplace experience — giving you the skills, networks and confidence to succeed.
📋 Programme Overview
- Duration: 12 months (January 2026 – January 2027)
- Employment type: Fixed-term contract
- Location: Gauteng Province, South Africa
- Target group: Unemployed graduates who meet eligibility criteria
✅ What you’ll gain
- Hands-on, professional workplace experience — not just an internship but a real job for a year.
- Work alongside experienced business professionals, gaining mentorship and industry exposure.
- A valuable entry point into the employment market — boosting your resume and career prospects.
- Earn while you learn: You are part of a paid contract rather than just volunteering.
🎯 Who can apply & eligibility
To apply you must meet key requirements:
- Be a South African citizen (by birth or naturalisation) and residing in Gauteng.
- Be unemployed at time of application.
- Be aged 18-35 (i.e., you should not turn 35 before 31 December 2025).
- Hold a university degree or equivalent (NQF 7) — preference to quantitative skills.
- Have good English communication (written and verbal).
- Be willing to commit full-time (40 hours/week) including some after-hours or weekend shifts.
🧭 How to Apply
Prepare the following before you apply:
- A detailed CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copies of your qualification(s)
- A short motivational statement: Why this programme, why you?
Applications are via the GIBS website or dedicated portal. Do not delay — closing date listed as 15 November 2025 on some sources.
📌 Related High-Demand Career Guides
If you’re exploring more career guidance and high-demand sectors in South Africa, check out these guides too:
- Top 10 High-Demand Skills in Renewable Energy
- Top 10 High-Demand Skills in Information Technology
- Top 10 High-Demand Skills in Healthcare
- Top 10 High-Demand Skills in Agriculture
- Top 10 High-Demand Skills in Construction & Engineering
- Top 10 High-Demand Skills in Education
- Top 10 High-Demand Skills in Financial Services
- Top 10 High-Demand Skills in Logistics & Transport
- Top 10 High-Demand Skills in Manufacturing
- Top 10 High-Demand Skills in Tourism & Hospitality
🧠 Final Thoughts
The GIBS YES Programme is more than just a job — it’s a launchpad for your career. If you’re ready to build your future, gain real experience, and work alongside professionals in a respected business institution, this opportunity is for you. Take action, prepare your documents, and apply early.
Your next big step starts here.
