Woolworths is opening the door to paid retail work experience for unemployed young South Africans through its YES4Youth Learnership 2026. If you are between 18 and 29, have at least a Grade 10 (Grade 12 for some roles) and are currently sitting at home without a job, this 12-month programme pays a monthly stipend of R5 241 while you earn a recognised qualification and real workplace skills. Intakes open throughout the year on the Woolworths careers portal, so create your profile and apply as soon as a new window opens.
About the Programme
Woolworths is one of South Africa’s most respected retailers, employing tens of thousands of people across its food and clothing stores nationwide. Through the national Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, Woolworths offers the YES4Youth Learnership to give first-time work seekers a genuine foot in the door. The programme combines structured training with hands-on experience in a live retail environment, helping young people build confidence, earn an income and gain the kind of CV experience that employers value. For thousands of young South Africans, a YES placement at a trusted brand like Woolworths is the bridge between leaving school and securing permanent employment.
What You Will Learn
- Customer service and retail floor operations
- Point-of-sale, stock handling and merchandising skills
- Teamwork, communication and workplace professionalism
- A retail-aligned learnership qualification on completion
- A workplace experience certificate recognised across the YES network
- A monthly stipend of R5 241 for the duration of the 12-month placement
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- South African citizens with a valid ID
- Typically aged between 18 and 29 years
- A minimum of Grade 10, with Grade 12 required for certain roles
- Currently unemployed and not studying full-time
- No tertiary qualification or previous work experience needed
- Willing to complete online assessments, interviews and a medical check (requirements vary by role)
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Required Documents
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- An up-to-date CV
- Your matric certificate or latest school results
- Certified copies of any further qualifications you hold
- Proof of residential address and any extra documents confirmed during the application process
How to Apply
- Register on the official YES4Youth platform (yes4youth.co.za) or the Woolworths careers portal and create a candidate profile.
- Upload your CV, certified ID and matric certificate or qualifications.
- Search for the YES4Youth Learnership or youth opportunities and select a role in your province.
- Complete the online application form and any cognitive or situational assessments.
- Submit your application and watch your email and phone for interview and assessment invitations.
Apply via the Youth Employment Service (YES)
Closing Date
The Woolworths YES4Youth Learnership 2026 does not have a single fixed closing date. Intakes open periodically on the careers portal and close as soon as the available places are filled. Apply the moment a window opens – late applications cannot be accepted once an intake closes.
Why It Matters
More than half of young South Africans are unemployed, and the biggest hurdle most face is the cruel catch-22 of needing experience to get a job but needing a job to get experience. The YES4Youth Learnership breaks that cycle. A 12-month placement at Woolworths gives you a verified year of work experience, a recognised qualification, an income and a professional reference, all of which dramatically improve your chances of being hired permanently, whether at Woolworths or elsewhere. Research from the YES programme shows that young people who complete a placement are far more likely to find ongoing employment afterwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need matric to apply?
A minimum of Grade 10 is accepted for many roles, but some positions require a full Grade 12 certificate. Check the requirements of the specific role you apply for.
How much is the stipend?
YES4Youth placements pay R5 241 per month, the standard YES programme stipend, for the 12-month duration.
Is the learnership available in all provinces?
Woolworths recruits across its national store network, so opportunities appear in multiple provinces. Availability depends on which intakes are open at the time you apply.
Will I get a permanent job afterwards?
A permanent job is not guaranteed, but the qualification, experience and reference you gain make you a far stronger candidate for permanent roles at Woolworths and other employers.
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