Woolworths YES4Youth
Woolworths YES4Youth Learnership 2026: R5 241 Monthly Stipend
Role Overview
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.
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.
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
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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Certified copy of your South African ID
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
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)
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.
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.
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.
YES4Youth placements pay R5 241 per month, the standard YES programme stipend, for the 12-month duration.
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.
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.
Make sure your application stands out with these free tools:
Key Responsibilities
As a learner, your responsibilities will include attending all scheduled theoretical training sessions and completing coursework on time, and applying learned concepts in the workplace under mentor guidance. You will maintain a portfolio of evidence documenting your practical experience and competencies, while meeting all assessment requirements set by the relevant SETA and adhering to workplace policies.
Entry Requirements
• 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)
• RELATED: WeThinkCode_ Coding Learnership 2026: Free Training + Stipend
Listing Source
This opportunity was sourced from Nasi-Ispani. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.
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)
About Woolworths YES4Youth
This learnership is offered by Woolworths YES4Youth, based in Nationwide.
Why This Is Good for Starters
Learnerships are a uniquely South African opportunity that combines earning with learning. Registered with the relevant SETA, this Woolworths YES4Youth learnership leads to a nationally recognised qualification (NQF-aligned) while you gain practical workplace skills. You will receive a monthly stipend during the programme, making it possible to support yourself while building your career. Learnerships also count towards the company's B-BBEE scorecard, meaning employers are genuinely invested in your development.
CV Tips for This Application
- Emphasise your willingness to learn and commitment to completing the full programme
- List your highest qualification clearly — matric results matter for learnerships
- Mention any previous training, short courses, or certificates you have completed
- Include a brief motivation letter explaining why this learnership aligns with your career goals
- If you have a driver's licence, include it — many learnerships require travel between sites
Application Checklist
- Read the full job description carefully before applying
- Prepare an updated CV tailored to this specific role
- Gather all required documents mentioned in the listing
- Write a brief cover letter explaining why you are a good fit
- Apply as soon as possible — positions may close without notice
- Double-check your contact details are correct on your CV
- Follow up after 2 weeks if you have not heard back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with matric only?
Check the requirements section above for education requirements.
Do I need experience?
Some experience may be required. Check the requirements section for details.
Can I apply if I live in another province?
Most opportunities accept applications from candidates across South Africa. Check the requirements for any location-specific criteria.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting your application, the employer will review it. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview. Response times vary by employer.
Is this learnership paid?
Yes, this opportunity offers: R
When is the closing date and what if I miss it?
No closing date specified. Apply as soon as possible as positions may fill quickly.
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Ready to Apply?
Submit your application directly on Woolworths YES4Youth's careers portal.
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