Young South Africans looking for their first job opportunity in retail now have a great chance to gain valuable work experience through the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme offered by The Foschini Group (TFG).
TFG is currently recruiting TFG YES Youth Opportunities across multiple provinces, including Mpumalanga, Free State, Western Cape, North West, and Northern Cape. These opportunities are designed to help unemployed youth enter the job market and gain 12 months of real working experience in the retail industry.
If you are between 18 and 28 years old and looking to build your career, this could be the perfect starting point.
In this guide, we will explain:
- What the TFG YES Youth Programme is
- Estimated salaries/stipends
- Requirements and eligibility
- Available locations
- Benefits of joining the programme
- Step-by-step application tips
If you want to launch your career in retail, keep reading.
What is the TFG YES Youth Opportunity?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) programme is a national initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment in South Africa by giving young people their first work experience.
Through this programme, companies like **The Foschini Group provide young people with 12-month fixed-term work placements where they can gain real workplace skills.
During the programme, participants typically work in retail stores, helping with:
- Customer service
- Merchandising
- Stock control
- Sales support
- Store operations
The experience gained during the programme can significantly improve your chances of finding permanent employment in the future.
Estimated Salary for TFG YES Youth Opportunities
Although YES programme salaries may vary depending on the employer and role, participants in retail placements typically receive a monthly stipend.
Estimated Salary / Stipend
- R4,000 – R5,500 per month
This stipend helps cover basic expenses such as transport and meals while you gain work experience.
Important to note:
- Accommodation and transport are usually the applicant’s responsibility
- The programme runs for 12 months
- Participants gain valuable work experience and references
Provinces Currently Hiring for TFG YES Youth Opportunities
TFG has opened multiple YES placements across South Africa. Below are the available opportunities.
1. TFG YES Youth Opportunity – Mpumalanga
Location: Mpumalanga
Young people living in Mpumalanga can apply for the TFG YES Youth Opportunity and gain experience in one of South Africa’s largest retail companies.
Participants may be placed in various TFG retail stores where they will assist customers, manage store displays, and support daily retail operations.
Key Highlights
- 12-month work experience contract
- Retail industry exposure
- Valuable customer service skills
- Monthly stipend
2. TFG YES Youth Opportunity – Free State
Location: Free State
The Free State opportunity allows youth from the province to join the retail workforce through the YES programme.
Successful candidates may work in fashion, lifestyle, or apparel stores under the TFG retail portfolio.
What You’ll Learn
- Retail sales techniques
- Customer communication
- Stock handling
- Teamwork and workplace professionalism
This opportunity is ideal for youth who want to build careers in sales, retail management, or customer service.
3. TFG YES Youth Opportunity – Western Cape
Location: Western Cape
The Western Cape is one of South Africa’s largest retail markets, making it an excellent place to gain experience in the retail industry.
Participants in this programme may work in busy retail environments where they will learn:
- How retail stores operate
- How to assist customers professionally
- How to manage stock and displays
This hands-on experience can open doors to future retail careers or promotions within TFG brands.
4. TFG YES Youth Opportunity – North West
Location: North West
Youth living in the North West province can also apply for this exciting opportunity to gain their first workplace experience.
Working in retail helps young people build transferable skills, including:
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Customer service
- Sales experience
These skills are valuable across many industries, not just retail.
5. TFG YES Youth Opportunity – Northern Cape
Location: Northern Cape
The Northern Cape YES opportunity allows youth in the province to join one of South Africa’s largest retail companies and gain experience in the fashion and lifestyle retail sector.
This opportunity is particularly valuable for young people in rural or smaller towns who are looking for their first employment opportunity.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the TFG YES Youth Opportunity, applicants must meet the following requirements:
✔ Be between 18 and 28 years old
✔ Matric certificate preferred (but not always required)
✔ Be willing to work a 12-month fixed-term contract
✔ Must not have been permanently employed for more than 1 year with one employer
✔ Must not be studying full-time during the programme period
✔ Must not have participated in the YES programme before
✔ Be responsible for own accommodation and transport if required
Preference may be given to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.
Why You Should Apply for the TFG YES Programme
Joining the YES programme through TFG comes with several benefits.
1. First Work Experience
Many employers require experience before hiring, which makes it difficult for young people to enter the workforce. The YES programme helps solve this by providing real workplace exposure.
2. Work for a Major Retail Company
**The Foschini Group operates more than 30 well-known brands across fashion and lifestyle retail, which means you’ll gain experience in a large and reputable organisation.
3. Improve Your CV
After completing the programme, you will have:
- 12 months of work experience
- Professional references
- Retail industry skills
This makes it easier to apply for future jobs or promotions.
4. Career Growth Opportunities
Many YES participants later secure permanent roles in retail companies after completing their contracts.
About The Foschini Group (TFG)
**The Foschini Group is one of South Africa’s largest retail groups with an international presence.
The company operates 34 specialty lifestyle and apparel brands that focus on helping customers live their best lives through fashion, technology, and lifestyle products.
TFG aims to create remarkable omnichannel retail experiences, combining both physical stores and digital shopping platforms.
The company describes itself as a purpose-led business where employees are encouraged to grow, innovate, and contribute to the future of retail.
How to Apply for TFG YES Youth Opportunities
If you meet the requirements, follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Visit the Official TFG Careers Page
OR CLICK THE APPLY NOW BUTTON BELOW AT THE END OF THE BLOG
Search for the relevant YES opportunity based on your province.
Step 2: Create an Online Profile
Register your personal details and upload your CV.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Ensure all information is correct and up to date.
Step 4: Submit Before Positions Are Filled
YES opportunities can receive thousands of applications, so apply early.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Selected
Here are some simple tips that may improve your chances:
✔ Create a professional CV
✔ Highlight customer service or volunteer experience
✔ Ensure your contact details are correct
✔ Prepare for possible interviews or assessments
Even if you have no work experience, showing a positive attitude and willingness to learn can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
The TFG YES Youth Opportunities 2026 provide a valuable chance for unemployed youth in Mpumalanga, Free State, Western Cape, North West, and Northern Cape to gain their first real job experience.
With a 12-month contract, monthly stipend, and hands-on retail training, this programme can help young South Africans develop the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.
If you meet the requirements and are eager to start your career, this opportunity could be the launchpad you’ve been waiting for.
✅ Looking for more internships, learnerships, and youth job opportunities in South Africa?
Visit www.gointern.co.za for the latest updates and application guides.
You can also send your questions to info@gointern.co.za.
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