TFG YES Learnership Programme 2026 Opens: Salary, Requirements and How South African Youth Can Apply
TFG YE9S Learnership Programme 2026: Salary, Requirements and How to Apply in South Africa
South African youth looking to gain valuable workplace experience in the retail industry have an opportunity to build their careers through the TFG YES Learnership Programme 2026. The programme forms part of the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, which aims to help unemployed young people develop practical workplace skills and improve their employability.
The The Foschini Group (TFG) is one of South Africa’s largest retail groups, operating well-known brands such as Foschini, Markham, Sportscene, Exact, Jet, American Swiss, @home, TotalSports and many others. Through its youth workplace initiatives, TFG provides structured workplace experience and learnership opportunities designed to prepare young South Africans for long-term employment.
Important: Programme details, locations, and recruitment periods may differ by brand and store. Applicants should always confirm the latest information through TFG’s official careers website before applying.
Programme Overview
| Programme | TFG YES Learnership Programme 2026 |
|---|---|
| Company | The Foschini Group (TFG) |
| Industry | Retail |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Employment Type | Fixed-Term Workplace Experience / Learnership |
| Location | Various Provinces in South Africa |
| Qualification | Matric preferred for many opportunities |
| Experience | No previous work experience required for many YES opportunities |
About TFG
The Foschini Group (TFG) is one of Africa’s leading fashion and lifestyle retailers, employing thousands of people across South Africa and several international markets.
Through its youth development initiatives, TFG supports government efforts to reduce youth unemployment by offering workplace exposure, accredited learnerships, internships, and YES workplace opportunities. Many participants who perform well may later be considered for available permanent positions, although permanent employment is not guaranteed.
What is the YES Programme?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a national initiative that connects unemployed young South Africans with employers to provide meaningful workplace experience.
At TFG, participants typically complete a 12-month workplace programme, gaining hands-on experience in retail while receiving work-readiness training. TFG also states that participants receive mobile-based learning, and some YES programmes include a smartphone that participants keep after successfully completing the programme.
Estimated Salary (Monthly Stipend)
TFG does not publicly guarantee or publish a standard salary or stipend for every YES opportunity. Compensation may differ depending on the programme, brand, and employment contract.
Applicants should check the official vacancy advertisement for the specific role they are applying for.
Minimum Requirements
Requirements may vary between opportunities, but applicants are commonly expected to:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 28 years old for many YES opportunities.
- Be unemployed when applying.
- Have Matric (Grade 12), where preferred or required.
- Not have previously participated in the YES programme.
- Be available for the full 12-month contract.
- Be willing to work in a retail environment.
- Have good communication and teamwork skills.
What Will Learners Do?
Depending on the store or business unit, participants may assist with:
- Customer service
- Operating tills (where trained)
- Merchandising
- Stock replenishment
- Receiving deliveries
- Store housekeeping
- Product displays
- Assisting customers
- Team support
- Learning retail operations
Benefits of Joining the Programme
Participants may benefit from:
- 12 months of workplace experience
- Retail industry exposure
- Professional workplace training
- Improved communication skills
- Better employability
- Networking opportunities
- Possible consideration for future vacancies based on business needs and performance
Career Opportunities After Completion
Experience gained through the programme can help prepare candidates for roles such as:
- Sales Associate
- Retail Assistant
- Cashier
- Customer Service Consultant
- Stock Controller
- Merchandiser
- Store Administrator
- Supervisor Trainee
The retail and customer service skills developed can also be valuable in industries such as banking, insurance, telecommunications, hospitality, and logistics.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the official TFG Careers website.
- Search for available YES Youth Opportunities or learnerships.
- Create an online profile.
- Upload:
- Updated CV
- Certified South African ID
- Certified Matric certificate (if applicable)
- Any additional supporting documents requested
- Submit the application before the advertised closing date.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
To strengthen your application:
- Keep your CV short, professional, and error-free.
- Highlight volunteer work, school leadership, or customer service experience.
- Ensure your contact details are current.
- Apply as soon as opportunities open.
- Read all eligibility requirements carefully before submitting your application.
Why Programmes Like YES Matter
South Africa continues to face high youth unemployment, making workplace experience one of the biggest challenges for first-time job seekers. Programmes like TFG’s YES initiative help participants gain practical experience, workplace discipline, and transferable skills that can improve future employment prospects across multiple industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need work experience?
No. Many YES opportunities are specifically aimed at unemployed youth with little or no previous work experience.
Is Matric compulsory?
Some opportunities state that Matric is preferred, while requirements can differ depending on the specific position.
Will I get a permanent job?
No. The programme is a fixed-term workplace opportunity. Permanent employment is not guaranteed, although strong performance may improve your chances of future employment.
Can I apply if I have already completed a YES programme?
Many TFG YES opportunities require applicants not to have participated in the YES programme previously. Check the requirements for each vacancy.
Editorial Transparency
This article is published for informational purposes only and is not sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with The Foschini Group (TFG) or the Youth Employment Service (YES). Recruitment requirements, programme availability, salaries, and closing dates may change. Applicants should verify all information through official TFG recruitment channels before applying.
Sources
- TFG Youth Workplace Opportunities: https://tfglimited.co.za/careers/youth-workplace-opportunities/
- TFG Careers Portal: https://tfgcareers.co.za/
- Youth Employment Service (YES): https://www.yes4youth.co.za
