Young South Africans who are struggling to enter the job market finally have another powerful opportunity to gain real workplace experience in 2026. The Foschini Group (TFG) YES Programme is now calling on unemployed youth aged 18–28 across all provinces to apply for a 12-month fixed-term retail placement opportunity.
If you’ve been asking yourself:
“Where do I get my first job experience if nobody hires me without experience?”
This programme was created for exactly that situation.
Through the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, TFG is opening doors for thousands of young people to step into South Africa’s retail sector and build the foundation of a long-term career.
Quick Overview
Programme Name: The Foschini Group YES Programme
Duration: 12 months
Location: All provinces in South Africa
Target Group: Unemployed youth aged 18–28
Minimum Qualification: Matric preferred
Start Period: April 2026 – March 2027
Employment Type: Fixed-term work experience placement
Sector: Retail
Programme Partner: Youth Employment Service (YES Initiative)
Transport & Accommodation: For applicant’s own account
Equity Consideration: Preference given to designated groups
Purpose of the TFG YES Programme 2026
The main goal of this programme is simple:
Help unemployed youth gain 12 months of practical retail work exposure.
Participants will:
- learn how retail stores operate daily
- assist customers professionally
- understand workplace expectations
- develop communication skills
- gain teamwork experience
- build reliability and responsibility habits
This programme does not guarantee permanent employment, but many YES participants across South Africa secure permanent roles after completing placements.
Who Should Apply for the TFG YES Programme 2026
You should strongly consider applying if:
- you recently completed Matric
- you have never worked before
- you struggle to get interviews due to lack of experience
- you want retail industry exposure
- you want to strengthen your CV
- you are serious about entering the job market in 2026
This opportunity is especially suitable for young people planning careers in:
- retail
- customer service
- sales
- store management
- merchandising
- logistics support
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:
You must:
- be aged between 18 and 28 years
- preferably have Matric
- be available for a 12-month fixed-term contract
- not have been permanently employed by one employer for more than 12 consecutive months
- not be studying full-time between April 2026 and March 2027
- not have participated in a YES Programme before
- be responsible for your own transport and accommodation
- be willing to work in a retail store environment
Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Act.
Where the Programme Is Available
The TFG YES Programme is available nationwide.
This includes:
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- North West
- Northern Cape
Placement depends on store availability near your location.
What You Will Learn During the Programme
Participants will gain hands-on experience in real retail environments.
Typical learning exposure includes:
Customer Service Skills
You will learn how to:
- greet customers professionally
- assist shoppers confidently
- respond to questions
- resolve basic customer concerns
These are transferable skills used in almost every industry.
Retail Operations Knowledge
Participants gain exposure to:
- store layout understanding
- stock receiving processes
- merchandising displays
- price tagging
- shelf replenishment
Workplace Behaviour Training
You will learn:
- punctuality expectations
- teamwork etiquette
- communication skills
- professional conduct
- workplace responsibility
These soft skills are often the biggest difference between unemployed youth and employed youth.
Benefits of Joining the TFG YES Programme
Even though this is not permanent employment, the benefits are powerful.
Participants gain:
- 12 months workplace experience
- exposure to a major retail employer
- improved employability
- stronger CV credibility
- reference letters (in many cases)
- confidence working with customers
- understanding of workplace systems
Most importantly:
You gain your first job experience, which employers value highly.
How to Apply
To improve your chances of selection:
Prepare the following documents early:
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Matric certificate (if available)
- Proof of residence (sometimes requested)
Make sure your CV includes:
- correct contact details
- highest qualification
- any volunteering experience
- any short courses completed
Even informal experience counts.