Unemployed young people across South Africa now have an opportunity to gain valuable work experience through the TFG YES Programme Intake 2026. Offered by The Foschini Group, this 12-month programme is designed to help youth build practical skills and prepare for future employment in the retail industry.
📌 What Is the TFG YES Programme?
The programme forms part of the national Youth Employment Service initiative, which aims to reduce youth unemployment by providing structured workplace experience.
Participants will be placed in retail stores across the country, where they will gain hands-on exposure to real work environments.
📅 Programme Overview
- Company: The Foschini Group
- Programme: YES Programme Intake 2026
- Duration: 12 months
- Start Period: April 2026 – March 2027
- Location: Nationwide (depending on store availability)
- Industry: Retail
- Target Group: Unemployed South African youth
🎯 Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the programme, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 28 years old
- Be currently unemployed
- Not have participated in a YES programme before
- Not be studying full-time
- Have less than 12 months of permanent work experience
- Have Matric (preferred, not always required)
- Be willing to work in a retail environment
- Be responsible for their own transport and accommodation
👥 Who Should Consider This Opportunity?
This programme is ideal for:
- Recently matriculated youth
- Young people with little or no work experience
- Individuals interested in retail, sales, or customer service
- Candidates willing to learn and commit to a 12-month programme
🧠 Skills You Will Gain
Participants will develop essential workplace skills, including:
- Customer service
- Store operations
- Merchandising and product display
- Stock handling
- Communication and teamwork
- Time management
- Professional workplace behaviour
These skills are valuable for entry-level roles in retail and related industries.
🌟 Benefits of the Programme
Joining the TFG YES Programme offers:
- 12 months of real workplace experience
- Exposure to one of South Africa’s leading retail groups
- Improved confidence in a professional setting
- A stronger and more competitive CV
- Practical knowledge of retail operations
- Potential references for future job opportunities
⚠️ Note: The programme does not guarantee permanent employment, but it significantly improves employability.
📄 Documents Required
Before applying, make sure you have:
- An updated CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Matric certificate (if available)
- Proof of residence (if required)
📝 How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online.
Tips for a successful application:
- Use accurate personal details
- Upload clear and readable documents
- Provide a working phone number and email
- Select the correct location
- Review your application before submitting
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
⏳ Closing Date
No official closing date has been announced.
👉 Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as placements depend on store availability.
💡 Application Tips
Even if you don’t have formal work experience, include any of the following in your CV:
- Helping customers informally
- Volunteering
- Assisting in a family business
- Working at events
- Packing or handling goods
- Team-based activities
These experiences show responsibility, reliability, and willingness to learn.
🔎 Final Thoughts
The TFG YES Programme Intake 2026 is a valuable stepping stone for unemployed youth looking to enter the job market.
With 12 months of hands-on experience at The Foschini Group, participants can build confidence, gain retail skills, and improve their chances of securing future employment.
Skhumbuzo Shandu is the founder of Careers With Shandu, a platform dedicated to helping South Africans access job opportunities, learnerships, and career development resources.
He focuses on sharing clear, practical, and up-to-date information to help matriculants, graduates, and job seekers navigate applications and build their careers.
Through his work, he aims to make opportunities easier to understand and accessible to everyone, especially young people entering the workforce.
