Cape Union Mart International Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme Vacancies

Cape Union Mart International invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme Vacancies (Multiple Posts) for 2026. The closing date for applications is 16 February 2026. This opportunity is aimed at unemployed South African youth who are ready to gain real work experience, learn valuable skills, and take their first serious step into the working world.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 35 and have been struggling to find work because you lack experience, this programme could be exactly what you need. It offers a chance to work in a well-known retail environment while building confidence, discipline, and job-ready skills that employers value.

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What the Cape Union Mart YES Programme Is About

The Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme is a national initiative created to help reduce youth unemployment in South Africa. It focuses on giving young people real workplace exposure instead of only classroom learning. Through this programme, Cape Union Mart International is offering young South Africans the chance to gain hands-on experience in retail stores based in Cape Town and surrounding areas.

Cape Union Mart is a respected name in retail, known for quality products and strong customer service. Being part of their YES Programme means you will learn how a professional retail business operates from day one. You will not just be watching from the side, you will be part of the team.

This programme runs on a 12-month fixed-term contract, giving you a full year of workplace exposure.

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What You Will Be Doing on a Daily Basis

As a YES Programme participant at Cape Union Mart, you will be involved in the day-to-day operations of the store. The goal is to help you understand how retail works while developing practical and personal skills.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting customers by offering friendly, helpful, and professional service
• Using basic sales techniques to engage customers and meet sales targets
• Supporting daily store activities and helping improve overall store performance
• Following stock-loss and shrinkage control rules to protect store products
• Working closely with teammates to ensure smooth store operations
• Keeping the store clean, neat, and well-organised at all times
• Maintaining visual merchandising standards that attract customers and boost sales
• Meeting all YES Programme performance goals and milestones

These tasks are designed to prepare you for future employment, not only in retail but in many other industries as well.

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Who Can Apply for This Opportunity?

Cape Union Mart is looking for motivated young people who are serious about building their future. You do not need years of experience, but you do need commitment and the right attitude.

To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen between the ages of 18 and 35
• Have been unemployed from 1 February 2026
• Be available to work for the full 12-month contract period
• Not be registered for full-time studies between March 2026 and February 2027
• Have never participated in the YES Programme before
• Be able to arrange your own accommodation and transport if required
• Have Matric (preferred but not compulsory)

This programme is best suited for youth who are ready to learn, grow, and take responsibility in a working environment.

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Skills You Will Gain During the Programme

One of the biggest advantages of the YES Programme is skill development. Many young people struggle to find work because they lack workplace skills. This programme helps close that gap.

Skills you are likely to develop include:

• Customer service and communication skills
• Confidence when dealing with people
• Teamwork and cooperation in a professional setting
• Time management and reliability
• Basic sales and retail knowledge
• Understanding workplace rules and expectations

These skills are transferable, meaning you can use them in many different jobs in the future.

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Why This Programme Is Worth Your Time

Joining the Cape Union Mart YES Programme is more than just a job. It is a learning journey that can change how employers see you. After completing the programme, you will have real work experience on your CV, which makes a big difference when applying for future roles.

You will also get the chance to network with supervisors, managers, and colleagues who may help guide your career path. Even if you do not stay in retail forever, the experience you gain will help you move forward.

By joining this programme, you also become part of a national effort to reduce youth unemployment and build stronger communities.

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How to Apply for the Cape Union Mart YES Programme 2026

If you meet the requirements and are ready to start building your future, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Make sure all your details are correct and that you apply before the closing date of 16 February 2026.

This could be your chance to gain experience, build confidence, and open doors to future opportunities. Do not let it pass you by.