Exact YES Youth Opportunity 2026: Apply for a 12-Month Retail Work Experience Programme

Exact invites suitably qualified young South Africans to apply for its YES Youth Opportunity Programme. This exciting opportunity offers successful applicants a 12-month fixed-term contract in the retail industry. The closing date for applications is 12 June 2026.

If you are a young person looking for your first job experience, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for. Many employers want candidates who already have work experience, but getting that first chance is often the hardest part. Through the YES Youth Programme, Exact is helping young South Africans gain valuable workplace experience while learning important skills that can help build a successful future.

A Great Chance to Start Your Career

Finding a job can be challenging, especially for young people who have never worked before. The Exact YES Youth Opportunity was created to help bridge this gap by giving youth a chance to enter the working world and gain practical experience.

This programme is designed for energetic and motivated young people who are ready to learn, grow, and become part of a professional retail environment. During the 12-month contract, successful candidates will gain hands-on experience and learn how a retail business operates on a daily basis.

The experience gained through this programme can improve your CV and make you more attractive to future employers.

What Is the YES Programme?

The Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme is a South African initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment. It helps young people gain workplace experience by placing them in businesses across different industries.

Many young people struggle to find employment because they lack experience. The YES Programme helps solve this problem by giving participants an opportunity to work, learn new skills, and build confidence in a real working environment.

By joining the programme through Exact, you can gain valuable retail experience that may help open doors to future career opportunities.

Minimum Requirements

Before applying, make sure you meet the following requirements:

• Must be between 18 and 29 years old.
• Must have Grade 10 as a minimum qualification.
• Matric is preferred but not required.
• Must be available to work on a fixed-term 12-month contract.
• Must not have been permanently employed by one employer for more than one continuous year.
• Must not be studying full-time during the employment period from June 2026 to May 2027.
• Must not have participated in or been registered on the YES Programme before.
• Must be able to cover your own accommodation and transport costs if necessary.

Candidates from designated groups will receive preference according to the Employment Equity Act.

Why You Should Consider Applying

This opportunity offers much more than just a temporary job. It provides practical workplace experience that can help you develop professionally and personally.

Some benefits of joining the programme include:

Gain Real Work Experience

Many employers look for candidates with workplace experience. This programme helps you gain the practical experience needed to strengthen your CV.

Learn Valuable Skills

Working in retail teaches important skills such as:

• Customer service
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Workplace professionalism

These skills are useful in almost every career field.

Build Confidence

Starting your first job can be a life-changing experience. It allows you to interact with customers, work with a team, and develop confidence in your abilities.

Improve Future Employment Opportunities

Having recognised work experience on your CV can increase your chances of securing permanent employment in the future.

About Exact

Exact is one of South Africa’s popular fashion retailers, known for offering affordable clothing and everyday essentials for the entire family. The brand focuses on providing quality products at reasonable prices while keeping up with current fashion trends.

Exact forms part of TFG, one of Africa’s largest retail groups. TFG operates a diverse portfolio of retail brands and serves millions of customers across multiple countries.

The company believes that its employees are its greatest asset. Through programmes like the YES Youth Opportunity, TFG continues to invest in young talent and create opportunities for future growth.

What You Can Expect During the Programme

Successful applicants may be involved in various retail activities, including:

• Assisting customers in-store
• Organising merchandise displays
• Helping maintain store cleanliness
• Supporting stock management activities
• Learning store operations
• Working as part of a retail team

These responsibilities provide valuable exposure to the retail industry and help participants understand how successful businesses operate.

Tips Before You Apply

To improve your chances of success:

• Ensure your CV is updated and accurate.
• Include all relevant education details.
• Double-check your contact information.
• Apply before the closing date.
• Prepare to demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Employers often value enthusiasm, reliability, and a strong work ethic just as much as qualifications.

Application Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 12 June 2026.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible before the deadline. Opportunities like this attract many applicants, so applying early is always a good idea.

For young South Africans looking for a stepping stone into the world of work, the Exact YES Youth Opportunity could be the perfect place to start building a brighter future.