Totalsports Is Offering a 12-Month YES Youth Opportunity

Totalsports invites suitably qualified young South Africans to apply for its YES (Youth Employment Service) Programme vacancies. This exciting 12-month fixed-term opportunity is designed for unemployed youth who want to gain valuable work experience in the retail industry. The closing date for applications is 11 August 2026, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline.

Starting your first job can feel challenging, especially when many employers ask for experience before offering employment. The Totalsports YES Youth Opportunity has been created to help young South Africans take that important first step into the working world.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 28, eager to learn, and looking for your first meaningful work experience, this programme could help you build valuable workplace skills while working for one of South Africa’s leading sports retailers.

Whether you dream of building a long-term retail career or simply want practical experience that strengthens your CV, this opportunity is worth considering.

About the Totalsports YES Youth Opportunity

The YES (Youth Employment Service) Programme is a national initiative that gives unemployed young South Africans an opportunity to gain real workplace experience.

Totalsports is inviting motivated young people to join its stores through a 12-month fixed-term contract, where successful applicants will gain practical retail experience while learning valuable customer service, teamwork, and workplace skills.

This programme is designed to help young people become more employable by giving them the opportunity to work in a professional retail environment.

What You Can Expect During the Programme

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to experience different aspects of working in a busy retail store.

Depending on operational needs, participants may assist with:

• Helping customers in the store.
• Providing friendly customer service.
• Keeping shelves neat and fully stocked.
• Organising merchandise displays.
• Assisting with stock handling.
• Maintaining a clean and welcoming shopping environment.
• Supporting the store team with daily activities.
• Learning retail systems and procedures.
• Working as part of a team.
• Developing communication and customer service skills.

Every day offers an opportunity to learn new skills while gaining practical work experience that can benefit your future career.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the Totalsports YES Youth Opportunity, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 18 and 28 years old.
• Have Matric (preferred) or at least Grade 10.
• Be available to work on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
• Must not have worked permanently for the same employer continuously for more than one year.
• Must not be studying full-time during the year of employment.
• Must not have previously participated in or been registered on the YES Programme.
• Be able to arrange your own accommodation if necessary.
• Be responsible for your own transport to and from work where applicable.

Meeting these requirements is important because they form part of the national YES Programme eligibility criteria.

Skills and Qualities That Can Help You Succeed

Although previous work experience is not required, Totalsports is looking for young people who are ready to learn and contribute positively to the team.

Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:

• A positive attitude.
• Willingness to learn.
• Good communication skills.
• Friendly customer service.
• Reliability.
• Punctuality.
• Teamwork.
• A strong work ethic.
• Willingness to follow instructions.
• Commitment to personal growth.

These qualities can help you make the most of the opportunity and leave a positive impression during your placement.

Why You Should Consider the YES Programme

Many employers value candidates who have practical work experience. Participating in the Totalsports YES Programme allows you to gain that experience while developing skills that can help you in future job applications.

Some of the benefits include:

• Gaining your first formal work experience.
• Building a stronger CV.
• Learning customer service skills.
• Developing confidence in the workplace.
• Improving communication and teamwork abilities.
• Understanding how a professional retail business operates.
• Increasing your future employment opportunities.

For many young South Africans, programmes like this have become an important stepping stone towards long-term employment.

Tips Before You Apply

Before submitting your application, take a few minutes to prepare everything carefully.

You should:

• Update your CV with your latest information.
• Include your educational qualifications.
• Double-check your contact details.
• Make sure you meet all the YES Programme requirements.
• Prepare to explain why you would like to join the programme if you are invited for an interview.

Submitting a complete and accurate application can improve your chances of being considered.

Closing Date

Applications for the Totalsports YES Youth Opportunity close on 11 August 2026. Interested applicants should submit their applications before the deadline to avoid missing this valuable opportunity.

If you are a young South African looking for your first work experience, eager to learn, and ready to build valuable workplace skills, this 12-month programme could be the opportunity that opens the door to your future career. Update your CV, check that you meet the requirements, and apply before the closing date.