South Africa continues to face significant challenges with youth unemployment, leaving many talented individuals without the opportunity to build successful careers. The National Youth Service Programme (NYS) is an initiative designed to address this issue by providing unemployed youth with valuable work experience, practical skills, and financial support.
This transformative programme, led by the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development, is now recruiting for its 2025-2027 cohort, promising hope and empowerment for 2,500 young people across the province.
What is the National Youth Service Programme?
The National Youth Service Programme is part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), which seeks to uplift communities through targeted job creation and skills development. The NYS specifically focuses on unemployed youth, helping them acquire workplace skills and practical experience that can serve as a foundation for future employment.
The 2025-2027 NYS cohort is aimed at historically disadvantaged individuals, prioritizing inclusivity and equal opportunity. The programme also aligns with the government’s vision to tackle poverty, unemployment, and inequality through sustainable youth development initiatives.
Key Features of the National Youth Service Programme
The 2025-2027 cohort brings forward several exciting features:
- Inclusivity and Representation:
The programme ensures a diverse intake, consisting of 60% females, 40% males, and 2% individuals living with disabilities. It also targets youth from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. - Stipend and Support:
Participants will receive a monthly stipend of R3,500 for the duration of the programme, offering financial relief while they focus on building their careers. - Wide Range of Work Opportunities:
The NYS offers various work experience opportunities, ranging from technical trades and administrative roles to general labor positions, ensuring a comprehensive development framework. - Two-Year Contract:
Participants will commit to a fixed-term contract of 24 months, during which they will develop critical workplace skills and experience.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To apply for the National Youth Service Programme, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Age Range: Applicants must be between 18 and 33 years old. They must not exceed 35 years of age for the duration of the programme.
- Education: A minimum qualification of Grade 10 or higher is required.
- Residency: Candidates must reside within the Gauteng Province, in one of the following corridors:
- City of Johannesburg
- City of Tshwane
- City of Ekurhuleni
- Sedibeng
- West Rand District
- Documentation: Applicants must have a valid South African Identity Document (ID).
- Criminal Record Check: All applicants will undergo a thorough background check to ensure compliance with the programme’s requirements.
Additionally, applicants must be available for the entire duration of the programme and should not hold director or partner positions in any registered companies.
Work Opportunities Available in the Programme
The National Youth Service Programme 2025-2027 cohort offers three main categories of opportunities:
- Technical Trade Qualification Positions (Ref #2025/01):
These roles focus on practical technical skills, including electrical installation, plumbing, carpentry, boiler assistance, welding, and refrigeration maintenance. Participants will gain hands-on experience in various trades critical to the infrastructure and construction sectors. - Administration Qualification Positions (Ref #2025/02):
Administrative roles include data capturing, human resources, IT support, financial management, procurement, and event management. Opportunities also extend to fields like social work, psychology, graphic design, and communications. - General Worker Positions (Ref #2025/03):
These positions are ideal for candidates seeking work in cleaning, gardening, landscaping, and other general labor roles, such as porters and marshals.
Application Process and Deadline
The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development has outlined a straightforward application process to ensure fairness and transparency. To apply for the National Youth Service Programme, candidates must submit:
- A comprehensive CV.
- Certified copies of their ID and qualifications (dated no older than six months).
- A completed Z83 form, available for download from the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) website.
Applications must include the relevant reference number and specify the skills development area of interest. All submissions must be hand-delivered to designated offices in Gauteng, located in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng, and the West Rand. The application window opens on January 29, 2025, at 08:00 and closes on February 7, 2025, at 16:00.
Benefits of Participating in the National Youth Service Programme
The National Youth Service Programme offers numerous benefits to participants, including:
- Practical work experience that enhances employability.
- Financial stability through the monthly stipend.
- Opportunities to network and build relationships within the professional world.
- A structured platform for personal and career development.
Why the National Youth Service Programme Matters
The National Youth Service Programme is more than just a job creation initiative; it is a pathway to empowerment. By targeting unemployed youth and providing them with essential skills, the programme directly addresses issues of poverty and inequality. Participants leave the programme equipped to contribute meaningfully to the economy and their communities.
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The National Youth Service Programme 2025-2027 cohort is a remarkable opportunity for young South Africans to gain work experience, develop skills, and secure a brighter future. By focusing on inclusion and empowerment, the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development is making a significant contribution to the nation’s youth development agenda.
Aspiring candidates are encouraged to seize this opportunity and take the first step toward a better tomorrow.