WILDTRUST, a well-respected environmental organization in South Africa, has announced an exciting opportunity for young job seekers through its Youth Employment Services (YES) Programme 2025. This initiative, funded by Nedbank, is designed to combat youth unemployment by offering one-year, work-based job training in various fields.
This YES Programme is structured to empower unemployed youth with hands-on experience and skills necessary to build sustainable careers.
YES Programme Overview
The YES Programme is open to young South Africans aged between 18 and 27 years who have a Grade 12 certificate, a valid email address, and a SARS income tax number. Successful candidates will receive valuable work exposure across different roles within the uThukela, Nqutshini, Nyembe, and Tugela Mouth regions in KwaZulu-Natal.
Available Job Positions
The programme offers diverse job opportunities that focus on environmental conservation, community development, and infrastructure maintenance. These roles provide a unique chance for youth to contribute positively to their communities while acquiring essential work experience. The available vacancies include:
- Coastal Stewards Assistants
- Duties: Participate in coastal and community clean-ups, assist in coastal dune restoration, and engage in community awareness activities.
- Community Livelihood Assistant
- Duties: Oversee demonstration gardens, educate community members on sustainable gardening, and support alternative livelihood projects.
- Cleaner
- Duties: Maintain cleanliness in community hubs, support in event setup, and ensure proper waste disposal and hygiene standards.
- Maintenance Assistant
- Duties: Conduct routine maintenance of hub infrastructure, ensure plumbing, electrical, and structural components are functional, and support outdoor space maintenance.
- Oceans and Awareness Assistant
- Duties: Provide office administrative support, assist with library management, and facilitate environmental education for community members and children.
- Restoration Assistant
- Duties: Manage and maintain plant nurseries, educate communities on plant care, and support ecosystem restoration projects.
- Ocean and Climate Awareness & School Support Assistant
- Duties: Deliver exciting educational sessions on ocean and environmental awareness, develop learning materials, and engage with schools and local communities.
- Coastal Dune Rehabilitation Worker
- Duties: Assist in alien and invasive plant removal, conduct litter collection, and undertake indigenous tree planting.
- Swamp Forest Rehabilitation Worker
- Duties: Engage in tree planting and removal of invasive plants, assist in monitoring and evaluation of conservation projects, and participate in environmental restoration efforts.
- Wetland Rehabilitation Worker
- Duties: Participate in clearing invasive plants, engage in wetland restoration projects, and support environmental education programs.
- Riparian Rehabilitation Worker
- Duties: Assist in riparian zone restoration, conduct litter collection, and support environmental monitoring efforts.
Application Process
To apply for this exciting opportunity, candidates must:
- Prepare a 3-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) along with a motivational letter.
- Email their application to yes.uthukela@wildtrust.co.za, stating the vacancy title and preferred location in the subject line.
- Alternatively, applications can be submitted physically to Mr Sithole at Induna’s house.
Important Notes
- Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged individuals.
- Late applications will not be considered.
- Candidates who were previously employed in a YES Programme will not be eligible.
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If no response is received within three weeks after the closing date, the application should be considered unsuccessful.
Closing Date
The deadline for applications is March 17, 2025. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure a position in this highly competitive programme.
Check also: Transnet Trainee Train Assistant Opportunity 2025
This programme is an excellent opportunity for young South Africans to gain valuable work experience in conservation and community development. It not only provides employment opportunities but also contributes to environmental sustainability and community upliftment. Participants will gain practical skills, networking opportunities, and potential career growth, making this a stepping stone towards future employment.
If you are an unemployed young South African passionate about the environment and community development, this could be your chance to make a difference while building your career.