The SPAR YES 4 Youth Learnership Programme 2026 offers unemployed South African youth meaningful 12-month work experience across retail, logistics, HR, supply chain, engineering, IT and more. Find out who qualifies and how to apply.
SPAR YES 4 Youth Learnership Programme 2026
Youth unemployment continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing South Africa, but opportunities like the SPAR YES 4 Youth Learnership Programme 2026 are helping young people gain work experience, build confidence, and move closer to a stable future.
SPAR, in partnership with Catalyx, is giving unemployed South African youth the chance to take part in a structured 12-month work experience programme designed to improve employability. If you are between 18 and 28, currently unemployed, and eager to grow your future, this programme can open the door to long-term career opportunities.
Quick Overview
Opportunity: SPAR YES 4 Youth Programme 2026
Duration: 12 months full-time work experience
Partners: SPAR Group SA & Catalyx
Who Can Apply: Unemployed South African youth aged 18–28 with Matric
Work Locations: SPAR Divisions, Subsidiaries, Central Office & Distribution Centres
Fields Needed: Retail, Business, HR, Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering, IT, Marketing, SHEQ and more
Stipend: YES programmes typically include a monthly stipend
Application Link: https://forms.gle/QUtvRTh3SDA3sAqy9
Closing Date: Open until positions are filled
About SPAR and Catalyx
SPAR Group SA is one of the country’s leading retailers, managing a national network of stores, distribution centres and corporate environments. The organisation has earned a strong reputation for youth development and community upliftment. It has also received a Presidential Award as a Top Contributor to Youth Employment and ESG impact.
Since 2019, SPAR has opened more than 4 000 meaningful work opportunities through the YES 4 Youth initiative. These placements give young people real workplace exposure and help them develop essential skills for long-term employability.
Catalyx, a workforce development partner, works closely with SPAR to recruit and train successful applicants. Participants benefit from JumpStart training, which prepares them for the workplace before they begin their placement.
What the YES 4 Youth Programme Offers
The 12-month placement allows young people to gain hands-on experience in various SPAR environments, including:
- SPAR retail divisions
- SPAR Central Office
- Subsidiary companies
- Distribution Centres
This opportunity is suitable for youth who want to build a strong CV, discover their career interests, and gain professional skills. The programme offers deep exposure to operations in retail, logistics, administration, supply chain and other technical fields. It is a strong stepping stone for anyone wanting to transition from unemployment to long-term employment.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet every requirement below:
- Be a South African citizen with a clear criminal record
- Be between 18 and 28 years old
- Have completed and passed Matric / Grade 12
- Be currently unemployed
- Not be studying full-time
- Be willing to work retail hours and shifts
These conditions are non-negotiable.
Who Should Apply?
The programme welcomes both Matriculants and Graduates who meet the qualification criteria.
Graduates with Trade Qualifications
Applicants with NATED, N2/N3 or similar technical certificates in fields such as:
- Engineering
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Related technical specialisations
Degree Graduates in the Following Fields
- Science
- Pharmacy
- Business
- Accounting
- Human Resource Management
- Logistics or Warehouse Management
- Supply Chain Management
- SHEQ
- Marketing
- Packaging
- Information Technology
Graduates who need workplace experience to strengthen their career prospects are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their information online using the official application link:
APPLY HERE: https://forms.gle/QUtvRTh3SDA3sAqy9
Applications remain open until all positions are filled.
Conclusion
The SPAR YES 4 Youth Learnership Programme 2026 is an empowering opportunity for unemployed young South Africans who want to gain real workplace exposure and build practical skills. With a full year of hands-on learning across retail, logistics, technical and business departments, this programme can set your career in motion and help you build a stronger future. If you meet the requirements and are committed to your growth, applying early will give you the best chance of being considered.
