SPAR YES4Youth 2026 Programme – Applications Now Open
SPAR South Africa continues to invest in the future of young people through the YES for Youth Programme, a national initiative that provides unemployed youth with valuable workplace exposure. Since launching its first intake in 2019, SPAR has helped thousands of young South Africans gain experience, and the company has been acknowledged by the President as a leading contributor to youth development and ESG impact.
The 2026 intake marks SPAR’s 6th consecutive year participating in the YES Programme, offering another powerful opportunity for motivated young individuals to enter the job market.
Why This Programme Matters
Youth unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges in South Africa. The SPAR YES4Youth Programme bridges the gap between education and employment by providing:
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Real workplace experience
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Practical on-the-job learning
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Mentorship and career exposure
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A chance to build your CV and gain reference letters
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Improved employability after the programme
Many previous participants have gone on to secure full-time employment within SPAR, Build It, or other partner organisations, while others have used the experience to secure jobs elsewhere in the retail and wholesale industries.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, applicants must meet the following essential criteria:
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Be a South African Citizen
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Be 18 to 28 years old at the time of application
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Be unemployed and not enrolled in full-time studies
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Hold a Grade 12 / Matric certificate
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Have a clean criminal record
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Catalyx will independently conduct criminal checks as part of the screening process.
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Advantageous (but not required):
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A completed University Degree
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FET/TVET Technical Trade qualifications
These qualifications may strengthen your application or improve placement opportunities.
Documents Needed for Application
Applicants will be required to upload the following:
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An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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A certified copy of your South African ID
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Certified copies of your qualifications (Matric and any tertiary certificates)
Make sure your documents are clear, readable, and certified within the last 3 months.
Programme Process & Timeline
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Contract Start Date: 01 April 2026
Successful candidates will begin their one-year YES placement with SPAR or Build It. -
Shortlisting Stage:
If your application is successful, you will be invited to participate in the selection process, which includes:1. JumpStart Training:
A structured programme developed to prepare you for the workplace by focusing on professionalism, teamwork, customer service, and communication.2. One-Week Work Experience:
You will complete a week of practical exposure at a SPAR or Build It store to help assess your suitability and engagement.3. Formal Interview:
After completing the training and work exposure, you will attend an interview where the final selection decisions are made.
Important Information
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No fees are charged at any stage of the application or hiring process.
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Catalyx, SPAR, Build It, and YES do not request money for interviews, training, or placement.
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Any messages requesting payment should be treated as fraud.
Confidentiality & Data Protection
Catalyx and SPAR comply fully with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Your personal details will be processed only for recruitment, training, and placement related to this YES programme. All information is handled sensitively and kept confidential.
Before You Apply
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Ensure your CV is updated and professional
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Double-check that your documents are certified and clear
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Make sure your contact details (phone & email) are correct
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Submit only ONE application
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Be prepared to commit to the full 12-month contract if selected