Youth Employment Service (YES) with Sportscene and Markham Job - Job Description
Job Opportunity: Youth Employment Service (YES) with Sportscene and Markham
A Pathway to Empowerment, Growth, and Career Success
Introduction
In a rapidly evolving world, where youth unemployment remains a critical issue, initiatives that create job opportunities and empower young people are more important than ever. The Youth Employment Service (YES) programme, a flagship initiative of TFG (The Foschini Group), is a prime example of such efforts. Launched to address the needs of South African youth, YES is committed to providing meaningful work opportunities, skills development, and a pathway to long-term career success. Through its partnership with popular retail brands Sportscene and Markham, YES aims to help young people build a brighter future and break the cycle of unemployment.
This article explores the details of the YES4Youth programme, its goals, the specific job opportunities available, the benefits for participants, and the qualifications needed to apply. If you’re a young South African eager to start a career in the retail sector, this could be your chance to secure valuable work experience and take your first steps toward long-term success.
The YES4Youth Initiative: A Stepping Stone to Employment
The YES4Youth programme is an initiative designed to give unemployed youth across South Africa a 12-month workplace opportunity. The goal is to help young individuals gain meaningful, hands-on experience in a real-world retail environment, particularly with well-known brands such as Sportscene and Markham, both of which are part of the TFG family. These brands are not just iconic names in South African retail; they represent the opportunity to work in dynamic, customer-focused environments that can serve as the perfect foundation for a successful career in the retail sector.
As part of this programme, participants will engage in various activities, from assisting customers and managing stock to receiving in-depth training that prepares them for future career prospects. One of the key benefits of the YES4Youth programme is the combination of work experience and training. By the end of the 12 months, participants will have not only a better understanding of the retail industry but also practical skills that will make them more competitive in the job market.
Why Join the YES4Youth Programme?
The YES4Youth programme is designed to be much more than just a job. It’s about empowerment, skill-building, and creating lasting career opportunities for young people. Here are some of the key reasons why this programme is a game-changer:
1. Practical Work Experience
Retail offers a wealth of opportunities to learn about customer service, sales, product management, and business operations. By joining Sportscene or Markham, participants will gain practical work experience that is highly valued by future employers. This hands-on exposure is crucial for building confidence and competence in the workplace.
2. Comprehensive Training
Along with on-the-job learning, participants in the YES4Youth programme will receive extensive online training, helping them develop essential skills such as time management, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. This holistic approach to development ensures that participants are well-prepared for future roles, whether within retail or in other sectors.
3. Career Advancement Opportunities
The ultimate goal of the YES4Youth programme is to create long-term career opportunities. After completing the 12-month programme, participants may be considered for permanent positions within the TFG family. Even if they move on to other companies, the experience and skills gained during the programme will make them attractive candidates for future employers.
4. A Personal Mobile Phone
As part of the YES programme, participants will receive a mobile phone for use throughout the training period. Upon successful completion of the programme, the phone is theirs to keep. This practical gesture ensures that participants stay connected, whether for work, study, or personal communication.
5. Economic Empowerment
One of the most significant benefits of the YES4Youth programme is that it directly addresses economic disparities by offering young people from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to earn a living and develop professionally. This is a stepping stone not only to individual financial independence but also to greater economic mobility for young South Africans.
6. Networking and Mentorship
During the course of the programme, participants will have the opportunity to network with colleagues, managers, and industry professionals. This exposure is invaluable for career growth, as participants can learn from experienced mentors and gain insights into the retail industry’s inner workings.
The Role of Sportscene and Markham in the YES4Youth Programme
Sportscene and Markham, both leading brands in the South African retail landscape, play a central role in the YES4Youth programme. These stores are known for their dynamic atmospheres, wide-ranging product offerings, and strong customer bases, making them ideal environments for young people to learn and grow.
Sportscene
Sportscene is a well-known retailer that specializes in sportswear, sneakers, and streetwear. As part of the TFG group, Sportscene attracts a diverse, trend-conscious customer base, which makes it an exciting place for young people interested in fashion, sports, and retail operations. Employees in Sportscene can gain experience in merchandising, stock management, customer service, and retail operations, all while interacting with an energetic and fashion-forward customer base.
Markham
Markham, on the other hand, is a leading menswear retailer that offers a wide variety of clothing and accessories. For young people interested in fashion retail, Markham provides an ideal setting to learn about product selection, visual merchandising, and customer relations. Participants in the YES4Youth programme at Markham will be involved in day-to-day store operations, providing them with a well-rounded understanding of the retail business.
By partnering with these iconic brands, the YES4Youth programme ensures that participants are exposed to two major areas of retail: fashion and sportswear. The combination of these two fields offers an excellent foundation for those looking to carve out a career in retail, marketing, or even entrepreneurship.
Eligibility Criteria for the YES4Youth Programme
While the YES4Youth programme offers tremendous opportunities, there are certain eligibility criteria that applicants must meet to be considered for participation. Below are the key requirements:
1. Age
Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years of age. This ensures that the programme focuses on youth who are in the early stages of their professional careers, providing them with opportunities to develop skills and gain experience that will set them up for success in the future.
2. Education
A matric (Grade 12) certificate is highly preferred, as it demonstrates a basic level of education and commitment. While the programme is open to individuals with varying educational backgrounds, having completed high school will significantly enhance an applicant’s chances of selection.
3. Employment History
The programme is specifically designed for unemployed youth, so applicants should not have been employed permanently by a single employer for more than one year. This helps ensure that the programme focuses on individuals who truly need this opportunity to gain work experience.
4. Availability
Applicants must be available to commit to the full 12-month contract. This is a fixed-term opportunity, and successful candidates must be willing to dedicate themselves to the full duration of the programme in order to benefit from the training and experience on offer.
5. Current Studies
Applicants must not be enrolled in full-time studies for the employment year (April 2024 – March 2025). This is to ensure that participants can focus fully on their work experience without the distraction of academic commitments.
6. Previous Participation in the YES Programme
Candidates who have already participated in the YES programme in the past are not eligible to apply. The programme is aimed at individuals who have not had prior exposure to YES, ensuring that new candidates have the opportunity to benefit from the programme.
7. Accommodation and Transport
Applicants must manage their own accommodation and transport. While TFG will provide a professional development environment and training, the responsibility for commuting and housing falls on the individual. However, the experience gained in this programme can open doors to future employment opportunities that may offer greater stability and support.
8. Employment Equity
In line with South Africa’s Employment Equity Act, preference will be given to candidates from designated groups. This is in keeping with TFG’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for the YES4Youth programme. The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Here’s how to apply:
Visit the TFG Careers Website Go to the TFG careers portal and navigate to the YES4Youth section.
A Pathway to Empowerment, Growth, and Career Success
Introduction
In a rapidly evolving world, where youth unemployment remains a critical issue, initiatives that create job opportunities and empower young people are more important than ever. The Youth Employment Service (YES) programme, a flagship initiative of TFG (The Foschini Group), is a prime example of such efforts. Launched to address the needs of South African youth, YES is committed to providing meaningful work opportunities, skills development, and a pathway to long-term career success. Through its partnership with popular retail brands Sportscene and Markham, YES aims to help young people build a brighter future and break the cycle of unemployment.
This article explores the details of the YES4Youth programme, its goals, the specific job opportunities available, the benefits for participants, and the qualifications needed to apply. If you’re a young South African eager to start a career in the retail sector, this could be your chance to secure valuable work experience and take your first steps toward long-term success.
The YES4Youth Initiative: A Stepping Stone to Employment
The YES4Youth programme is an initiative designed to give unemployed youth across South Africa a 12-month workplace opportunity. The goal is to help young individuals gain meaningful, hands-on experience in a real-world retail environment, particularly with well-known brands such as Sportscene and Markham, both of which are part of the TFG family. These brands are not just iconic names in South African retail; they represent the opportunity to work in dynamic, customer-focused environments that can serve as the perfect foundation for a successful career in the retail sector.
As part of this programme, participants will engage in various activities, from assisting customers and managing stock to receiving in-depth training that prepares them for future career prospects. One of the key benefits of the YES4Youth programme is the combination of work experience and training. By the end of the 12 months, participants will have not only a better understanding of the retail industry but also practical skills that will make them more competitive in the job market.
Why Join the YES4Youth Programme?
The YES4Youth programme is designed to be much more than just a job. It’s about empowerment, skill-building, and creating lasting career opportunities for young people. Here are some of the key reasons why this programme is a game-changer:
1. Practical Work Experience
Retail offers a wealth of opportunities to learn about customer service, sales, product management, and business operations. By joining Sportscene or Markham, participants will gain practical work experience that is highly valued by future employers. This hands-on exposure is crucial for building confidence and competence in the workplace.
2. Comprehensive Training
Along with on-the-job learning, participants in the YES4Youth programme will receive extensive online training, helping them develop essential skills such as time management, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. This holistic approach to development ensures that participants are well-prepared for future roles, whether within retail or in other sectors.
3. Career Advancement Opportunities
The ultimate goal of the YES4Youth programme is to create long-term career opportunities. After completing the 12-month programme, participants may be considered for permanent positions within the TFG family. Even if they move on to other companies, the experience and skills gained during the programme will make them attractive candidates for future employers.
4. A Personal Mobile Phone
As part of the YES programme, participants will receive a mobile phone for use throughout the training period. Upon successful completion of the programme, the phone is theirs to keep. This practical gesture ensures that participants stay connected, whether for work, study, or personal communication.
5. Economic Empowerment
One of the most significant benefits of the YES4Youth programme is that it directly addresses economic disparities by offering young people from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to earn a living and develop professionally. This is a stepping stone not only to individual financial independence but also to greater economic mobility for young South Africans.
6. Networking and Mentorship
During the course of the programme, participants will have the opportunity to network with colleagues, managers, and industry professionals. This exposure is invaluable for career growth, as participants can learn from experienced mentors and gain insights into the retail industry’s inner workings.
The Role of Sportscene and Markham in the YES4Youth Programme
Sportscene and Markham, both leading brands in the South African retail landscape, play a central role in the YES4Youth programme. These stores are known for their dynamic atmospheres, wide-ranging product offerings, and strong customer bases, making them ideal environments for young people to learn and grow.
Sportscene
Sportscene is a well-known retailer that specializes in sportswear, sneakers, and streetwear. As part of the TFG group, Sportscene attracts a diverse, trend-conscious customer base, which makes it an exciting place for young people interested in fashion, sports, and retail operations. Employees in Sportscene can gain experience in merchandising, stock management, customer service, and retail operations, all while interacting with an energetic and fashion-forward customer base.
Markham
Markham, on the other hand, is a leading menswear retailer that offers a wide variety of clothing and accessories. For young people interested in fashion retail, Markham provides an ideal setting to learn about product selection, visual merchandising, and customer relations. Participants in the YES4Youth programme at Markham will be involved in day-to-day store operations, providing them with a well-rounded understanding of the retail business.
By partnering with these iconic brands, the YES4Youth programme ensures that participants are exposed to two major areas of retail: fashion and sportswear. The combination of these two fields offers an excellent foundation for those looking to carve out a career in retail, marketing, or even entrepreneurship.
Eligibility Criteria for the YES4Youth Programme
While the YES4Youth programme offers tremendous opportunities, there are certain eligibility criteria that applicants must meet to be considered for participation. Below are the key requirements:
1. Age
Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years of age. This ensures that the programme focuses on youth who are in the early stages of their professional careers, providing them with opportunities to develop skills and gain experience that will set them up for success in the future.
2. Education
A matric (Grade 12) certificate is highly preferred, as it demonstrates a basic level of education and commitment. While the programme is open to individuals with varying educational backgrounds, having completed high school will significantly enhance an applicant’s chances of selection.
3. Employment History
The programme is specifically designed for unemployed youth, so applicants should not have been employed permanently by a single employer for more than one year. This helps ensure that the programme focuses on individuals who truly need this opportunity to gain work experience.
4. Availability
Applicants must be available to commit to the full 12-month contract. This is a fixed-term opportunity, and successful candidates must be willing to dedicate themselves to the full duration of the programme in order to benefit from the training and experience on offer.
5. Current Studies
Applicants must not be enrolled in full-time studies for the employment year (April 2024 – March 2025). This is to ensure that participants can focus fully on their work experience without the distraction of academic commitments.
6. Previous Participation in the YES Programme
Candidates who have already participated in the YES programme in the past are not eligible to apply. The programme is aimed at individuals who have not had prior exposure to YES, ensuring that new candidates have the opportunity to benefit from the programme.
7. Accommodation and Transport
Applicants must manage their own accommodation and transport. While TFG will provide a professional development environment and training, the responsibility for commuting and housing falls on the individual. However, the experience gained in this programme can open doors to future employment opportunities that may offer greater stability and support.
8. Employment Equity
In line with South Africa’s Employment Equity Act, preference will be given to candidates from designated groups. This is in keeping with TFG’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for the YES4Youth programme. The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Here’s how to apply:
Visit the TFG Careers Website Go to the TFG careers portal and navigate to the YES4Youth section.
