I&J – YES4Youth work employment programme

For someone trying to get real workplace exposure rather than stay stuck with only theory or no experience at all, this opportunity may be worth a close look. The Yes4Youth programme at I&J in Cape Town, Western Cape is a 12-month work opportunity for unemployed youth who want to build practical workplace skills and gain hands-on exposure within one of South Africa’s established seafood businesses.

At a glance

What this opportunity is

This is a 12-month YES4Youth work employment programme offered by I&J for unemployed young people who want to gain hands-on work experience and build new skills in a formal workplace environment. Successful candidates will be employed at one of the I&J sites.

Note: The listing clearly says this is not a learnership. It is better understood as a work experience opportunity that can help build workplace exposure, routine, discipline, and practical readiness for future employment.

Who this opportunity may suit

• Unemployed youth aged 18 to 34 who want structured workplace exposure
• Applicants who have completed at least Grade 10 (Standard 8)
• Someone who is not currently attending a government-funded training programme
• An applicant who has not previously enrolled on a YES4Youth programme
• A person who wants to build practical work readiness in an operations-linked environment

What you’ll do / learn

You’ll gain practical workplace exposure over 12 months while building basic work readiness, site-based experience, and hands-on familiarity with a formal business environment.

• Gain hands-on work experience at one of the I&J sites
• Build new workplace skills in a structured environment
• Develop work discipline, communication, and day-to-day workplace readiness
• Get exposure to a formal operations-linked business environment
• Learn how recruitment, screening, and workplace compliance requirements operate in practice
• Improve employability through practical work exposure over a 12-month period

Eligibility requirements

Check the requirements below before applying.

Essential requirements

• Must be unemployed
• Must be between the ages of 18 and 34
• Must have completed a minimum of Grade 10 (Standard 8)
• Must not have been previously enrolled on a YES4Youth programme
• Must not currently be attending any government-funded training programme
• Only applicants who submit all required documents will be considered

Important process notes

• The recruitment process includes background screening such as criminal checks, ID verification, and qualification checks
• Shortlisted applicants will need to undergo a full medical examination at the I&J surgery

What this role really means

A programme like this usually gives someone their first real exposure to workplace expectations rather than highly specialised technical training. In practice, that often means learning how to follow instructions, arrive on time, keep documents in order, communicate professionally, and handle the rhythm of formal employment. If you are applying, it helps to show that you are serious about work, reliable, and ready to use the opportunity as a stepping stone rather than treating it casually.

Application checklist

Make sure your application is complete before submitting.

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Stamped bank account details or bank statement not older than 3 months
• SARS tax document (copy of SARS certificate or letter)
• Certified copy of highest grade or qualification not older than 3 months
• Certified ID copy not older than 3 months
• Clear contact details (phone + email)
• Any additional documents requested during the application process

Need help with CVs, certified copies, and application tips? Use our Resources & Guides Hub.

About the sponsor

I&J is a South African fishing and food manufacturing business that supplies Cape Hake and farmed Cape Abalone, and forms part of AVI Limited. The business operates in seafood harvesting, processing, and related food production, and has been part of the local market for more than a century. Visit the I&J website or the AVI I&J page for more information.

Quick tips for this application

• Make sure every required document is ready before you start, because the listing says incomplete applications will not be considered
• Check that your certified copies and bank statement are not older than 3 months
• Save the WhatsApp number correctly before trying to apply
• Keep your CV simple, clear, and easy to read
• Use your CV to show reliability, willingness to work, and any practical exposure you already have

Mistakes to avoid

• Applying without all the required documents
• Uploading or submitting expired certified copies or an old bank statement
• Applying if you are currently in a government-funded training programme
• Ignoring the rule about previous YES4Youth enrolment
• Using an unclear or incomplete CV
• Waiting too close to the closing date to start the WhatsApp process

Scam warning (important)

Do not pay any fee to apply for this opportunity. The official listing says applications must be made through the I&J WhatsApp number provided in the vacancy. Be careful of anyone asking for money, banking payments, or “processing fees” outside the official application route.

How this opportunity was verified

We checked the live official Simplify vacancy for Yes4Youth and confirmed the title, location, contract term, Grade 10 minimum requirement, age criteria, required documents, WhatsApp application route, screening notes, and closing date before preparing this post.

For more information about how our posts are verified, please visit our How we verify listings page.

How to apply

1. Open the official vacancy page or use the official WhatsApp route below.
2. Save the I&J WhatsApp number 060 011 9717 as a contact on your phone.
3. Send “HI” to the number on WhatsApp.
4. Follow the response prompts and prepare all required supporting documents.
5. Make sure your documents are current and correctly certified where required.
6. Complete your application before 30 April 2026.