TFG – YES Sales Associate

Retail work can be one of the most practical ways to gain your first formal job experience, especially if you want to build confidence in customer service and store operations. The YES Sales Associate (120hr) – Totalsports – Swellendam opportunity is aimed at young South Africans who want to enter the job market through a 12-month YES placement in a retail environment.

At a glance

What this opportunity is

This opportunity forms part of the YES programme, which helps young South Africans gain workplace exposure and practical experience. The role is based at Totalsports in Swellendam and gives successful applicants the chance to work in a live retail environment for 12 months.

It is intended as an entry route into the working world rather than a guaranteed permanent job. Applicants should view it as a structured first step to build retail experience, work discipline, customer service skills, and a stronger CV for future job applications.

Note: This is a fixed-term 12-month opportunity. The official listing does not state that permanent employment is guaranteed after the programme ends.

Who this opportunity may suit

This opportunity may suit young applicants who want their first proper work exposure in a store environment. It may also suit people who are interested in retail, clothing, footwear, sportswear, customer interaction, and learning how sales-floor teams operate day to day.

• Young South Africans looking for first-time work experience.
• Applicants interested in retail and customer service.
• People who are willing to commit to a 12-month contract.
• Applicants who are not studying full-time during the placement period.
• Applicants who can manage their own transport and accommodation where needed.

What you’ll do / learn

The listing does not provide a full duty breakdown, but a Sales Associate placement in a Totalsports store usually gives exposure to customer-facing retail work and general store support. Successful applicants should expect to learn how retail teams assist customers and keep store operations running smoothly.

• Gain exposure to a live retail store environment.
• Learn customer service basics and store interaction skills.
• Support daily sales-floor activities.
• Develop workplace habits such as punctuality, teamwork, and communication.
• Build practical experience that can support future retail or sales applications.
• Improve confidence in dealing with customers and store procedures.

Eligibility requirements

The official listing states that applicants should meet the following YES programme requirements:

• Must be aged between 18 and 28 years old.
• Matric is preferable.
• Must be available and willing to work a fixed-term 12-month contract.
• Should not have been employed permanently with a single employer continuously for more than 1 year.
• Should not be studying full time in the year of employment, from April 2026 to March 2027.
• Should not have participated in or been registered on the YES programme before.
• Accommodation and transportation are for the applicant’s own account, if applicable.

Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.

What this role really means

A Sales Associate role in a sports retail store is usually about being presentable, helpful, and ready to assist customers throughout the trading day. In practice, this often means helping customers on the floor, understanding products, supporting the store team, and working in a fast-moving environment where attitude and reliability matter.

For your CV, highlight anything that shows responsibility and people skills. This can include school leadership, sports involvement, volunteering, helping in a family business, informal customer service exposure, or any activity that shows you can communicate well, be on time, and work with others.

Application checklist

Prepare your documents before you start the online application so that you can submit everything clearly and correctly.

• Updated CV.
• Certified copy of your South African ID.
• Matric certificate or latest available results, where applicable.
• Clear cellphone number and email address.
• Proof of residence, if available.
• Any supporting documents that show school, retail, volunteer, sports, or customer-facing experience.

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

About the sponsor

TFG is a South African retail group with multiple brands across clothing, sportswear, footwear, jewellery, technology, and homeware. Totalsports is one of the group’s sports retail brands and focuses on sports-inspired footwear, clothing, accessories, and related retail products. For more information visit the TFG Website.

Quick tips for applicants

• Apply early because the closing date is close.
• Keep your CV simple, clear, and easy to read.
• Make sure your phone number and email address are correct.
• Check carefully that you have never been on the YES programme before.
• Be realistic about transport and travel to the Swellendam location.
• Mention any customer service, school, sports, or teamwork experience on your CV.

Common mistakes that get applicants rejected

• Applying without meeting the YES age requirements.
• Leaving out important documents.
• Using a CV with outdated contact details.
• Applying despite already participating in the YES programme before.
• Applying while unavailable for the full 12-month contract.
• Waiting too late and missing the online closing date.

Scam warning (important)

Do not pay anyone to apply for this opportunity. Applications should be submitted through the official TFG careers platform. Be cautious of messages or social media posts that ask for money, promise guaranteed placement, or claim they can secure the role for a fee.

How this opportunity was verified

This opportunity was prepared from the official listing details provided for Job ID 13116, including the job title, location, YES eligibility requirements, posting date, closing date, and application link.

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

How to apply

1. Open the official application link below.
2. Read through the vacancy details carefully.
3. Make sure you meet all YES programme requirements before continuing.
4. Create or sign in to your candidate profile on the TFG system.
5. Upload your CV and supporting documents where required.
6. Submit your application before the closing date and keep proof of submission.

Application Closing Date

Application Closing Date: 09 June 2026.