The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) is a leading business school in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the business school of the University of Pretoria. It was founded in 2000 through a significant endowment from businessman and philanthropist Sir Donald Gordon. GIBS’s mission is to improve individual and organizational performance in dynamic markets, with a focus on South Africa and the broader African continent.

South Africa continues to face a significant youth unemployment challenge, with the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15–34 at 45.5%, compared to a national average of 32.9% (Q1 2024).

In response, GIBS — one of South Africa’s top business schools — is participating in the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, a collaborative effort between business, government, and labour to create sustainable work opportunities for unemployed youth.

This one-year programme offers practical workplace experience and professional mentoring to help young people kickstart their careers in a dynamic, innovation-driven environment.

Why Join the GIBS YES Programme?

Real Work Experience

Gain exposure to real-world business operations and sharpen your workplace skills.

A Foot in the Door

Access meaningful opportunities within a world-class educational and business institution.

Network & Connect

Collaborate with top professionals, mentors, and fellow graduates.

Earn While You Learn

Enjoy a paid, one-year contract while developing your professional portfolio.

Programme Details

• Duration: 12 months (January 2026 – January 2027)
• Contract Type: Fixed-term, full-time (40 hours per week)
• Working Hours: Monday to Sunday with two consecutive days off; evening shifts from 16:30 to 21:30 may be required.
• Location: Gauteng

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens (by birth or naturalisation as defined under the Constitution).
• Be unemployed at the time of application.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old (must not turn 35 before 31 December 2025).
• Reside in Gauteng.
• Not have participated in a YES Programme before.

Educational Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) or equivalent.
• Qualifications with quantitative skills (such as Business, Economics, Data Analytics, or Mathematics) are advantageous.

Additional Requirements

• Strong English communication skills (verbal and written).
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings.
• Availability to start work in January 2026.

What You’ll Gain

• A full year of structured workplace learning.
• Professional mentorship and exposure to the operations of a leading business school.
• Practical employability skills to enhance career readiness.
• A nationally recognised YES Programme certificate upon completion.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply online via the official GIBS website:

Ensure your application includes:

• Updated CV
• Certified ID copy
• Certified academic transcript/qualification

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.