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Applications are open for the YES4Youth Poultry Learning Programme 2025 in South Africa. Discover how this opportunity empowers young South Africans with work experience, agricultural skills, and career growth. Apply before 30 September 2025.
Introduction: Youth, Agriculture, and Opportunity
Agriculture is one of the oldest and most essential industries in South Africa. From feeding communities to sustaining the economy, farming continues to play a vital role in shaping the country’s development. Yet, many young people remain unemployed or lack access to the skills and opportunities that agriculture can offer.
This is where the YES4Youth Poultry Learning Programme 2025 comes in. Designed specifically to empower young people in Lichtenburg and surrounding areas, the programme provides structured work experience, industry exposure, and the chance to build a sustainable career in poultry farming.
With the closing date of 30 September 2025, this opportunity is timely, practical, and designed to equip participants with hands-on skills that matter in the real world.
What Is the YES4Youth Poultry Learning Programme?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative is a national movement that creates job opportunities and skills pathways for unemployed South Africans. By partnering with businesses and organizations, YES programmes are tailored to give young people the first step into the world of work.
The Poultry Learning Programme is one such initiative. Focused on poultry farming, it allows participants to:
- Learn the basics of poultry management
- Understand farming operations and production cycles
- Gain exposure to agricultural business practices
- Develop employability and work-readiness skills
This combination of practical and theoretical experience ensures participants leave the programme with not just knowledge, but also workplace confidence.
Why Poultry Farming?
South Africa’s poultry industry is one of the most vibrant agricultural sectors. It contributes significantly to food security and job creation, particularly in rural areas. Poultry products, including chicken and eggs, are among the most consumed protein sources in the country.
For youth, this translates to a growing industry with multiple career pathways. Some participants may continue as employees in established farms, while others may use their skills to pursue entrepreneurship opportunities in small-scale poultry farming.
Useful Links:
- Youth Opportunities
- Online courses
- Learnerships Programme
- Skills Training Programme
- Funding Bursaries
By choosing poultry as a focus, the YES4Youth programme ensures participants gain experience in a field with high demand, clear growth potential, and long-term sustainability.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to youth living in Lichtenburg and surrounding areas. Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Hold a Matric certificate (uncertified copies are acceptable for the application process)
- Be unemployed and seeking work experience
- Have a genuine interest in agriculture and learning new skills
Importantly, people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The programme is designed to be inclusive and to ensure that youth from different backgrounds have access to opportunities.
What You Will Gain from the Programme
Joining the YES4Youth Poultry Learning Programme is about more than just a temporary job. It is about unlocking opportunities that can shape your future. Participants will gain:
1. Work Experience
One of the biggest challenges facing young people is the “experience barrier.” Many employers require previous work history, but few entry-level opportunities exist. This programme bridges that gap by offering real workplace exposure.
2. Agricultural Knowledge
Participants will learn how poultry farms operate. From caring for chickens and maintaining facilities to monitoring health and production, the skills are both practical and transferable.
3. Personal Growth
The programme emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and responsibility—qualities that employers in any industry value. By the end, participants not only gain skills but also confidence and employability.
4. Networking Opportunities
Connecting with industry professionals and mentors during the programme creates avenues for future employment and partnerships.
5. Inclusivity and Empowerment
By welcoming people with disabilities, the programme demonstrates its commitment to equal access to opportunities, ensuring that everyone has the chance to thrive.
How to Apply
Applications are straightforward, but they require attention to detail. Here’s how to submit:
- Prepare your documents: uncertified copy of your Matric Certificate, your ID, and your CV.
- Write your email: Use the subject line YES7LICH.
- Send your application: Email all documents to [email protected].
Application Deadline
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Note: Only successful applicants will be contacted.
Submitting early is recommended to avoid last-minute issues and to show seriousness in your application.
Tips for a Strong Application
Competition for programmes like these can be tough. Here are some ways to stand out:
- Craft a professional CV: Keep it clear, simple, and highlight any relevant interests or experiences. Even school projects or community work count.
- Write a short motivation: Explain in your CV or email why you are interested in agriculture and how the programme can help your career.
- Check your documents: Ensure your Matric certificate and ID are readable and properly scanned.
- Follow instructions: Using the subject line “YES7LICH” is crucial—applications without it may not be considered.
The Bigger Picture: YES and South Africa’s Youth
The YES4Youth initiative has created hundreds of thousands of work opportunities across the country since its launch. By focusing on agriculture in Lichtenburg, the Poultry Learning Programme addresses both youth unemployment and food security challenges.
Lichtenburg, known for its agricultural activity, is the perfect location for such a programme. The community not only benefits from youth empowerment but also gains from a skilled workforce that supports local farming businesses.
Future Pathways After the Programme
Graduates of the YES4Youth Poultry Learning Programme are not left stranded. The skills and experiences gained can open doors to:
- Employment in farms, hatcheries, and agricultural companies
- Entrepreneurship in poultry production, egg sales, or feed supply
- Further education and training in agriculture, supported by SETAs and other institutions
- Community impact, as graduates can help inspire others and share their knowledge locally
The programme acts as a stepping stone for youth who are determined to build sustainable livelihoods.
Why This Matters Now
South Africa’s unemployment rate remains one of the highest globally, particularly among youth. Initiatives like the YES4Youth Poultry Learning Programme are not just opportunities—they are lifelines for many families.
With agriculture at the heart of food security and economic stability, investing in young people’s skills is an investment in the future of the nation.
Final Call to Action
If you are a young person in Lichtenburg or surrounding areas and have a passion for agriculture, the time to act is now. The YES4Youth Poultry Learning Programme 2025 offers you the chance to:
- Gain work experience
- Develop skills in poultry farming
- Become part of a youth empowerment movement
Apply Today
- Email: [email protected]
- Subject line: YES7LICH
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Take this step to shape your future in agriculture and join a programme designed to uplift South Africa’s youth.
