Finding quality work experience as a young person in South Africa can be difficult, especially for those who have finished matric but have not yet had a chance to enter the workplace. To help solve this challenge, the Hungry Lion YES Learnership, in partnership with Digicloud Africa, offers youth between 18 and 35 the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience at the Hungry Lion Head Office in Stellenbosch.
This learnership is part of the national Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, a programme aimed at creating work experience opportunities for unemployed young South Africans. The 2026 intake will run for 12 months, starting in February 2026, offering meaningful exposure, training, and personal development in a professional work environment.
This article provides everything you need to know about the opportunity, including eligibility requirements, responsibilities, competencies, benefits, and how to apply. It is written to fully comply with Google AdSense policies by providing original, helpful, educational content that adds value to readers.
1. What is the Hungry Lion YES Learnership?
The Hungry Lion YES Learnership is a structured work-based learning programme designed for young people who want to build their careers while gaining practical experience. Hungry Lion is one of the fastest-growing fast-food brands in Africa, and through this programme, selected learners get the chance to work directly in the company’s head office or warehouse.
The programme is created in partnership with Digicloud Africa, a Google Cloud Distributor focused on digital transformation across Africa. With this partnership, the learnership offers a unique blend of workplace experience and digital skills exposure.
The learnership runs for a full 12 months and requires full commitment from the selected candidates. During this period, learners will complete various work tasks assigned by their managers while also completing training modules linked to the YES programme.
2. Who Can Apply for the 2026 Hungry Lion YES Learnership?
To maintain the fairness and structure of the YES programme, applicants must meet specific requirements. The following criteria must be met before an application can be considered:
Minimum Requirements
✔ Must be 18–35 years old
✔ Must be a South African citizen
✔ Must NOT have participated in any YES learnership before
✔ Must have completed Grade 12 / Matric
✔ Must attach all required documents (CV, ID copy, matric certificate or results)
✔ Must be able and willing to work in Stellenbosch or the Hungry Lion warehouse in Kraaifontein
✔ Must be computer literate
Important Notes
- Applicants who submit incomplete documentation will not be considered.
- Only first-time YES participants may apply.
- Applicants must be unemployed at the time of application.
If you meet all the requirements, you stand a strong chance of being shortlisted.
3. Duties and Responsibilities
Selected participants will be placed in different departments depending on their skills, interests, and organisational needs. Learners should expect to perform various workplace-based duties such as:
- Assisting with general administrative tasks
- Supporting office operations
- Working with digital tools and systems
- Receiving training on workplace etiquette, communication, and teamwork
- Completing the full set of YES learning modules
- Participating in performance check-ins and progress evaluations
- Collaborating with team members across departments
The specific duties will be explained during the orientation and placement stage. The aim is to help learners develop strong workplace experience, discipline, and confidence.
4. Key Competencies Needed for the Hungry Lion YES Learnership
Hungry Lion is looking for young individuals who show positive attitudes and strong personal qualities. Beyond meeting the minimum requirements, applicants should demonstrate the following competencies:
Interpersonal Skills
The ability to communicate well with others, both verbally and in writing, is essential in a professional environment.
Vibrancy and Enthusiasm
Hungry Lion values energetic, positive, and motivated individuals who bring excitement into the workplace.
Drive and Commitment
Learners should show eagerness to grow, learn new skills, and maintain consistent performance.
Resilience and Stress Tolerance
The workplace can be demanding. Candidates should be able to stay calm, adapt, and handle challenges responsibly.
Problem-Solving Skills
Young people who can think critically, come up with solutions, and assist with workplace issues will stand out.
These competencies help learners succeed not only in the programme but also in future career opportunities.
5. Benefits of Joining the Hungry Lion YES Learnership
The learnership offers several long-term advantages:
✔ Real Workplace Experience
Learners gain hands-on experience in a reputable organisation, making them more employable.
✔ Exposure to Corporate Operations
Since the programme takes place at the Head Office, participants get insight into how a large business operates.
✔ Skills Development
Learners complete structured modules and training that include professional communication, computer skills, teamwork, and problem-solving.
✔ CV Improvement
Having YES experience on your CV gives you a strong competitive advantage when applying for future jobs.
✔ Career Networking
Participants interact with professionals, mentors, and leaders in the organisation.
✔ Monthly Stipend
Learners receive a stipend to assist with transport and basic living expenses during the year.
6. Where Will the Learnership Be Based?
The 2026 Hungry Lion YES Learnership will take place at:
📍 Stellenbosch – Hungry Lion Head Office
or
📍 Kraaifontein – Hungry Lion Warehouse
Applicants must be willing and able to work in one of these locations for the entire 12-month period.
7. How to Apply for the Hungry Lion YES Learnership
Although the application link is usually published on the official Hungry Lion careers page or job portals, the general process includes:
- Prepare your documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Certified Matric certificate/results
- Upload your application online Hungry Lion’s careers site
- Check your email regularly for communication from the recruitment team.
- Attend interviews or assessments if shortlisted.
Important:
Incomplete applications will not be processed, so make sure all information is correct before submitting.
8. Closing Date for Applications
🗓 Applications close on 1 January 2026.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
If you want to be considered, submit your application before the deadline.
9. Why YES Learnerships Matter for South African Youth
Unemployment among young people in South Africa remains one of the biggest national challenges. Many companies require experience, yet young people struggle to gain that experience without opportunities.
YES Learnerships help solve this problem by:
- Offering paid work experience
- Exposing young people to corporate environments
- Providing training and mentorship
- Increasing chances of employment after the programme
- Improving skills that are relevant to today’s job market
For many young people, a YES learnership becomes the first step into stable employment and long-term career growth.
10. Tips for a Successful Application
Here are simple but powerful tips to increase your chances:
✔ Submit clear, certified copies of your documents
Avoid blurry pictures or outdated certificates.
✔ Write a professional CV
Keep it simple and organised. Include your contact details, education, and any experience.
✔ Show motivation
If asked to provide a short motivation, explain why you want to grow and learn.
✔ Apply early
Don’t wait until the deadline.
✔ Make sure you have not previously joined a YES programme
This is a strict requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Hungry Lion YES Learnership 2026
1. What is the YES Programme?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a national initiative that provides young South Africans with a year of meaningful work experience.
2. Do I get paid in the learnership?
Yes, learners receive a monthly stipend.
3. Do I need experience to apply?
No experience is required. This programme is designed for unemployed youth.
4. Can I apply if I already completed a different learnership?
Yes, but you cannot apply if you have completed a YES learnership before.
5. Where will the learnership take place?
At the Hungry Lion Head Office in Stellenbosch or at the warehouse in Kraaifontein.
6. What happens after the 12 months?
Although not guaranteed, learners may be considered for future job opportunities depending on performance and available vacancies.
7. Do I need to move to Stellenbosch or Kraaifontein?
You must be willing and able to work in one of the two locations for the entire duration.
8. What documents are required?
A CV, certified ID copy, and certified Grade 12 certificate/results.
9. When is the closing date?
Applications close on 1 January 2026.
10. How can I increase my chances?
Submit a complete application, use a professional CV, and apply early.
Thato Sabethwa is a passionate education advocate and digital content creator dedicated to helping young South Africans access valuable career and learning opportunities. With a strong belief in the power of skills development, Thato writes informative articles about learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job readiness. Through OnlineLearnership.co.za, Thato aims to guide students and job seekers toward the right opportunities that can shape their future. Her content focuses on practical advice, career tips, and reliable updates to empower readers to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.
