Hungry Lion YES Learnership Programme 2026 – Apply Now
Empowering South African Youth Through Real Workplace Experience**
Introduction
Youth unemployment remains one of the most significant challenges in South Africa, and many young people struggle to access opportunities that offer real work exposure, practical learning, and long-term career growth. In response to this national need, Hungry Lion—one of Africa’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant brands—has partnered with Digicloud Africa to deliver an impactful Youth Employment Service (YES) Learnership Programme for 2026.
This programme is designed not only to provide young people with essential work experience but also to equip them with the foundational behavioural, professional, and technical skills needed to thrive in a modern, fast-paced corporate environment. Whether you aspire to build a career in business operations, administration, logistics, customer service, HR, finance, or retail support, this learnership places you at the centre of a real working environment—working alongside professionals and learning by doing.
Beginning in February 2026, this 12-month full-time learnership is hosted at the Hungry Lion Head Office in Stellenbosch as well as the Hungry Lion Warehouse in Kraaifontein. Selected candidates must commit to the full duration of the programme to benefit fully and complete the accredited modules that form part of the YES curriculum.
About the Hungry Lion YES Learnership
The Hungry Lion YES Learnership Programme focuses on workplace readiness, exposure to corporate operations, and structured development aimed at empowering South African youth between the ages of 18 and 35. Through the YES partnership, participants will gain real-world experience, professional mentorship, and practical skills that improve employability after the programme.
This opportunity targets young people who may have completed school but have been unable to secure meaningful employment or industry exposure. The programme aims to bridge that gap—giving participants hands-on learning, daily responsibilities, collaborative projects, and skills development activities that reflect the real expectations of today’s workplace.
The mission of Hungry Lion and Digicloud Africa is clear:
to create a positive, life-changing pathway to employment and professional growth for youth with potential, energy, and ambition.
Why This Learnership Matters
The value of this programme goes far beyond the 12-month work experience period. YES learnerships are nationally recognised and often serve as a stepping stone into future employment opportunities. For many young people, having “YES Learner at Hungry Lion Head Office” on their CV significantly boosts credibility, confidence, and career prospects.
Participants gain exposure to:
Real corporate systems and workflows
Office administration practices
Team collaboration
Workplace communication
Problem-solving under pressure
Customer-centric thinking
Time management and productivity
Technology-enabled work environments
This experience builds strong professional habits and instills a level of maturity and responsibility that employers value. It also gives young participants the chance to build a professional network—something that helps guide future job opportunities, references, and career direction.
Programme Duration and Commitment
The Hungry Lion YES Learnership runs for a period of 12 months, beginning in February 2026 and ending in January 2027. Successful applicants must commit to:
Full-time attendance
Completion of all assigned tasks
Completion of all YES learning modules
Participation in evaluations, assessments, and training activities
Since YES is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, applicants must not have participated in any previous YES programme.
Duties and Responsibilities
During the learnership, participants will perform various office-based duties aligned with the needs of the Hungry Lion Head Office and the warehouse environment. These responsibilities may vary depending on departmental placement, skills, and internal requirements. However, learners can expect exposure to the following kinds of work:
- Administrative Support
Learners will be introduced to the fundamentals of office administration. This may include:
Managing basic office documentation
Organising digital and physical files
Handling data capturing tasks
Supporting departmental workflows
Updating spreadsheets or databases
Assisting with record keeping
Responding to internal communication
These tasks help develop accuracy, time management, and attention to detail—all essential workplace skills.
- Customer Support and Queries
Depending on the department, learners may assist with customer-related tasks such as:
Capturing customer service data
Assisting customer service teams where needed
Learning about customer satisfaction standards
Understanding how feedback impacts business performance
This fosters problem-solving skills and helps learners understand the importance of brand reputation and customer experience.
- Basic Operational Support
Some learnership placements will involve supporting internal operations, such as:
Assisting various departments with day-to-day tasks
Helping with logistics and warehouse-related processes (Kraaifontein site)
Observing supply chain functions
Coordinating dispatch information (when applicable)
These tasks build versatility and introduce learners to the operational side of a large organisation.
- Learning Module Completion
The YES Learnership includes several structured learning modules that must be completed during the 12-month programme. These modules focus on:
Workplace skills
Professional behaviour
Digital literacy
Communication skills
Problem-solving
Critical thinking
Career readiness
Learners are expected to meet deadlines, engage with coursework, and demonstrate progress.
- Team Collaboration
Since the programme is based at a major head office, learners will gain exposure to teamwork, meetings, and collaborative projects. This builds professional etiquette and helps learners grow into well-rounded employees capable of contributing to dynamic teams.
Required Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Hungry Lion YES Learnership Programme for 2026, applicants must meet all the following eligibility requirements:
✔ Age Requirement
Must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of applying.
✔ Citizenship
Must be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID.
✔ Academic Requirement
Must have completed Grade 12 / Matric.
Must attach certified copies of:
ID
Matric certificate or statement of results
Current CV
✔ YES Participation Status
Must never have been part of any YES programme before.
The YES programme can only be completed once in a lifetime and repeat participation is not allowed.
✔ Location and Availability
Must be willing and available to work in:
Stellenbosch (Head Office)
or Kraaifontein (Warehouse)
Must be able to commit to a full 12-month contract from February 2026.
✔ Computer Literacy
Basic computer skills are essential.
Applicants should be comfortable using:
Word processing tools
Spreadsheets
Online learning platforms
Incomplete applications will not be considered, so applicants should ensure all documents and requirements are included.
Core Competencies and Personal Attributes
The Hungry Lion YES Learnership seeks young people who possess not just academic qualifications but also the right personal qualities to grow within a professional environment.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Interpersonal Skills
Learners will interact with colleagues daily, making communication and teamwork essential.
- Vibrant and Enthusiastic Personality
Hungry Lion is known for its energetic brand identity. Learners should bring positivity and eagerness to learn.
- Commitment and Drive
The programme requires discipline, punctuality, and dedication.
- Resilience and Stress Tolerance
Working in a dynamic environment can be challenging. Learners must manage pressure while maintaining professionalism.
- Problem-Solving Ability
Young people who can think critically and adapt to challenges will thrive in this setting.
These competencies form the foundation of workplace readiness and contribute significantly to personal growth throughout the programme.
Benefits of Participating in the Hungry Lion YES Learnership
This learnership is a powerful stepping stone toward personal and professional transformation. Participants gain:
✔ Formal Work Experience
Exposure to real corporate functions strengthens CVs and improves job prospects.
✔ Professional Skill Development
Learners gain essential workplace skills such as communication, organisation, digital proficiency, teamwork, and time management.
✔ Exposure to a Leading African Brand
Hungry Lion is a well-established, rapidly expanding company—making this experience valuable for future employers.
✔ Structured Learning and Training
Learners complete YES accredited learning modules that contribute to their professional development.
✔ Improved Employability
After completing the programme, participants often find it easier to secure employment or further learning opportunities.
✔ Growth of Confidence and Workplace Maturity
Being part of a professional environment teaches discipline, accountability, and career-focused behaviour.
Application Process
All applicants must submit a complete application that includes:
A detailed and updated CV
A certified copy of their South African ID
A certified copy of their matric certificate or results
Applications close on:
📅 Closing Date: 1 January 2026
Late or incomplete applications will automatically be disqualified.
Conclusion
The Hungry Lion YES Learnership Programme for 2026 is a remarkable opportunity for South African youth who are eager to gain real work experience, build professional skills, and take meaningful steps toward a successful career. By combining structured training with real-world job exposure, the programme opens doors to opportunities that many young people struggle to access.
This 12-month journey promises personal growth, workplace readiness, and invaluable corporate exposure. It is ideal for young individuals who are enthusiastic, motivated, and ready to begin building a solid foundation for their future careers. If you meet the requirements and are committed to learning, contributing, and growing, this opportunity can transform your professional path and open new possibilities for your future.