FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GOT QUESTIONS? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS
We understand that organisations, host partners, and young professionals may have questions about how Signa Opportunity’s programmes work. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
CORPORATE PARTNERS
How does partnering with Signa Opportunity support our B-BBEE scorecard?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative enables businesses to enhance their B-BBEE status by creating meaningful workplace opportunities for unemployed youth. Organisations that successfully implement the programme may improve their B-BBEE level by up to two levels, subject to meeting programme requirements.Signa Opportunity provides full programme implementation and compliance support to help organisations maximise these outcomes.
Is YES the same as earning ordinary scorecard points?
No. YES is linked to a potential B-BBEE status level enhancement when the required criteria are met. This is different from simply strengthening a scorecard through points alone. A business must still meet the relevant base requirements before the YES level-up benefit can be applied.
What role does Signa Opportunity play in managing the programme?
Signa Opportunity provides end-to-end programme management, including:
• Workforce planning and job mapping
• Recruitment and candidate selection
• Work readiness training and onboarding
• Workplace monitoring and mentorship
• Programme reporting and compliance support
This allows organisations to participate in the programme without needing to manage day-to-day implementation.
What does the sponsor pay?
Sponsors pay the YES NPC and Signa Opportunity fees, as well as fund the monthly stipend paid to programme participants in accordance with programme guidelines and the national minimum wage framework.Payments are structured to ensure compliance, transparency, and sustainability within the programme.
What types of roles can be filled through the programme?
Programme participants can be placed in a wide range of roles depending on the organisation’s needs.Common placements include roles in:
• Administration
• Finance and accounting
• IT and technical support
• Marketing and communications
• Logistics and operations
Placements are aligned with organisational requirements and the candidate’s qualifications and interests.
What outcomes can organisations expect from the programme?
In addition to B-BBEE benefits, organisations often experience:
• Development of future talent pipelines
• Increased operational capacity
• Opportunities to recruit high-performing participants
• Demonstrated commitment to youth employment and transformation
Many organisations also absorb programme participants into permanent roles once the programme concludes.
HOST PARTNERS
What is a host partner?
A host partner is an organisation that provides workplace experience opportunities for programme participants.Host organisations supervise participants during their 12-month workplace experience period and provide meaningful work responsibilities that allow young professionals to gain practical skills.
What qualifications do the candidates have?
We recruit candidates based on the specific requirements of the host partner.
Host partners provide a job description and role requirements, and we source candidates whose qualifications, skills, and interests align with the role.Our candidate pool includes individuals with:
• Matric certificates
• Certificates and diplomas
• University degrees
Candidates come from a wide range of fields such as administration, IT, finance, logistics, marketing, hospitality, and other specialised areas.This allows us to support both entry-level and technical roles depending on organisational needs.
Do host partners need to pay the stipend?
Stipends are funded by corporate sponsor organisations participating in the programme.
This allows host organisations to benefit from additional operational capacity without incurring recruitment costs.
Why is a stipend top-up encouraged?
A stipend top-up is encouraged to support candidate retention and ensure market alignment.
Experience shows that financial pressure is one of the main reasons candidates resign before completing the programme. In some cases, the base stipend may fall below the market value of the role being performed.A top-up helps to:
• Improve candidate retention
• Support motivation and performance
• Align compensation more closely with industry norms
This ultimately benefits host partners by reducing attrition and maintaining operational stability.
Can the 12-month programme be extended?
No. The programme is designed as a once-off 12-month workplace experience opportunity.
The purpose is to provide meaningful first-time work exposure for young people rather than long-term or rolling programme participation.At the end of the 12 months, the candidate must either:
• Be absorbed into permanent or fixed-term employment within the host organisation (outside the programme), or
• Exit the programme.This structure ensures compliance, fairness, and broader youth participation.
How does candidate absorption work?
Our placement model supports long-term talent development.
Candidates are placed with host partners who have real workplace needs and potential future opportunities. During the 12 months, candidates gain relevant experience that prepares them for long-term employment.
Host partners who successfully absorb candidates often:
• Strengthen their internal talent pipeline
• Build future-ready teams
• Become preferred partners for future placements
This creates a sustainable model that benefits both businesses and young professionals.
CANDIDATES
Who can apply for the programme?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
• South African Black (African, Coloured, or Indian) citizen
• Aged between 18 and 34
• Currently unemployed
• Not have participated in the YES programme previously
• Have at least a matric qualification
How do I apply for opportunities?
Candidates can submit their applications through the Signa Opportunity recruitment platform by uploading their CV and completing the application form.
Applications are reviewed by the recruitment team and matched with suitable opportunities.
Will I receive training before starting work?
Yes. Candidates participate in work readiness training and induction sessions before starting their workplace placements.
This training focuses on workplace expectations, professional behaviour, and career readiness.
How long does the programme last?
The programme provides 12 months of structured workplace experience, allowing participants to gain valuable professional exposure in a real work environment.
Will I get a job after completing the programme?
While permanent employment cannot be guaranteed, the programme significantly improves employability.
Participants leave the programme with:
• Valuable workplace experience
• Professional references
• Enhanced CVs and job search skills
Many participants are absorbed by their host organisations or secure employment elsewhere after completing the programme.
READY TO PARTNER WITH SIGNA OPPORTUNITY?
Organisations that invest in youth employment today help build the workforce of tomorrow.
Partner with Signa Opportunity to develop future talent while creating meaningful economic pathways for South Africa’s youth.