Launch Your Design Career with Purpose: PG Group YES4Youth Programme Opportunity in South Africa

“Great careers don’t just happen — they begin with bold opportunities.”

PG Group YES4Youth Programme: Every aspiring designer remembers the spark. The first time they saw an album cover and thought, I want to create that. Or the thrill of editing their first poster, bringing imagination to life. For many young South Africans, dreams like these burn bright — but opportunity, especially for first-time job seekers, can feel just out of reach.

That’s where the YES4Youth Programme steps in.

If you’re a talented, qualified graphic designer aged between 19 and 30, PG Group invites you to begin your professional journey through a rare and valuable opportunity.

🌍 A Step Toward Real Experience in a Real Workplace

📌 Location: Springs, Gauteng

PG Group, a well-established name in South Africa’s glass and glazing sector, is opening its doors to young creatives ready to take the leap from learning to doing.

As part of their commitment to economic inclusion and youth empowerment, PG Group is participating in the national Youth Employment Service (YES) — a groundbreaking programme designed to provide one-year, quality work experiences to unemployed youth.

This is more than just an internship. It’s your first real-world canvas.

🎓 Are You Eligible? Here’s What You Need

To qualify for this opportunity, you’ll need more than just passion. PG Group is looking for capable, committed individuals with the following qualifications:

✅ Minimum Requirements:

• South African citizenship (preference will be given to EEA candidates)
• A diploma or degree in Graphic Design
• Minimum 50% in English and Maths or Maths Literacy (from your Matric)
• A portfolio showcasing your design work (this is your chance to shine!)
• Willingness to be based at PG Group’s site in Springs, Gauteng

This opportunity is geared toward young job seekers who haven’t yet had formal employment, aligning with YES’s goal to bridge the gap between education and sustainable work experience.

🧰 What Will You Do as a YES Candidate in Graphic Design?

Graphic designers today are more than just artists — they are communicators, problem-solvers, and storytellers. At PG Group, you’ll learn to apply your visual skills in a business environment, working alongside professionals and contributing meaningfully to real projects.

Imagine seeing your design work on internal campaigns, marketing material, or digital platforms, knowing you helped bring those ideas to life.

While the exact scope may vary, here’s a general idea of what the role may include:

• Creating graphics for internal communication and external branding
• Assisting with visual layouts for print and digital materials
• Contributing ideas to marketing strategies and campaigns
• Learning about design software best practices in a commercial setting
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand how design drives business

💼 Why PG Group?

PG Group YES4Youth Programme is more than a name in manufacturing and glazing — it’s a brand built on innovation, heritage, and commitment to transformation. For decades, it has shaped the built environment of South Africa and beyond.

By investing in youth through the YES Programme, PG Group shows that it values creativity, inclusivity, and the role of young talent in building a better future.

Joining PG Group’s YES Programme means:

• Gaining professional workplace exposure
• Building your confidence and portfolio
• Developing critical soft skills and teamwork
• Accessing potential references and future job leads
• Making your first mark in the design industry

✍️ How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

This opportunity could set the tone for the rest of your career. But only complete, thoughtful applications will be considered. Here’s what you’ll need to submit:

📧 Send your application to: training@pg.co.za

📄 Required Documents:

1. Short CV – Focus on your education, software skills, and any freelance or class project experience.
2. Cover Letter – Tell your story. Why design? Why YOU? Why PG Group?
3. Certified Matric Certificate – Shows your eligibility in terms of English and Maths/Literacy.
4. Full Academic Record – Include results from your tertiary institution.
5. Letter of Completion – A document from your institution verifying that you have successfully completed your qualification.
6. Portfolio – Include 5–10 pieces that showcase your range and strengths as a designer.
7. Certified ID Copy – A valid, certified South African ID for verification.

Tip: Keep your email subject line clear and professional — for example:
YES4YOUTH Application – Graphic Designer – [Your Name]

🖼️ What Makes a Great Graphic Design Portfolio?

Since your portfolio is central to your application, let’s take a moment to explore what PG Group (and other companies) typically look for:

• Clarity: Each project should be labeled with a short description: what it was, what tools you used, and your role.
• Range: Include different types of work (e.g., logo design, posters, branding, UI/UX samples if any).
• Quality over quantity: It’s better to show five polished projects than fifteen half-finished ones.
• Creativity: Highlight your unique voice or artistic approach.
• Professional presentation: Export your portfolio as a clean, easy-to-navigate PDF or online link (e.g., Behance).

🔍 Why YES4Youth Matters – Beyond Just a Job

The Youth Employment Service was launched with a clear mission: to tackle the high youth unemployment rate in South Africa by providing structured, paid work experiences to young people who need it most.

PG Group YES4Youth Programme: According to YES, young people who complete their year-long placement:

• Are three times more likely to be permanently employed
• Gain practical, in-demand workplace skills
• Build a credible employment record — a vital first step in today’s competitive job market

For many, YES is not just a foot in the door — it’s a bridge to stability, dignity, and growth.

By participating in YES, companies like PG Group aren’t just filling roles. They’re actively shaping the future workforce of South Africa — one young person at a time.

💬 What Previous YES Participants Say

“I didn’t know what it meant to be a working designer until I joined the YES Programme. I learned how to present ideas in meetings, meet deadlines, and think commercially. Now I feel ready for anything.”
— Thandi, 26, Graphic Designer, YES Graduate 2023

“The experience I gained through YES opened doors I never thought possible. PG Group gave me a chance to prove myself, and now I have a full-time offer.”
— Sipho, 24, now Junior Marketing Assistant

📅 Don’t Wait – Opportunities Like This Are Limited

PG Group YES4Youth Programme

The deadline for this position has not been announced publicly, but these roles tend to fill quickly. As a result, it’s highly recommended to apply as soon as possible with all required documents prepared.

🚀 Your Career Starts Here

If you’ve ever felt unseen in the job market, or if you’re hungry for an opportunity to apply your creativity in a real-world setting — this could be the moment that changes everything.

You don’t need years of experience.

You need heart. Skill. Dedication. And the courage to take the first step.

PG Group is ready to help you grow.

Are you ready to design your future?

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