Supreme Poultry is inviting young South African matriculants to apply for its YES4Youth Programme set to begin on 1 November 2026. This 12-month internship opportunity is based at the company’s Lichtenburg Hatchery and focuses on practical work experience within the agricultural poultry sector.
About the Programme
The YES4Youth Programme is designed to provide unemployed youth with hands-on experience in poultry hatchery operations. Participants will engage in daily hatchery tasks such as caring for chickens, monitoring poultry health, managing egg incubation processes, maintaining hygiene, and operating hatchery equipment. The programme aims to strengthen participants’ skills and improve their future employability in agriculture.
Who Can Apply
This opportunity is open exclusively to unemployed South African citizens aged between 18 and 28 years who have completed their Grade 12 or Matric certificate. Applicants should not have previously participated in any YES4Youth programme. Comfort with working directly with chickens and participating in physically demanding tasks in an agricultural environment is essential, as this placement involves on-site hands-on duties rather than office work.
Requirements
- South African citizenship
- Age between 18 and 28 years
- Matric certificate or equivalent
- Unemployed status at the time of application
- No prior participation in YES4Youth
- Willingness to commit to the full 12-month duration of the programme
- Comfort and readiness to handle poultry and follow strict hygiene and biosecurity procedures, including showering in and out of the hatchery facilities
Location and Programme Duration
The programme takes place at Supreme Poultry’s Lichtenburg Hatchery in the North West Province. The internship will commence on 1 November 2026 and runs for a full 12 months.
Additional Selection Criteria
Shortlisted applicants must pass a medical examination and test negative for salmonella as part of the final selection process. This ensures the health and safety standards required in poultry operations are met.
Important Considerations
Applicants should carefully consider whether they are prepared for the physical nature of the work, which involves direct contact with chickens, adherence to strict biosecurity protocols, and participation in cleaning and hatchery hygiene. Those seeking an office-based role may find this opportunity unsuitable.
Application Process
Interested candidates who meet the eligibility requirements should search for the vacancy titled “YES4Youth Programme, Lichtenburg Hatchery” with reference number CBH261009-5 on the official Supreme Poultry or Country Bird Holdings recruitment portals. The online application page is available for submitting applications. Applicants are encouraged to follow all provided instructions carefully and submit their applications before the closing date.
Closing Date
Applications for this programme must be submitted by 12 October 2026.
