The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program connects young Africans, particularly recent graduates and Mastercard Foundation Alumni, with 12-month paid work placements, employability and enrichment training, and mentorship that help them gain practical experience and transition into dignified and fulfilling work.

In South Africa, the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program is implemented in partnership with Youth Employment Service (YES) and leading employers across the country. Together, we create meaningful job opportunities for young graduates while strengthening the future talent pipeline for businesses.

The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program Includes:

• 12-month paid work placements with host employers

• Structured employability and enrichment training

• Mentorship and professional development support

• Access to Mastercard Foundation’s Pan-African network of young professionals

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program in South Africa, applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Age: Young people between 18 and 34 years old

• Education Requirement: Must hold at least a diploma or a first-degree qualification

• Employment Status: Must be unemployed

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen

• Race: Defined as Black, in accordance with the B-BBEE definition
  

• Participation: Must not have previously participated in a YES programme. 

• Preferred: An Alumni of a Mastercard Foundation-supported program such as Anzisha Prize, CorpsAfrica, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Skoll Emerging Leaders Initiative, YALI, Youth Think Tank, Zambezi Prize, Mastercard Foundation Associates Program

How the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program Works

1. Apply and Register on SkillQuest Youth Portal
   Interested applicants register on the SkillQuest Youth Portal and complete their profile.
2. View Available Opportunities
   Job opportunities are posted on an ongoing basis by participating employers across South Africa.
3. Apply for Roles That Match Your Skills
   Applicants can apply for roles aligned with their qualifications, skills, and career aspirations.
4. Matching and Placement
   Employer partners review applications, interview and select candidates for placement.
5. 12-Month Placement + Development Support
   Successful  Mastercard Foundation Associates begin their 12-month paid placement while participating in structured learning, mentorship, and professional development activities.

Opportunities will appear on the SkillQuest Youth Portal as they become available.

Your Data and Application

To apply for opportunities, applicants will be required to register and complete their personal and professional information on the SkillQuest Youth Portal.

This information helps:

• Match applicants with suitable employers

• Design relevant training and enrichment support

• Measure Mastercard Foundation Associates Program impact across South Africa and Africa

All information provided will be handled confidentially and managed in compliance with applicable data-protection laws. Detailed consent and data-processing information will be provided during the SkillQuest registration process.

Ready to Begin?

Opportunities are posted on an ongoing basis.