YES4Youth Internship Programme 2026
Irvin & Johnson (I&J), a leading deep-sea fishing company and a subsidiary of AVI Limited, is inviting applications for its YES (Youth Employment Service) Programme for 2026. This initiative offers unemployed youth a 12-month quality work experience within the FMCG and fishing industry, helping to bridge the gap between education and the professional world.
1. Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Employer | I&J (Irvin & Johnson) / AVI Limited |
| Programme | YES4Youth Internship |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Location | Cape Town (Woodstock, Paarden Eiland) & Gauteng |
| Closing Date | 30 April 2026 |
| Stipend | Market-related YES Stipend |
2. Target Fields of Study
I&J recruits talent across their specialized value chain—from the sea to the shelf:
Logistics & Supply Chain: Warehousing, distribution, and cold-chain management.
Engineering: Mechanical or Electrical (for fleet and production plant maintenance).
Food Science: Quality assurance, food safety, and product development.
Finance & Administration: Accounting, procurement, and general office support.
Human Resources: Employee relations, recruitment, and payroll administration.
Sales & Marketing: Trade marketing and retail sales support.
3. Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the I&J YES intake, you must meet the following criteria:
Education: A completed National Diploma or Degree in a relevant field of study.
Age: Must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Status: Must be an unemployed South African citizen.
Experience: Must have not participated in a YES programme with another employer previously.
Attributes: High energy, a willingness to work in an industrial environment, and a commitment to learning.
4. Key Responsibilities
Interns are placed within specific departments to gain hands-on experience:
Operational Support: Assisting with the coordination of fishing fleet logistics or production schedules in the processing plants.
Quality Compliance: (For Science streams) Assisting with inspections and ensuring all frozen products meet strict food safety standards.
Administration: Managing documentation, capturing data on internal systems, and assisting with departmental reporting.
Project Assistance: Contributing to team-based projects aimed at improving operational efficiency or reducing waste.
5. How to Apply
I&J manages its recruitment through the AVI Limited Careers portal.
Online Portal: Visit the
AVI Careers Page .Search: Use keywords like "I&J" or "YES Programme" to find active vacancies.
Required Documents:
A professional, updated CV.
A clear copy of your ID.
Your Degree/Diploma Certificate and Full Academic Transcripts.
Application Subject: Ensure you select the correct region (e.g., Western Cape or Gauteng) when applying online.
6. Important Advice for 2026
The "FMCG" Edge: I&J is a major player in the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector. In your interview, show you understand the pace of this industry—products move fast, and so must you.
The Cold Chain: If you are in Logistics or Engineering, mention your awareness of "Cold Chain" management. Maintaining the temperature of frozen fish is the most critical part of their business.
AVI Group Values: Since I&J is part of AVI (which owns brands like Five Roses and Bakers), research the AVI culture of "Performance and Excellence."
Location Readiness: Many I&J roles are based near the Cape Town Harbour. Ensure you are comfortable working in a maritime/industrial environment.
7. Why Join I&J?
Legacy Brand: Work for a company with over 110 years of history in South Africa.
Diverse Exposure: You get to see the entire process—from the fishing trawlers to the final packaged product in the supermarket.
Structured Learning: YES learners at I&J often receive additional "soft skills" training to help with professional communication and financial literacy.
Career Prospects: AVI Limited is a massive group; high-performing interns are often considered for permanent Junior Coordinator or Officer roles across their various brands.
Tip: When applying, highlight any "Analytical Skills." I&J values people who can look at data (like stock levels or production outputs) and identify patterns or errors quickly!
