For many young South Africans, finishing university is only half the battle. The real challenge often begins once the graduation cap is tossed in the air—how do you actually break into the workplace? With so many job listings asking for “two to three years’ experience,” unemployed graduates are left wondering where that experience is supposed to come from in the first place.
Adcock Ingram, one of South Africa’s leading pharmaceutical companies, has recognised this very challenge. Through the Youth Employment Service (YES) Graduate Programme 2025, the company is extending a lifeline to ambitious graduates who are eager to gain real-world experience in the finance sector.
This is not just another internship. It’s a 12-month structured programme designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and the demands of a professional workplace. More than simply offering a desk and a job title, Adcock Ingram’s YES Programme provides young graduates with the opportunity to transition into the corporate world with proper guidance, mentorship, and the financial support necessary to focus on their growth.
Why the YES Programme Matters
In South Africa, graduate unemployment remains a pressing issue, even among those with degrees in high-demand fields, such as finance. Many talented young people struggle to find work, not because they lack ability, but because they lack experience. This is exactly what the YES initiative aims to fix.
By opening its doors to graduates, Adcock Ingram is creating opportunities that give participants hands-on exposure to real business challenges. Successful candidates won’t just be crunching numbers—they’ll be learning how finance functions within a prominent and respected organisation, all while building the confidence and adaptability that employers look for.
And because Adcock Ingram understands the practical realities of job-seeking, the company provides an allowance to cover food and travel costs. This means participants can genuinely focus on learning and contributing without worrying about how they’ll afford to get to work every day.
Who Can Apply?
The programme has been carefully designed to reach the young people who need it most. To qualify, applicants must:
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Hold a BCom degree or another relevant finance qualification.
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Be a recipient of NSFAS funding.
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Be between 18 and 35 years old.
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Be unemployed, with little to no formal work experience.
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Meet the definition of “Black People” as per the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (Act 53 of 2003, amended by Act 46 of 2013).
These requirements ensure that the programme empowers graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds who often face the highest barriers to entry in the corporate world.
The Skills You’ll Need
Of course, academic knowledge is only part of the puzzle. Adcock Ingram is seeking graduates who can bring more than just good grades to the table. Successful applicants should have:
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Solid computer literacy and confidence with digital tools.
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Strong interpersonal skills and the drive to take initiative.
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Good communication abilities, both written and verbal.
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The capacity to work well under pressure and deliver results.
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A balance between teamwork and the ability to work independently.
These qualities will help graduates not only survive but also thrive in the fast-paced finance environment.
How to Apply
If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, here’s how to put your name forward. Candidates are required to prepare and submit the following:
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A comprehensive CV
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A certified copy of your ID
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Certified copies of academic qualifications
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Proof of NSFAS funding
Applications can be submitted through the official portal:
Apply here for the Adcock Ingram Finance YES Graduate Programme 2025
or https://adcock.mcidirecthire.com/External/Job?
What’s in It for You?
The real value of this programme lies not just in the stipend or the certificate you’ll receive at the end, but in the doors it opens. Graduates who join the YES initiative at Adcock Ingram will:
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Gain practical exposure to how a finance department operates in a leading company.
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Build a network of professional contacts that can support their career journey for years to come.
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Receive mentorship from experienced professionals who understand what it takes to succeed.
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Develop both the technical and soft skills that make a candidate stand out in a competitive job market.
In short, this programme isn’t just about finding a job for a year—it’s about laying a foundation for a long and successful career in finance.
For graduates sitting at home, CVs polished and ready, but with no callbacks coming in, opportunities like this are golden. Adcock Ingram’s YES Graduate Programme 2025 is more than a placement—it’s a stepping stone, a chance to get a foot in the door, and an opportunity to learn in a real-world environment where the lessons will stay with you long after the 12 months are over.
If you meet the criteria and are passionate about finance, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Apply today, and take the first step toward building a brighter future.
Closing Date: Not specified
