The Youth Employment Programme (YEP): What you need to know?

Introduction

Fresh graduates struggle to break a vicious cycle: they need experience to secure a job, but they need a job to gain experience. Young talents are often left on the sidelines because of this. In Mauritius, the unemployment rate for young people aged between 16 and 24 was about 19 % at mid-2026. The Youth Employment Programme (YEP) helps to turn things around. This government initiative helps to transition from education to workforce. This guide will tell you more about this. 

1. What is the YEP?

The Youth Employment Programme is also known as the Youth Empowerment Programme. It was launched by the Ministry of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training in 2013. The main objective is to reduce youth unemployment. Qualified and jobless citizens get the opportunity to work in the public or private sector in a placement setting for a maximum of two years. They receive a monthly stipend and the funding varies according to the sector in which they are employed. In the case of private sector placements, the government refunds 50% of the remuneration. As for placements in the public sector, the state is responsible to pay the full allowance. 

2. Who is eligible for the YEP?

To be enrolled in the Youth Employment Programme, you must meet all the requirements determined by the government. Here is a quick checklist to get you started: 

• You must be a Mauritian citizen aged between 16 and 35.

• You are unemployed for at least 30 days.

• You are holder of a Higher School Certificate with at least two A-level passes or higher qualifications.

• You have formally registered yourself as unemployed at your nearest Employment Information Centre

Good to know: If you hold only a School Certificate, you will not be able to access the YEP, but other options are still available. For instance, there is the National Apprenticeship Programme offered by the Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD). It is also possible to complete your Higher School Certificate and apply to the YEP at a later stage. 

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3. How much does the YEP pay?

As a YEP trainee, expect a monthly stipend instead of a salary. The amount you receive depends on your level of qualification and the sector where your placement will take place. Here is a table explaining all the details. 

The table illustrates that the remuneration is higher in the case of placements in the private sector. The gap in monthly allowances between the two sectors ranges from Rs 2,000 for HSC holders to Rs 5,000 for degree holders. Postgraduates, however, receive a higher allowance than degree holders only in the public sector, with no additional financial benefit in the private sector.

 Private employers get 50% of the monthly stipend refunded, while the Government funds the full stipend in the public sector. The HSC requirement is specific. Candidates must hold an HSC with a minimum pass in 2 A levels, and/or a Diploma or Degree, so not every HSC holder qualifies.

4. How long does a YEP placement last? 

A typical YEP placement can last up to two years. The structure varies slightly depending on the sector. For private sector placements, you work for a company for one whole year. If you are not hired at the end of that period, you get to renew your YEP placement with another firm for 12 months. The goal is to allow trainees to secure a full-time position after the performance evaluation. In the public sector, YEP trainees start working for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of direct renewal for a second year. Needless to say that performance and institutional needs are taken into account. It is important to note that public sector placements are aimed at providing valuable experience rather than guaranteeing a permanent position in the civil service. 

Important tips: Consider your YEP placement as a permanent position from day one and give the best of yourself. This will help you secure a full-time job after completing your paid-training. As it draws to an end, keep an eye on new opportunities on MyJob. 

5. How to apply for the Youth Employment Programme

Applying for a placement through the Youth Employment Programme is relatively straightforward. Here’s how to get started. 

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Before applying, make sure you meet the minimum eligibility requirements set by the government. As previously mentioned, applicants must be Mauritian citizens aged 16 to 35 who have remained unemployed for at least 30 consecutive days prior to registration. In terms of qualifications, a HSC, a diploma or a degree is required. 

Step 2: Register at your nearest EIC and get your OCN

For your application to get approved, you must have an official job seeker profile in the government database. Visit the Employment Information Centre (EIC) of your district in order to get that done. Do not forget to bring your National Identity Card (NIC), your birth certificate and all your original academic certificates. Once your documents have been reviewed successfully, you will receive an Occupational Classification Number (OCN), which acts as your official government registration ID for the YEP. 

Step 3: Prepare a job-ready CV

As for a full-time permanent position, it is employers who choose their YEP trainees, so you have to make sure that your CV stands out. To compensate for the lack of experience, you can emphasise on your academic and personal projects. For instance, highlight your final-year dissertation, group projects and any technical skills you possess. That said, keep your CV concise, ideally one page and no longer than two.

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Step 4: Tell employers you’re YEP-eligible

Indicate clearly on your CV that you are already registered with the YEP. This can be stated on your cover letter and on the top of your CV. Why is it important? As the government refunds 50% of the monthly stipend, this can represent a financial incentive for Human Resource managers. 

Step 5: Read the YEP agreement

Once you secure your YEP placement, you will have to sign an official tripartite training agreement between yourself, the employer and the Ministry of Labour. Read the document thoroughly and pay particular attention to the clauses included. Check all the points relative to the monthly stipend amount, the training and the termination clauses.

6. What employers need to know?

The goal of the Youth Employment Programme is not limited to providing jobs to young people in Mauritius. It also serves businesses by helping them in recruitment. Issues such as shortage in staff can be addressed by hiring through the YEP. Here are a few advantages of choosing a YEP trainee: 

• You benefit from lower cost of employment for the whole duration of the programme.

• Trainees become familiar with your company’s processes, tools and workplace culture, allowing them to develop skills that align with your needs.

• As the placement lasts for a minimum of one year, you get enough time to assess whether the trainee will be a good fit as a full-time employee. 

• You get to choose which candidate you will recruit for the placement.

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7. Is the YEP worth it?

The monthly stipend for the YEP is lower than most entry-level positions. If remuneration is your main concern, a placement through this programme is far from being the best option. However, there are a lot of other factors to take into consideration. If you just finished school or university, you won’t have what most jobs demand, which is real experience. The YEP offers that in a structured setting. It is a great opportunity for many young people to turn their placement into a first full-time position. 

Our advice: Got an offer for a well-paid permanent job? Take it. But if months of job hunting have led nowhere, the YEP could give your CV the boost it needs. A successful placement might even lead to a permanent role. 

8. How to make the most out of your YEP placement

To put the odds in your favour, you need to establish and follow a set of guidelines. Here are a few tips: 

• Always be on time, except you have a valid reason for lateness. Also, dress appropriately, as each detail matters at work. 

• Ask for a training plan, which will help you keep track of your progress. The simple act of requesting for this shows some level of commitment.

• Keep track of your work, including projects, tasks and tools you use. This information can help to strengthen your CV. 

• Ask for feedback from your employer. If there is an area where you need improvement, you can easily tackle that before the end of your placement. 

• Keep searching for job opportunities and do not wait until the end of your placement to do so. It is better to be proactive. 

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9. Start building your career today

The YEP could be your first step towards a successful career. It gives you the chance to gain paid work experience, build valuable skills and potentially land a permanent position. But remember, it should not be part of your job search, not your only option. 

While applying for the programme, continue looking for opportunities elsewhere. With more than 2,000 companies recruiting through MyJob, you may find entry-level positions that match your qualifications and career goals. 

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