TFG YES program for unemployed in South Africa

Company and Location

The The Foschini Group (TFG) is one of the largest retail companies in South Africa, specialising in fashion, homeware, jewellery, and lifestyle products. The company owns many well-known retail brands such as Foschini, Markham, Sportscene, and @home. TFG focuses on delivering modern retail experiences and quality customer service through both physical stores and digital platforms.

This opportunity is part of the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme, which aims to help young South Africans gain their first working experience. The position is based in the Western Cape, where TFG operates a retail call centre that supports customers across the country. The call centre handles customer enquiries, product information, sales support, and service requests.

Day-to-Day Activities

A Contact Centre Agent works mainly with customers through phone calls, emails, or online platforms. The job focuses on helping customers, solving problems, and promoting the company’s products and services.

Typical daily activities include:

• Answering customer calls and responding to enquiries
• Assisting customers with product information and purchases
• Handling complaints and resolving customer problems
• Promoting and selling retail products
• Monitoring sales performance and meeting targets
• Updating customer information in the system
• Ensuring customers receive a positive experience when interacting with the brand

Agents also work with other team members and supervisors to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.

Job Position: Contact Centre Agent

The Contact Centre Agent role is designed for young people who are entering the job market for the first time. It is a 12-month fixed-term contract under the YES programme, providing practical workplace experience in customer service, communication, and retail sales.

The main goal of the role is to deliver excellent customer service while representing the company’s brand professionally.

Job Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 18 and 29 years old
• Have Grade 12 (Matric) (preferred)
• Be available to work for a 12-month fixed-term contract
• Must not have been permanently employed by one employer for more than one year
• Must not be studying full-time during the contract period
• Must not have participated in the YES programme before
• Must be able to arrange their own transport if required

Job Responsibilities

The Contact Centre Agent will be responsible for:

• Acting as a brand ambassador for the company
• Providing excellent customer service
• Identifying customer needs and providing suitable solutions
• Exceeding customer expectations
• Tracking sales performance against targets
• Promoting and selling products
• Looking for new sales opportunities
• Assisting with stock replenishment to ensure availability for customers

Required Skills

Important skills for this job include:

• Passion for working with people
• Customer service and sales skills
• Ability to work in a target-driven environment
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organisation and planning skills
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently
• Attention to detail

Competencies and Behaviours for Success

Successful candidates should demonstrate the following qualities:

• Enthusiasm and willingness to take on challenges
• Ability to build strong customer relationships
• Good decision-making skills
• Willingness to adopt digital tools and technology
• Ability to learn from feedback and self-improvement
• Motivation to help the organisation achieve its goals

Salary or Stipend

The job advertisement does not state the exact salary. However, participants in the YES programme generally receive a monthly stipend, which usually ranges between:

• R3 500 – R5 500 per month

The main benefit of the programme is gaining work experience, which can help participants qualify for permanent jobs in retail, sales, or customer service.

• The contract duration is 12 months.
• The opportunity is designed to give young people their first workplace experience.
• Preference may be given to candidates from designated groups according to the Employment Equity Act.