South Africa’s largest youth commercial radio and media platform, Y FM, has opened applications for their 2026 Y Academy Internship Programme!
Aspiring media professionals are invited to apply for the Y Academy Internship Programme 2026, a 12-month training opportunity offered by Y, one of South Africa’s leading youth-focused commercial radio and media platforms.
The internship programme is designed to equip graduates with practical workplace experience, industry knowledge and professional skills needed to build successful careers in the broadcasting, radio and media industries.
About The Y Academy Internship Programme
The Y Academy Internship Programme provides participants with hands-on exposure to various aspects of the media and broadcasting sector.
Over the course of 12 months, interns will rotate through several departments, gaining valuable experience and a comprehensive understanding of how a modern media organisation operates.
The programme aims to develop the next generation of media professionals by combining practical workplace training with mentorship and learning opportunities from industry experts.
Departments Included In The Internship
Successful candidates will gain experience across a range of business areas, including:
- Programming
- Sales
- Marketing
- Digital Content
- Technical Operations
- Music
This rotational approach allows interns to develop diverse skills while exploring different career paths within the media industry.
What Interns Will Learn
Participants in the Y Academy Internship Programme will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the history, evolution and future of radio broadcasting
- Understand the role of radio as a communication and entertainment medium
- Explore how digital and new media technologies are transforming businesses
- Develop personal branding and professional networking skills
- Gain insight into marketing and content creation strategies
- Assist marketing and digital teams with campaigns and projects
- Participate in daily departmental operations
- Learn how various teams contribute to on-air and digital content production
- Attend in-house lectures presented by industry professionals
- Complete department-specific projects and practical assignments
The programme is designed to provide real-world experience in a fast-paced media environment.
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for the Y Academy Internship Programme, applicants must:
- Hold a National Diploma or a qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher
- Not be participating in any SETA-funded internship programme
Selection Process
Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to participate in an interview process conducted by a panel of industry professionals.
The interviews will provide applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their:
- Passion for media and broadcasting
- Creativity and innovation
- Communication skills
- Potential to succeed in the media industry
Why Apply For The Y Academy Internship?
The Y Academy Internship Programme offers graduates a unique opportunity to gain practical experience within South Africa’s media and broadcasting industry.
Interns will benefit from exposure to multiple departments, professional mentorship and hands-on learning experiences that can help launch careers in radio, digital media, marketing, content creation and broadcasting.
For graduates passionate about youth culture, media, storytelling and entertainment, this internship provides an excellent stepping stone into one of South Africa’s most dynamic industries.