• According to Stats SA in 2020, that the youth unemployment rate in South Africa was at 55.75%.
• The South African government has various youth work experience initiatives.
• Japanese vehicle maker Isuzu has been a partner with government in the Youth Employment Service.
Isuzu Motors South Africa announced its latest intake of Youth Employment Service (YES) candidates.
The YES programme, which was launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2018 with the aim to afford young South Africans paid work experience, has offered many young individuals the opportunity to increase their employability, the company says.
This year the Japanese vehicle maker has placed 42 candidates in various departments across the company and its subsidiaries.
Isuzu retained over 20% of last year's YES candidates
Wayne Osborne, Isuzu Motors South Africa Senior Manager of Training and Organisational Development, said the company is fully committed to the growth and development of young South Africans. He said that despite challenging conditions and Covid-19 restrictions, last year's group performed very well.
"This year we have once again recruited talented individuals, several of them with a tertiary qualification, but with no work experience. And again, we partnered with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator in terms of recruitment and job readiness training. We also involved ENGELI Enterprise Development in the skilling of the candidates, prior to them starting at the company. We believe that this programme provides an opportunity to gain skills, learn workplace discipline and to grow and develop on a personal level," said Osborne.
According to Stats SA in 2020, that the youth unemployment rate in South Africa was at 55.75%. The youth aged between 15 and 24 years are the most vulnerable in the South African labour market.
Front row from left: Trisha Joannides, Danielle Harkin, Samantha Dickson, Shanice Minnie, Phelisa Ponono, Ncumisa Pikoli, Ntombikayise Wonci, Xolisile Siswana
