Pay-TV operator MultiChoice Group has extended its partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES), to assist with the recruitment and training of 300 learners.
Initiated by president Cyril Ramaphosa in 2018, the YES programme is a joint initiative between government, business, labour and civil society, to collectively tackle youth unemployment and build economic pathways for the youth.
South Africa’s youth unemployment figures are at an all-time high, with Statistics SA’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey stating that the rate of unemployment for those aged between 15 and 24 now stands at 74.7%, based on the expanded definition, which includes discouraged job-seekers.
In a statement, MultiChoice says this is the second year it’s taken in a cohort of learners as part of the employment programme, noting its commitment to put South African youth to work.
This year’s programme will be split into learnerships and internships, notes the JSE-listed company.
It states that 75 TVET college students will receive internships across a diversified portfolio that includes HR, finance, marketing, law and IT. The remaining 225 places will be prioritised for learnerships in the ICT space for matriculants and others with qualifications but who are not working.
The learnerships will focus on 3D animation and visual effects, TV and radio production, interactive media, system development, end-user design, telecommunications, business analysis and technology database development.
“The main objective for this programme is to create work opportunities for youth who have previously not been afforded the opportunity,” says Joe Heshu, group director for corporate affairs at MultiChoice. “It is our contribution to responding to youth unemployment in a meaningful way that impacts our communities.”
According to the group, this year’s learners, recruited across all nine provinces, will receive work readiness training with MultiChoice and will each be provided with a stipend. Following the training, each of the 300 learners will receive employment opportunities, either with MultiChoice or externally.
Heshu concludes: “MultiChoice has long been an advocate for South Africa’s youth, providing mentorship opportunities and a platform for young people to tell their stories. This year, we have deepened our commitment to the youth and through partnerships such as the one with YES.”
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