Youth Skills Development
South Africa’s youth is struggling to enter the labour market. For instance, the unemployment rate among young South Africans (aged 15-34 years) reached 46% in the first quarter of 2024. Clearly the development of skills in youth is lacking, while the economy desperately needs skilled labour.
We believe young people who seek development and employment should be empowered to realise their fullest potential. That’s why The Am Foundation runs youth skills development programmes for school-leavers and unemployed youth from disadvantaged communities (aged 18-35 years).
Programme
Our three-month programme facilitates the training of school leavers and unemployed youth to gain practical skills and experience so they can get a job. The main disciplines we offer:
- Hospitality
Learners are introduced to basic kitchen, culinary and general hospitality skills, such as cooking and baking. The facilitators will also identify entry level job opportunities and connect learners with companies searching for candidates. - Beauty & Wellness
Students learn all the necessary skills needed for a successful career in beauty and wellness such as giving massages, doing nails and eye lashes etc.By gaining these skills the learners are prepared for entry level job opportunities or even starting their own business. - Sewing, Craft & Design
This area teaches sewing and other creative skills. The participants are encouraged to explore their own creativity and produce quality products for retail. In so doing, they can create their own small businesses or pursue employment opportunities in creative environments.
- Retail readiness
Students learn how to work in the retail industry, like in supermarkets and shops. - Soft skills
All participants receive training in various skills which are vital for successful careers, such as basic numeracy & literacy, conversational English, CV preparation & interview skills, and workplace etiquette & ethics.
Students are granted the opportunity for internships and potential jobs at companies such as the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Relate Trust, The Grand, The One & Only, Quay Four, Shell and International Hotel School.
By better equipping them for work, study or entrepreneurship, we aim to ultimately link them up with our development partners by way of career, study or business opportunities.
