South Africa has a high youth unemployment rate, with around 63% of youth aged 15-24 unemployed. This has led to a skills gap in the workforce, with many employers struggling to find workers with the necessary skills and experience. Learnerships can help address this issue by providing young people with the opportunity to gain practical work experience, develop their skills, and increase their employability. In this article, we will explain three ways in which learnerships can contribute to the employability of youth in South Africa.
1. Gaining Practical Work Experience
One of the primary benefits of learnerships is that they provide young people with practical work experience. Many employers are reluctant to hire workers with no experience, even for entry-level positions. Learnerships provide an opportunity for young people to gain work experience in their chosen field, which can make them more attractive to employers.
For example, a young person who completes a learnership in marketing will have practical experience working in a marketing team, developing marketing strategies, and analyzing marketing data. This experience can help them stand out from other job applicants who may have only theoretical knowledge of marketing.
In addition to gaining practical work experience, learnerships also provide young people with the opportunity to learn about workplace culture and etiquette. This includes things like how to communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors, how to manage time and prioritize tasks, and how to behave professionally in the workplace. These skills are essential for success in any job and can make young people more employable.
2. Developing Marketable Skills
Another way in which learnerships can contribute to the employability of youth is by helping them develop marketable skills. Many learnerships are designed to teach specific skills that are in demand in the job market. By completing a learnership, young people can gain these skills, which can make them more attractive to employers.
For example, a young person who completes a learnership in web development will have skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are in high demand in the tech industry. These skills can help them secure a job as a web developer or other related positions.
Learnerships can also provide young people with the opportunity to develop soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for success in any job and can make young people more employable.
3. Building Networks
Finally, learnerships can help young people build professional networks. By working alongside experienced professionals in their chosen fields, learners can develop relationships that can be valuable in their future careers. These relationships can provide young people with access to job opportunities and recommendations.
In addition to building networks with colleagues, learnerships can also provide young people with the opportunity to meet other learners who share their interests and career goals. These connections can be valuable for mutual support, information sharing, and networking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learnerships can contribute to the employability of youth in South Africa in several ways. By providing practical work experience, developing marketable skills, and building networks, learnerships can help young people overcome the skills gap and gain access to employment opportunities. It is essential that learnerships continue to be promoted and supported in South Africa to help address the youth unemployment crisis and build a more skilled and employable workforce.