State of the Nation 2024
Creating an agile workforce
The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) contributes to developing an agile workforce through demand-led skilling approaches and improved responsiveness of the skilling system. These interventions are led by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and delivered through its Skills Strategy for the Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan (ERRP).
Despite high levels of unemployment, many employers struggle to find personnel with the right skills. The Skills Strategy focuses on addressing these imbalances in the labour market. It also seeks to improve transitions from education to work. Within this framework, the PYEI contributes to actions that can benefit young people in the short term, while longer-term changes in the system take effect.
Focus on coordination, linkages and flexibility
Through the PYEI, the National Skills Fund is piloting a pay-for-performance (P4P) model to support young people with relevant skills training that enables immediate access to employment opportunities upon completion.
The National Pathway Management Network (NPMN) is firmly embedded in the ERRP Skills Strategy and will be instrumental in reaching young people and supporting their transitions into earning opportunities.
Get involved
As a young person, register on SAYouth.mobi, access Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA), the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system or check out the Kheta career advice portal. You can also download the mPowa app. Here, you can build your profile and access opportunities in your vicinity for youth service, further learning or work. If you cannot access SAYouth.mobi, look for a DEL Labour Centre or NYDA Youth Office near you. You can also call the toll-free hotline at 0800 72 72 72.
As a learning and employment service provider, an organisation or business that wants to offer opportunities for workplace-based learning, or a prospective employer, register as a partner on SA Youth.
