Industry leaders from over 40 companies and government representatives gathered recently to explore impactful strategies for working with young people and addressing youth unemployment.

The Youth Futures CEO event was hosted by the YearBeyond programme, a collaborative initiative involving the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.

Launched in the Western Cape more than a decade ago, YearBeyond is a national programme that provides unemployed youth of between 18 and 25 years old with meaningful work experience and a pathway to further studies or work, while at the same time encouraging a culture of community service.

While the Western Cape’s youth unemployment rate is more than 10% lower than other provinces, too many young people are still without work.

“We still have a lot of work to do to drive down youth unemployment in our province,” said Premier Alan Winde in his address at the event, where he challenged stakeholders to be bold in tackling youth unemployment, “We believe every young person deserves a chance, and we have prioritised budget and programmes to facilitate this.” 

To date, more than 15,000 young people have graduated from YearBeyond’s unique dual-beneficiary model.

YearBeyond’s structured approach focuses on helping young people develop essential, future-fit skills, increasing their chances of getting jobs. The programme acknowledges that young people face multiple barriers and require support, guidance, and mentorship.

Jacqui Boulle, Head of YearBeyond, said: “Given the country’s challenges with crime and unemployment, we all need to play our part. We received 45000 applications for 3000 opportunities in the YearBeyond programme, that is how relevant this initiative has become over the past 10 years. It is through programmes like this and our youth’s willingness to engage with these kinds of interventions that we can turn the tide on unemployment. “

For more information about the YearBeyond Programme or to find out how to get involved, visit www.yearbeyond.org or contact Boulle on 021 483 6545/ 082 337 1792.

Email:YearBeyond@westerncape.gov.za