Giving youth the tools to develop their skills in future-facing sectors is fundamental to solving the youth unemployment crisis, says the Youth Employment Service (YES). South Africa’s latest unemployment numbers have shown that youth between the ages of 15 and 34 are the most vulnerable within the job market, but YES is seeing the effect that stimulating demand-led jobs can have for youth and the economy.

YES works with the private sector to help create jobs for youth through fully funded 12-month work experiences, giving them the critical experience, skills and networks that they need to secure future employment. The initiative has created over 145,000 jobs to date, injecting R7.9 billion into the economy.

So, how can South Africa’s youth better equip themselves to enter the job market? This Youth Month, YES’s Head of Youth Programmes, Aditi Lachman, has six tips for young job-seekers.

Develop skills for in-demand jobs

It’s not always possible to get the education of your dreams, but that doesn’t mean all is lost. In today’s tech-driven economy, getting skills in future-facing sectors can go a very long way to career longevity and even to self-employment.

The jobs of the future are in areas like information technology, , green energy, tourism, creative, drones and even baristas. To get into these industries, identify the skills required for the job you want – and find a way get them. “Consider volunteering if you can, looking out for free training programmes, or seeking internships to build practical skills. Skills and experience are very valuable additions to your CV. In fact, having some kind of work experience, makes you seven times more likely to transition into employment,” says Lachman.

Take former YES alumnus Sashin Septoo, who often doubted if he would ever find employment in a field where he could envision a stable future. In 2022, he joined the drone academy programme, and developed skills in a future-facing industry. Sashin is now an administrative clerk and drone pilot at the West Coast District Municipality Disaster Management Centre.

Invest in practical work experience

YES’s research indicates that according to managers, two or more years of related work experience would compensate for having only a high school certificate. This means that even without formal qualifications, practical work experience can be just as valuable for a job-seeker, especially in industries that demand so-called “new-collar workers”. Lachman notes: “Employers aren’t looking at only hiring people with a degree or some form of tertiary education anymore. Instead, new-collar jobs take a skills-first approach to hiring, and unlock opportunities for overlooked talent.”

Work on your soft skills

Lachman says building strong soft skills is an investment in your future for a few reasons. First, many employers value soft skills just as much, if not more than, technical qualifications. This is because things like communication, teamwork and problem-solving are essential for success in almost any job.

They also make a good first impression – because they shine through during job interviews and networking situations. You’ll appear more confident, professional and well-rounded, making you a more attractive candidate.

Finally, in a competitive job market, having a a good attitude trumps technical skills and can set you apart from other applicants with similar qualifications. So, while you might be focusing on finding a job now, working on your soft skills and showing up with the right attitude is like building a strong foundation for your future career.

Build a strong network

Networking is crucial to getting job opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with as many people as possible in your field of interest. Building relationships can lead to job referrals and mentorship opportunities.

“If you already have a job, engage with colleagues, build relationships, and seek opportunities for growth within your organisation. Express your career aspirations to supervisors and explore possibilities for advancement or taking on additional responsibilities,” says Lachman.

Start a side gig, or your own business

Starting a micro-business can be the first step you need to get into the mainstream economy. According to YES’s Youth Employment Survey – the biggest youth survey in the country, stats that at least 15% of all YES Youth (active and alumni) are engaged in entrepreneurial activities, such as side hustles, which is almost double the national average of 7%. Side-hustles provide fantastic work experience on your CV, which is attractive to companies who are employing, as they want people who create value, solve problems, and have a business mindset.

For instance, Chulumanco Lonwabo Nomtyala, a Microsoft YES alumnus, started his own business. Fuelled by a deep understanding of human settlement development, he identified an opportunity to simplify the process of housing subsidy applications. His solution, an app called Soft 4IR Apps, allows people to easily apply for housing subsidies, streamlines the process for municipalities, and provides applicants with real-time updates throughout the application process.

Look after your mental health

According to a UNICEF South Africa U-Report poll,  two in three (65%) young South Africans have some form of a mental health issue, but do not seek help. This isn’t just damaging to them: it has knock-on effects on entire families and communities too.

To help youth deal with the pressures of finding a job and how to deal with being unemployed, YES launched YES Mindful Matters in June 2023, a programme for active YES Youth to provide access to valuable online support services, delivered by registered counsellors.

Seventy-seven percent of all YES Youth indicated that when it comes to career guidance, they rely on themselves as opposed to family, friends or mentors. With this new initiative, YES is hoping to provide the emotional support required when balancing work, mental health, and home life.

“Finding employment is about so much more than putting together a CV and filling in applications,” Lachman concludes, “and there are many ways to get a foot in the door of the job market. We know it can feel disheartening, but we are seeing great results through our programmes, and it is possible – don’t give up hope.”