Empowering South Africa’s NEET Youth Through Skills Development and Employment Pathways

In response to the growing challenge of youth unemployment, the Salesian Institute Youth Projects (SIYP) launched the NEETs Youth Employability Programme in 2022, an initiative designed to equip young people with critical skills and opportunities for economic independence.

NEET—an acronym for youth aged 18 to 27 who are Not in Employment, Education, or Training—represents a significant demographic facing barriers to sustainable livelihoods. The SIYP’s intervention aims to bridge this gap through a holistic approach that combines Lifeskills training, Vocational Skill Training, and Project-Based Learning. This innovative framework not only reintroduces disengaged youth to education but also nurtures entrepreneurial thinking and provides exposure to real-world work environments.

The programme targets disadvantaged communities in the greater Cape Town area, fostering social transformation by equipping youth with skills that drive both individual and community-level economic growth.

Two Pathways to Employment

The NEETs Youth Employability Programme offers two specialized training streams:

1. New Venture Creation Programme This SETA-accredited course, facilitated through Services SETA and W&RSETA, spans 12 months and culminates in a Further Education and Training Certificate in New Venture Creation. The curriculum empowers young people with entrepreneurial skills, business acumen, and hands-on workplace experience, enabling them to launch their own businesses or enter the job market with confidence.
2. Solar Photovoltaic Installer/Mounter Course Recognizing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector, SIYP now offers a QCTO-accredited Solar Photovoltaic Installer/Mounter Course as a standalone 6- or 12-month programme. Participants, required to have at least Grade 11 with pure mathematics, gain both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in installing and maintaining solar photovoltaic systems. With the global transition to sustainable energy solutions, this qualification opens doors to high-demand, future-focused career opportunities in South Africa’s rapidly expanding solar industry.

A Call to Action – Invest in Cape Town’s Future

SIYP is calling on Cape Town’s business community, entrepreneurs, and individuals to help expand the impact of the NEETs Youth Employability Programme. There are two key ways to invest in the future of these young people:

• Monetary Donations: Your financial support enables SIYP to deliver high-quality training, mentorship, and resources to disadvantaged youth. Every contribution directly funds skills development and employment readiness programs—offered entirely free to beneficiaries.
• Employment & Internship Opportunities: Companies can play a critical role by hiring graduates, offering internships, apprenticeships, or workplace exposure opportunities. These experiences give young professionals the chance to apply their skills and gain real-world experience.

By supporting this initiative, Cape Town’s public and private sectors can actively drive social change, reduce unemployment, and create a better trained, more skilled workforce.

For more information on how to donate or partner with SIYP, visit www.salesianyouth.org

Media Contact: Frieda Pehlivan  | Frieda.Pehlivan@salesianyouth.org.za | Phone: 082 584 4405