EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH EMPLOYMENT
As a company, we are always looking for ways to grow, not just in business, but in the positive impact we make. When the chance arose to partner with The Youth Employment Service (YES) programme, it was an easy decision. YES is South Africa’s highest-impact private sector youth employment initiative, tackling the country’s youth unemployment crisis by enabling businesses like ours to build meaningful job opportunities.
As a non-profit organisation, YES operates without government funding, working alongside leading businesses across various industries to provide 12-month quality work experiences for unemployed young people. These experiences help shape the next generation of managers, skilled professionals, and entrepreneurs who will drive the economy forward. In return, participating businesses receive the opportunity to incorporate youth employment into their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies.
We saw this as an opportunity to be part of the solution. Many young individuals struggle to secure their first job due to a lack of experience, and we wanted to change that. By offering training, mentorship, and real work exposure, we help these individuals develop the skills they need for long-term success.
At the same time, our business benefits in many ways. Fresh perspectives bring innovation, and young talent injects energy into our teams. We’ve seen firsthand how these individuals contribute creative ideas and new approaches to problem-solving. Investing in them isn’t just good for the country, it’s good for business.
YES provides flexible recruitment options based on a company’s chosen model. If we choose to host youth internally, we can use our own recruitment processes or source candidates through the zero-rated SA Youth platform. Alternatively, the YES turnkey solution allows vetted host partners to handle recruitment, where youth are placed within their structures rather than directly in our business.
Ultimately, we partnered with YES because we believe in creating possibilities. By empowering the next generation, we are shaping a brighter, more inclusive economy, for them, for us, and for the country as a whole.
WELCOMING THE FUTURE – INSIGHTS FROM THE 2025 YES PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS:
“I feel this is the opportunity to grow and learn more about the company. To uplift myself within the company.” – Anonymous
“This programme will definitely help me with advancing my career in the automotive industry. It will also help me with workplace readiness.” – Anonymous
“I am grateful to be working under the YES programme. It has granted me an opportunity to learn and work.” – Anonymous
VOICES OF EXPERIENCE – REFLECTIONS FROM YES PARTICIPANTS AT THE END OF THEIR JOURNEY:
“I had the best experience with being a part of the YES Programme. I’ve learnt a lot about the production process, things I didn’t know in my previous job. Some of my colleagues were lovely and helped teach me many new things. I’ve learnt a lot about plastic injection moulding. I had the best year at Ebor Automotive. Being able to experience this opportunity, it makes me excited for any other prospects I might get to be able to return to Ebor Automotive.” – Zanele Ngqondi
“I have learned a lot at Ebor Automotive, experiences that I can use in the future. I am grateful for the opportunity given to me. At the end of the day, we are all hoping and praying for a chance to continue to show our dedication with a permanent possibility, but also grateful for the experience that we get. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to gain the experiences we learn and get to develop,” – Anonymous
