South Africa grapples with a Black youth unemployment rate of job-seekers between 15 and 24 years old, pitching at 62.1% in the first quarter of 2023! That translates into approximately 18 million Black youths who don’t have any form of income.
The magnitude of this challenge calls for urgent measures, and one promising solution lies in the realm of skills development. Equipping young black individuals with the necessary skills can empower them to overcome barriers and secure meaningful employment opportunities. Moreover, the inclusion of Skills Development Expenditure as an element of South Africa’s B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) Scorecard adds an additional incentive to prioritise this crucial area
The Role of Skills Development
Skills development initiatives play a crucial role in addressing this challenge. By providing targeted training programs, apprenticeships, and vocational courses, young black individuals can acquire relevant skills that match market demands. This enhances their employability, instils confidence, and fosters entrepreneurship.
Skills Development Expenditure and B-BBEE
Recognising the importance of skills development, the South African government introduced Skills Development Expenditure as an element of the B-BBEE Scorecard. This incentivises companies to invest in the development of Black youth by allocating a portion of their annual payroll towards skills development programs. Companies that demonstrate commitment in this area receive favourable B-BBEE ratings, which can enhance their business opportunities and reputation.
The inclusion of Skills Development Expenditure on the B-BBEE Scorecard has resulted in increased attention and investment in skills development initiatives. It has encouraged companies to collaborate with educational institutions, training providers, and community organizations to design and implement effective programs.
Skills College has been a keen contributor in this field since 2008 and we have a passion to connect with companies and role-players in order to maximise their B-BBEE Skills Development Expenditure.
Conclusion
When key role players collaborate by creating quality skills development opportunities, young Black individuals can unlock their potential, bridge the employment gap, and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.
We at Skills College are looking forward to connecting with you to explore ways in which we could address this national challenge and teach skills to change lives!