The WILDTRUST, through the support and commitment of Nedbank is participating in the Youth Employment Services (YES) programme. This programme aims to reduce youth unemployment levels across South Africa by providing one-year quality work-placements aimed at affording practical and meaningful work experiences for unemployed youth between the ages of 18 and 29. Following the successful appointment of 1 715 youth during the 2019 intake, the WILDTRUST has again committed to underwriting the 2021 YES programme with the support of Nedbank. The YES programme is a business led collaboration between Government, business, and labour; and seeks out ground-breaking ways, through innovation and technological best practice, to reignite the economy and give youth an employment and growth opportunity.
The YES programme was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in March 2018 and came into operation in November 2018 following the release of changes to the B-BBEE legislation. YES youth represent a determined group of young people with strong values, ethics and a desire to strive for excellence in any role, anywhere in the country. These individuals will receive mentorship and training through 25 work readiness modules including topics such as communication, professionalism, and money management. There are also 12 entrepreneurship modules to empower youth to run their own businesses. These modules are designed to help youth orientate themselves into the world of work and gain the skills required to successfully navigate the workplace. By completing these, the youth will build a strong CV, reference letter and certificate of completion which will make them both experienced and employable.
Through the WILDTRUST’s terrestrial and marine programmes (WILDLANDS and WILDOCEANS) together with its partners, the WILDTRUST has created employment for 1 109 youth placed across Mpumalanga, Western and Eastern Cape as well as KwaZulu-Natal. The jobs created are within the fields of office administration, environmental education, marketing and communications, land care, eco-tourism and sustainability, conservation and early childhood development. Youth placed in these sustainable impact projects, will be offered diverse and unique opportunities to immerse themselves in an experiential journey that will directly or indirectly impact the environment for the better.
“We are so grateful to Nedbank for supporting our 2021 YES programme in these uncertain times,” said WILDTRUST Executive Shanitha Singh. “We deeply appreciate this opportunity to underwrite a successful future for 1 109 young people, while working towards our vision of a thriving and resilient world. This programme will combat South Africa’s rising youth unemployment levels despite the COVID-19 challenges that we are all experiencing.”
“The Youth Employment Services (YES) programme has proved that collaboration between different sectors in society is not only necessary but a powerful tool in making a difference. YES is perfectly aligned to Nedbank’s purpose of using our financial expertise to do good for individuals, families, businesses and society. We are honoured to continue to partner with WILDTRUST and YES to accelerate youth development and proud to play our part in giving young people hope and sense of agency,” comments Nedbank Group Executive, Deborah Fuller.
The WILDTRUST youth started their work experience on the 3rd of May, and this will run for 12 months. Our in-house mentors and supervisors are excited to teach and guide these young individuals, equipping them for successful careers in their respective professions. The WILDTRUST is proud to be making such a meaningful impact in the lives of the youth, building a stronger and better South Africa.
For more information, visit www.wildtrust.co.za or visit https://yes4youth.co.za/
