Skills Development

The Challenges

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Youth unemployment in South Africa is one of the highest in the world, with a current rate of

68 %

(Expanded youth unemployment rate. Statistics South Africa Labour Force Survey 2019)

For the youth of Vrygrond, securing a basic job is very challenging due to these factors:

Limited Job Experience

Low Level Of Education

Lack Of Basic Skills

Without access to skills training, people are trapped in a cycle of unemployment and poverty, with little hope for their future.

The Effects of the Skills Shortage

Unemployment
There are currently 6,7 million unemployed youth in South Africa (Statistics South Africa, 2019).
DEPENDENCY ON GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES
Without the means to secure a decent job, many turn to government for support, straining the state and its resources.

Limited Opportunities
Without the skills necessary, there is little opportunity for advancement, better working conditions or higher pay.
Poverty
In South Africa, 12 million people live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than R335 or $26 per person, per month. (Statistics Sout Africa, 2015)

Our mission: To see all the young adults in Vrygrond in education, employment or training.

Our Model

Life Skills
Life Skills, also referred to as ‘employability skills’, are those that are completely transferable between industries and occupations. They are often what employees lose jobs on. We teach the students skills of goal setting, financial management, sexual and emotional health, timekeeping and communication. We also address themes of Resilience, Teamwork, and Leadership.
Vocational Skills Schools
Our six months of vocational skills courses are vital to entry level access to the job market for our students. The majority of our students have been out of schooling or education for many years. We provide them with an employable skill through our in depth training with expert trainers, as well as peer to peer learning.

Job Shadowing
We provide real marketplace experience for our students. This is often the first time our students have been in a real job environment. We have built a network of partnerships for job shadowing opportunities with local businesses and companies. Often these businesses offer our students jobs on graduation.
Job Readiness
During this phase of our programme we assist our students with developing an up to date resume with which to apply for jobs. Students engage in job searching, interview preparation and practice. We have engaged a variety of community partners and businesses to help implement this phase.

How we are making a difference through our
Skills Development Projects

Barista Skills School

Bakery Skills School

Construction Skills School

Hair & Beauty Skills School

Digital Design Skills School