12 Launch of the University of Johannesburg and W&RSETA Youth Employment Pilot Project 11 February 2023 marked the official launch of the University of Johannesburg and W&RSETA Youth Employment Pilot Project. Millions of people are employed in the South African retail sector, which contributes a significant amount to the country’s gross domestic product. Historically, however, retail has not been associated with professional careers in South Africa. The principal objective of this youth empowerment project is to introduce, educate, inspire, and equip 100 young people with sales, marketing, business, and merchandising skills. The programme also seeks to provide them with a broader perspective on the multiple careers they could pursue when they choose to work in retail, and focus on growing in it. Among the many careers that could be pursued are store manager, marketer, buyer, and logistics. Some could also start their own businesses. By providing valuable training and employment opportunities in the thriving retail sector, this initiative will empower and uplift 100 young people, who have been placed with retailers across Gauteng for work experience. Of those young people, 80 have also been enrolled in an NQF5 Certificate in Retail Business Management at the University of Johannesburg and 20 youth are enrolled at Star Schools to complete their matric. Congratulations to W&R SETA Leadership Chair: Gauteng, Dr Beate Stiehler-Mulder, and her team (Sandile Maseko, Assistant & Industry Liaison: W&R SETA Chair Gauteng), for launching the Youth Employment Pilot Project – the first of its kind in the country – with the help of Batho Pele Sales and Merchandising, Konke Business Solutions, Star Schools (Pty) Ltd, The Youth Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs), and Telkom. Go SA youth! From left to right: Tom Mkhwanazi (CEO: W&R SETA), Dr Beate Stiehler-Mulder (W&R SETA Leadership Chair: Gauteng), and Prof .Mercy Mpinganjira (Director: SCiiS)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjU1NDYx