One in every three young people in South Africa is unemployed, according to the results of the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey by Statistics South Africa.
“With Youth Day on the 16th of June providing an opportunity to address concerns plaguing today’s youngsters, I would like to remind businesses of the benefits of employing young people, particularly those who are simultaneously undergoing training,” says Tony Keal, Group Skills Facilitator at the Master Builders Association of the Western Cape (MBAWC) – a registered trade association for employers in the building industry.
He says: “For starters, those businesses that opt to employ trainees not only acquire productive workers but can also increase their company’s B-BBEE Scorecard points through the Skills Development element.”
“Hiring young people is also cost-effective, with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) providing a rebate over a three-year learnership. In addition, those employing youth are able to reduce the amount of PAYE that they pay, which makes it even more economical,” adds Keal.
Businesses in the building industry that are members of the MBAWC can enjoy further savings, with the MBA Development Trust covering the trainees’ tuition as and when required. At the same time, hiring these trainees gives employers the opportunity to shape the training programme, thereby improving the future supply of suitable employees to meet their operational requirements.
“I urge all businesses to heed President Ramaphosa’s call to employ young people, boost the dwindling skills pool and introduce them into the world of work,” concludes Keal.
