Youth Month is an opportunity for companies to do something about youth unemployment by taking on apprentices

Youth Month (June) in South africa serves as a reminder of the incredible potential and power of the country’s young generation. In an era of rapid technological advancements, the Fourth Industrial revolution (4Ir) has the potential to reshape industries, economies, and societies.

the entire global economy is moving inexorably towards 4Ir – but the ordinary communities and especially the youth are not part of this movement. StEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and maths - form the bedrock for nurturing innovative thinkers and problem solvers. through StEM education, children develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and creativity, enabling them to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world. by providing South african children with a solid foundation in StEM, we can cultivate a generation of innovators who will drive technological advancements and propel the nation’s progress in the 4Ir these careers not only ensures their individual success but also contributes to the nation’s economic development. the private sector needs to be involved in ensuring its own pipeline of skills, as government is clearly not up to the task. For instance, grant laidlaw, CEo of air Conditioning and refrigeration academy (aCra) and SaIraC National treasurer, has commented that tvEt institutions have massive performance issues. he noted that an audit conducted on their staff revealed that a troubling percentage of teachers were not qualified to do the training they are employed to do and were consequently described as having ‘qualifications unknown’. “I don’t believe that industry is willing to take on graduates of public tvEts, as students don’t learn sufficiently there. the tvEts, for instance, don’t for the most part utilise practical workshops notwithstanding the large amount of public money they receive. there are exceptions, of course.” a number of Ngo programmes exist to upskill young people and inspire them to become qualified technicians, systems developers or analysts in the field of ICt to turn around the skills shortage in the cement. Concrete and construction sectors, the industry has the opportunity to partner with such programmes and add their trades and engineering to the curriculum. as 4Ir unfolds, the demand for StEM-related skills is growing exponentially. South africa needs a highly skilled workforce to compete globally and drive economic growth. by each company doing its bit to emphasise StEM education, we can bridge the skills gap and equip South african children with the knowledge and expertise required for emerging careers in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, data science, engineering, and renewable energy. preparing children for diversity and representation are critical for innovation and problem-solving in a field such as engineering. StEM fields have traditionally been dominated by certain demographic groups, resulting in a lack of diverse perspectives and ideas. by promoting StEM education among South african children, particularly those from underrepresented communities and marginalised backgrounds, we can encourage diversity, inclusivity, and representation in the future workforce. this not only enriches the StEM sector but also leads to more holistic and comprehensive solutions to complex problems.

Many South africans from schools in underprivileged areas have no access to computers and technology, and consequently limited potential to keep up with the rapid evolution towards 4Ir – and the wealth of careers that this revolution in the workplace is creating.

Many companies today companies appear reluctant to take on apprentices for fear they will leave once they pass the trade test, but this is to miss the bigger picture that if more companies accepted apprentices – for which they receive meaningful grants from government – this would serve to uplift the skills level of the entire industry.

South africa has a long history of socioeconomic inequality. StEM education has the potential to be a powerful equaliser, providing children from all backgrounds with an opportunity to access lucrative and high-demand careers. by ensuring that all children receive quality StEM education, regardless of their socioeconomic status, we can break the cycle of poverty and foster a more inclusive society.

In 4Ir, digital literacy and technological competence are prerequisites for full participation in the economy and society. by providing South african children with a strong StEM education, we equip them with the skills necessary to navigate the digital landscape, leverage emerging technologies, and adapt to the rapid pace of change. StEM education empowers children to become active creators and users of technology, rather than passive consumers. n