Upskilling: A Path to Economic Empowerment
Economic Empowerment
Skills shortages can have dire consequences for a country’s economy. In South Africa, our high unemployment rate means a vast number of young South Africans are unable to participate in economic activity. These skills shortages typically arise when a large percentage of youths are not presented with enough opportunities to develop the skills. Or gain the experience – necessary to succeed.
Unemployment Rates
High unemployment rates among the youth, primarily due to a lack of skills, create negative long-term patterns which halt economic growth. Fortunately, there are processes to aid skills development which can help provide young people with more opportunities. One such example is tax incentivised learnership training.
Vocational Training
Vocational training is already being practiced in both developing and first-world countries across the globe. Due to the fact that this form of education uplifts society as a whole while offering incentives to companies to drive participation. Now, learnership programmes are being implemented more and more frequently in South Africa. This is being done in an effort to empower disadvantaged youths and help build work-ready skills to combat unemployment.
Skills Building and Training
Skills building doesn’t only benefit the youth in the form of long-term career prospects and income, however. Companies that offer learnership training courses also gain competitive edge. Learnerships can be specifically and strategically designed to achieve an organisation’s objectives and goals for growth.
Usually, learners who are accepted into vocational training and learnership courses come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Most are not able to afford educational training without financial assistance. Porsche recently adopted this model. Having announced its plans to roll out a learnership programme for disfranchised youths in South Africa a few weeks ago.
Toby Venter Said:
According to Toby Venter, Porsche SA CEO, a well-founded education is the key to success. Sadly, there are still too many people in South Africa who drop out of their courses. They drop out because they don’t see any prospects for them after their training.
Learners Need To Be Motivated
“Today’s businesses need to understand the importance of a learning and talent management culture in order to effectively grow their talent”. This is the view of Richard Rayne, Managing Director of iLearn – a leading South African learning solutions company. iLearn offers a range of learnership and training solutions.
“Learners need to be motivated and supported each step of the way to emerge from a comprehensive 12-month long training programme. They will emerge with a stronger sense of self-confidence and commitment to continuous learning,” says Rayne.