EnviroServ empowers youth through education and training

June is Youth Month in South Africa and EnviroServ Waste Management is opening doors for 65 unemployed youth, giving them training to equip them with skills which will help make them more employable.

According to Statistics South Africa, 46,5% of the country’s youth were unemployed in the first quarter of 2023.

“President Ramaphosa has said that unemployment amongst young South Africans is a national crisis that demands urgent, innovative and coordinated solutions,” said Neville Moopanar, EnviroServ Waste Management Group Training Manager.

“EnviroServ Waste Management is committed to fostering change within the communities in which we operate. By recognising the pivotal role of education and training in youth development, we have implemented innovative programmes designed to equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the workforce.”

EnviroServ has, provided Learnerships, Apprenticeships and Internships, by collaborating with local schools to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged youth.

Through collaborations with industry experts and training institutes, the organisation offers a range of vocational programmes, apprenticeships, and hands-on workshops. These initiatives enable youth to acquire valuable skills, boost their employability, and pursue sustainable livelihoods within their communities.

Twelve differently-abled learners are completing a year-long learnership as call centre operators, while in Gqeberha, Gauteng and Western Cape, 31 unemployed learners are completing a business administration learnership. 2 unemployed youth are completing a professional driving learnership at EnviroServ, being mentored and coached while obtaining the practical experience necessary to obtain the qualification and become employable.

“We have two previously-unemployed people who are midway through their four-year training to become diesel mechanics, four people being trained in supply chain management and have also hired 10 university students in various disciplines who are obtaining practical experience.

By bridging the educational divide, EnviroServ aims to empower young people to unlock their full potential.

“Our efforts help to lay the foundation for a brighter future for these youth, enabling them to overcome barriers and contribute meaningfully to their communities. We hope to inspire other organisations and individuals to invest in the next generation and foster positive change through education and training.”