Thousands Of TVET College Graduates Placed In Work Opportunities
Thousands Of TVET College Graduates Placed In Work Opportunities. In a significant step towards combating youth unemployment in South Africa, over 5,000 graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges have been successfully placed in work opportunities. This initiative, facilitated by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in collaboration with the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to uplifting young people and creating meaningful economic pathways.
Youth Employment in South Africa
The youth unemployment rate in South Africa continues to pose a national crisis. According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for January to March 2025 by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 to 34 stood at a staggering 46.1%. More alarmingly:
| Age Group | Unemployment Rate (Q1 2025) |
|---|---|
| 15–24 | 62.4% |
| 25–34 | 40.4% |
These figures illustrate the urgency for targeted interventions, particularly among recent graduates struggling to find job placements. The government’s response through structured programmes such as the PYEI is both timely and critical.
TVET Graduates Find Work
In her recent address, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli announced that 5,504 TVET college graduates had been placed into workplace opportunities during the first quarter of 2025. These placements were facilitated by the Department of Higher Education and Training, reinforcing the value of vocational training as a pathway to employment.
This success was shared during the PYEI Quarter Four Progress Report media briefing, held at the GCIS Media Centre in Hatfield, Pretoria. The event shed light on the initiatives and partnerships that are actively addressing youth unemployment in South Africa.
About the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI)
Launched five years ago, the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention has evolved into one of the most comprehensive youth employment programmes in the country. It focuses on integrating both public and private sector efforts, creating a multi-stakeholder ecosystem that opens up work experiences, training, and entrepreneurial support.
Key Highlights from PYEI Quarter Four (Jan–Mar 2025):
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| TVET graduates placed | 5,504 |
| Earning opportunities accessed | 76,569 |
| Youth registered on National Pathway Management Network | 4.78 million |
| Cumulative earning opportunities created | 1.67 million |
These figures illustrate the initiative’s scale and impact, especially in sectors where young people are historically underrepresented.
Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships
The PYEI’s success lies in its ability to coordinate across multiple sectors, particularly through the National Pathway Management Network (NPMN). Mhlauli emphasized the importance of these collaborations, saying:
“This reflects the strength of the PYEI’s approach in aggregating demand, coordinating partners, and enabling pathways that enhance young people’s economic participation.”
For example, the Youth Employment Service (YES) facilitated over 15,137 workplace experience placements within the private sector, providing invaluable exposure to real-world work environments for South African youth.
SA Youth and Employment Services of South Africa
A significant portion of the earning opportunities accessed by youth came through two core platforms:
- SA Youth: 60,444 opportunities
- Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA): 16,125 opportunities
Both platforms act as gateways to short-term and long-term employment and are part of the National Pathway Management Network. Their role in enabling access to jobs, internships, and training continues to be a critical link in the PYEI’s success chain.
Support for Young Entrepreneurs
Beyond employment, the Department of Small Business Development and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) extended financial and non-financial support to over 43,000 young entrepreneurs. This support includes:
- Micro-financing and grants
- Business mentorship
- Skills development for entrepreneurship
- Market access assistance
By promoting entrepreneurship among youth, the government aims to create a sustainable culture of self-employment and job creation.
Revitalised National Youth Service
Another critical component of the PYEI ecosystem is the Revitalised National Youth Service (NYS). In its third phase, 2,048 youth were recruited, bringing the total number of participants across all phases to 84,426. The NYS not only offers structured volunteering and service-learning but also enhances civic engagement and social inclusion.
Innovative Approaches
Mhlauli also highlighted the progress of the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund, an innovative “pay-for-performance” model aimed at incentivising organisations that place young people in quality and sustainable jobs. Still in its pilot phase, the model is gaining traction and could redefine how employment interventions are funded and measured.
Why TVET Colleges Matter in the Employment Ecosystem
The successful placement of over 5,000 TVET graduates shows the growing relevance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training in the modern labour market. These institutions focus on industry-aligned skills such as:
- Electrical and mechanical engineering
- Hospitality and tourism
- Business management
- Information technology
- Artisan training (plumbing, welding, etc.)
TVET qualifications are particularly valued in sectors facing critical skills shortages, making graduates highly employable with practical knowledge from day one.
Popular TVET Courses and Corresponding Industries
| Course | Industry | Job Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | Construction, Manufacturing | Technician, Site Engineer |
| Hospitality | Tourism, Event Management | Chef, Hotel Manager |
| Business Studies | Admin, Sales, Finance | Office Manager, Sales Executive |
| IT & Computer Science | Tech, Telecom | Developer, Support Analyst |
| Welding & Fitting | Engineering, Mining | Artisan, Fabricator |
Looking Forward
The initiatives highlighted in the PYEI Quarter Four Progress Report reflect a determined effort by the South African government to curb youth unemployment through targeted, scalable programmes. However, the 46.1% unemployment rate remains a sobering reminder that much work still lies ahead.
To further this momentum, stakeholders—including government departments, private sector partners, educational institutions, and NGOs—must continue to collaborate and innovate.
Conclusion
The placement of 5,504 TVET college graduates into real-world work environments between January and March 2025 is more than just a statistic. It is a testament to the effectiveness of structured, well-funded interventions like the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI).
