Not everyone who has finished matric can afford to study further. But we’ve got you covered. Below are seven programmes that will help you jumpstart your career.
1. ABSA’s Ready to Work programme
This programme’s main aim is to help young people, between 18 and 24, be more employable or start their own businesses. The programme is divided into three tiers – post graduate youth, post college youth and post high school youth. Despite this, anyone of any age and any skill level can access the online learning curriculum and download materials to help develop their skills.
Register here to apply
2. FATC’s Youth Arts Leadership Programme
The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative (FATC), in conjunction with Rand Merchant Bank and the Department of Arts and Culture, offers this 12-month programme. They are looking for eight young people, aged 18 to 30, based in rural Mpumalanga who are making a difference in their communities through arts and culture. Applications close on 3 February 2017.
Apply here
3. Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
Harambee connects employers looking for entry-level talent to young job-seekers. The programme started in 2011, and works to recruit young people where existing corporate recruitment does not reach. They assess young people’s competencies and then match them with jobs where they are most likely to succeed. Harambee hubs in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria.
Apply here
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4. South African Army, Air Force and Navy
The national Army, Air Force and Navy, through the Department of Defence, are currently recruiting for their skills development system. Pilots, navigators, engineers, general technicians and combat, engineering and technical support assistants are needed. If this sounds like something you would like to explore, apply before February 28, 2017.
For applications to the army, contact 012 355 1774 / 012 355 1230 / 012 355 2130.
For the air force, contact 012 312 2875 / 012 312 2319 / 012 312 2148.
For the navy, contact 012 339 4421 / 021 339 4252.
5. South African Education and Environment Project Bridging Year
This Cape Town-based programme works to improve the skills of matriculants who have passed with marks lower than those required for admission to tertiary education institutions. The programme offers academic literacy, career guidance, a community service and personal development sessions. Applications close on 31 January 2017.
Apply here
6. The Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship Bursaries
This programme is geared at providing a skills platform to young entrepreneurs. There are 250 placements available, and the programme is run in conjunction with the Services Sector Education and Training Authority. If you are interested, email your CV to info.cfe@wits.ac.za or submit by hand to the Centre for Entrepreneurship: Wits Business School, 2 St. David’s Place, Parktown, Johannesburg by 6 February 2017. For more information, contact Lindy Mataboge at 011 717 3833 or Palesa Kgatle at 011 717 3832.
7. Umuzi Academy Learnership for Creative Professionals
The Umuzi Academy Learnership for Creative Professionals is a year-long programme that helps equip young creative professionals for jobs in the creative industry. The programme consists of a 9-month in-house training schedule, and a 3-month practical placement with one of their partner agencies. There is also a basic stipend that is paid to participants every month. Apply here before 30 January 2017.
8. Hungarian Government Scholarships for South African students
Following the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government of Hungary and South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training to secure 30 undergraduate, 60 Masters and 10 PhD scholarships for students across all fields, applications are now open for the Stipendum Hungaricum study program. The degrees can be studied in either English or Hungarian and the scholarships cover up to three years worth of study costs for tuition fees, accommodation, medical insurance and a small stipend. The deadlines for the 2017/2018 academic year starting in September is March 5 2017.
Apply here
Are you a young person who has previously participated in one of these programmes or others? Do you know of other programmes? We want to hear from you. Share your opinions on Project Demo’s Facebook page and Twitter account (@ProjectDemoZA).
Image by Global Partnership for Education via Flickr
Project Demo finds the voices of young people in South Africa, amplifies their stories and turns their cause for change into a reality. Tell them your issue. They’ll take it on and campaign with you.
