How we’re bridging the skills gap to address youth unemployment

In South Africa, 45.5% of young people between the ages of 15 and 34 are unemployed, according to government figures. And, among South Africans who are employed, more than half are in occupations for which they lack the proper qualifications, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has estimated. 

These worrisome statistics show an obvious need for skills development in the country – and, importantly, the right skills instead of simply more skills.

But what are the right skills? Basic digital literacy and the application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills to solve problems in a range of fields are a must. Technology is transforming rapidly, however, so a new approach to teaching and learning would be incomplete without a focus on advanced digital capabilities.

As innovative technologies like generative AI, machine learning and automation break new ground across industries every day, millions of employees will also need skills in areas such as coding, software and application development, cloud computing, network management, big data analysis, business intelligence, blockchain and cybersecurity.

Skills development on multiple levels

Digital literacy allows those who are entering the jobs market to operate digital tools and platforms with confidence. But that’s only the first step. They should also be able to apply critical thinking in digital scenarios, adapt easily to new technologies, collaborate with colleagues remotely and understand the basics of cybersecurity. 

This means both employees and job seekers need to develop capabilities in the areas of collaboration, creativity and adaptability – those very human skills that are essential to individual and business success in any industry.

It’s for these reasons that NTT DATA in the Middle East & Africa has several Youth Program initiatives to support the development of digital literacy and other skills as part of a complete macro- and socioeconomic ecosystem.

NTT DATA’s education initiatives

Since 1995, our Saturday School has helped Grade 11 and 12 pupils to improve their skills in science, technology and leadership, among others, to prepare them for their school final exams and the world of work. Some of our alumni have become doctors, engineers, microbiologists and entrepreneurs.

We also run a Bursary Scheme that gives Grade 12 pupils an opportunity to further their studies at a tertiary institution. Bursary recipients include Saturday School learners, young people with disabilities, unemployed youths, and children of our employees.

Providing vital workplace experience

Our commitment to investing in tomorrow’s talent doesn’t stop at graduation.

We know that many graduates are not given opportunities to hone their skills in practical environments, so we set up our Youth Talent Graduate Program to offer them extensive exposure to a range of functions in their business area. This helps them to acquire the advanced digital capabilities they will need to step into sustainable careers.

And our Youth in Tech job-creation program, in partnership with YES4Youth, a private-sector youth employment program, empowers unemployed youths by giving them much-needed workplace experience in the technology industry. They get to meet key stakeholders and learn how to network and engage at all levels of an organization.

A hands-on approach for the future

Skills-led learning in practical situations is the only way to empower the next generation to handle the multifaceted work landscape of the future.

As much as we embrace digital transformation in organizations, we must also prioritize skills-development transformation. Swift changes in technology mean that the skills we teach today may look very different even just a year or two down the line, so we need to entrench core capabilities that will evolve along with changing job demands.

There are, of course, challenges to overcome – for example, education, infrastructure and government policies. We may not be able to change these immediately, but we can close the skills gap with hands-on initiatives, programs, workshops and mentoring that engage young people in real-world digital spaces.