Clients making use of the World of Work centre's computer room at the PYDA building in Stellenbosch.
This March, the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) is launching an initiative that will give Black youth access to one of their basic human rights: the right to work. The organisation is opening the World of Work, a youth employment centre in Stellenbosch that will offer unemployed individuals between the ages of 18 and 34 years work readiness support to access opportunities across all economic sectors. The centre will provide free drop-in services including capacity-building workshops, employment and internship opportunities, career guidance, and recruitment support.
PYDA already offers two educational programmes, namely the Wine Practitioner Programme and the Career Ladder Programme (focusing on the development of scarce skills). Although these programmes have been hugely successful, the PYDA team saw the need to support those who fall through the cracks.
"We can no longer afford the idea that Black youth must bear the burden of unemployment," said Rudy Oosterwyk, PYDA's acting executive director and innovation lead, at the soft launch of the World of Work Centre last week.
"Over the last 30 years, there has been an attempt to keep Black youth out of the economy," Rudy continued. "There are three ways that Black youth come into the economy: Unemployed, unemployable, or low-skilled. This is an unsustainable model. If we are still having this conversation in 2050, we'll have a problem. We need to work towards a solution in urgency. How do we make sure there's another category Black youth can come into? A category that represents hope and innovation?"
PYDA believes that the World of Work centre is part of the solution. The programme is intended to support unemployed Black youth in Stellenbosch and surrounds by developing their skills so that they can ultimately access opportunities in the world of work.
Emmalene Ravell, programme manager at PYDA, explains: "Our aim is to develop and strengthen the skills of unemployed youth and discouraged job seekers. We will offer them training, mentorship, and support so that they can empower themselves and access employment opportunities."
"Through our partnerships and networks, we will offer capacity building workshops, personal development training, psychosocial support, career guidance, and employment and internship opportunities."
The World of Work programme will also continue to support PYDA alumni and ensure that they access work opportunities that will advance their careers and maintain work retention.
The centre is officially opening its doors to the public on Monday 3 April 2023. It is located within the PYDA's premises at the Bergzicht Campus in the Du Toit Street, off Bird Street, Stellenbosch. Its operating hours will be Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 15h00. Clients looking to make use of the centre's services can either book a consultation or simply drop by for a chat during operating hours.
If you would like to contact the World of Work team, send an email to wow@pyda.co.za or phone 021 882 9273.