Twenty-five young people from across the Northern Cape received training on how to not only search for job opportunities but also how to ensure they are the best candidate after they have applied for a job.
TWENTY-five youngsters from across the Northern Cape were yesterday trained on how to not only search for job opportunities but also how to ensure they are the best candidate after they have applied for a job.
The training, which was provided by Mmusi Maimane’s independent political party Build One South Africa (Bosa), gave the youth practical training on how to compile their curriculum vitae (CV) and on phone etiquette as well as interview tips.
The provincial leader of Bosa, Roger Solomons, said the aim of the training event was to make the youth employable.
“The unemployment rate in the country is high and is a great concern. The statistics have shown that the youth are greatly affected by this. However, we have also witnessed that in many instances it is not only youth who are not in possession of a tertiary qualification that are affected by unemployment.
“This training is aimed at showcasing the skills and talents of the youth. There are many youngsters who are in possession of the correct skills and talents, but do not know how to use or showcase their skills correctly,” said Solomons.
“We have youngsters from Galeshewe, Barkly West and even Prieska. Some of the youngsters do not even know how to prepare for an interview nor do they know how to compile a CV that will make them a competitive contender for a possible job opportunity. Those are some of the practical training we had during the session.
“We had role-playing sessions where we took them through the process of securing a job, starting from how one writes your CV up to receiving a call for an interview and ending with the interview process. Many of them saw the error in how they approached the process and where to improve their skills.”
Solomons added that they want young people to be assets in the places where they are employed.
“Our young people are skilful and talented, but ensuring you secure a job and also maintain plus grow in that position, takes some skills that one may not learn in school.
“Some youngsters, though talented, lack confidence and boldness. That can lead to someone not executing their work expertly. On paper, a candidate might look qualified, but they might lack the social skills to carry out their duties.
“This is evident especially in youth who have lost the hope of ever securing a job. They become despondent and lack drive as well as ambition. Lack of confidence can result in one missing out on great opportunities.
“We need to not only give the youth the academic capabilities but also need to equip them with the skills to retain and grow in these opportunities.”
The youngsters who attended the training event said they were equipped with new skills on how to job hunt.
A youngster from Greenpoint, Metro Martins, said he has built up various skills and experience in different sectors after he completed high school.
“I am 19 years old and matriculated last year. After I finished school, I worked as a sales person in a chain furniture store for a few months. After that, I secured a job as a merchandiser. My aim after school was to go and study, but I was unable to secure the fund to pursue a tertiary education. I have, however, gained skills and experience in the different positions I have worked in.
“This training has made me realise that I did lack the confidence to pursue or identify other roles within the sectors where I was employed. My focus was only to have a salary and not on actively pursuing areas in which I can grow. I now know how to identify possible opportunities where I can utilise my skills,” said Martins.
A youngster from Prieska, Megan Reed, said the training has equipped her with the knowledge on how to start her own business.
“I want to be an entrepreneur but have always found it so daunting to start my business as I did not complete high school. I was advised during the training event that I can actually attend night school. I have never thought of that and always felt insecure about not having a matric certificate. I will now pursue that and complete my schooling. That way I will also show that it is never too late to achieve your dreams,” smiled Reed.
