Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) continues to support youth development through its participation in the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme, investing R40 million annually in support of this youth empowerment initiative.
In 2026, VWGA welcomed 675 new trainees as part of the programme. From the 675 trainees set to be onboarded, 288 will be placed within the company (Kariega and Johannesburg) and 387 will be placed with external partners. This will bring the total number of YES trainees supported by VWGA since joining the initiative in 2019 to 4 325.
The YES programme was launched as a public-private partnership by the South African presidency and the country’s private sector in 2018, to help address youth unemployment by creating work experience opportunities. Through the programme, VWGA provides workplace exposure across its operations, dealer network and small and medium enterprise (SME) partners.
VWGA has participated in the YES programme since 2019. In 2023, VWGA was recognised among the top 10 contributors to the YES programme for social impact through job creation by the South African President and YES, and remains among the top 10 out of more than 2 000 participating companies.
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The programme offers young people the opportunity to gain practical work experience while developing skills that can improve their future employment prospects.
“At Volkswagen Group Africa, we believe that creating opportunities for young people is an investment in the future of our country. Through the YES programme, we are able to provide meaningful workplace experience which helps young people build confidence, develop skills and improve their chances of finding employment. The programme is a further testament to VWGA’s long-standing commitment to corporate social investment and youth development,” said Nonkqubela Maliza, VWGA’s Director of Corporate and Government Affairs.
As part of the programme, trainees receive work-readiness training in computer skills. Depending on their placement, some trainees may also receive specialised training such as forklift operation and powered pallet truck training for candidates who will be working in the distribution centre. In addition, all trainees complete online learning modules through the YES One platform to help build crucial workplace skills.
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Since the start of the programme, VWGA has achieved an average permanent employment placement rate of 10% through its internal and external placement channels.
One of these success stories is Sibabalwe Tyulu, who joined VWGA as part of the 2024 YES intake and is now permanently employed in the Procurement division as a Buyer.
“I joined VWGA as part of the 2024 YES intake with no formal work experience after completing my BCom degree, majoring in Economics and Information Systems. My journey was not without challenges, but the support and guidance I received helped me grow both professionally and personally.” said Tyulu.