South Africa faces an acute crisis of youth unemployment, with millions of young adults struggling to access stable work opportunities. The Youth Employment Service (YES) was established to provide hands-on work experience and skill development for unemployed youth across a range of industries. One of the newer—and promising—sectors collaborating with YES is agriculture, particularly poultry farming. The YES4Youth Poultry Programme has emerged as an initiative with significant impact, offering young people not only jobs but also sustainable career pathways.
Programme Overview
Key Features:
- Target Group: Unemployed South Africans aged 18–35
- Duration: 12-month paid work placements
- Sector Focus: Recently expanding into agriculture, with a concentration on poultry farming
Rationale:
- Poultry remains one of South Africa’s most critical and in-demand food sectors.
- Offers quick turnover times and employment options across the entire value chain—from hatcheries to distribution.
Industry Partnerships
The YES4Youth programme has drawn support from leading agricultural companies. Noteworthy collaborations include:
- Supreme Poultry
- Daybreak Foods
Programme Components:
- Structured “learnerships” in poultry production, processing, and quality control
- Combination of hands-on training and AgriSETA-accredited coursework
- Focus on both practical experience and formal qualification acquisition
Benefits
For Youth Participants:
- Consistent monthly income during training
- Exposure to vital skills such as biosecurity, animal health, and processing protocols
- Opportunities for entrepreneurship training
- Guidance from experienced mentors
For Participating Businesses:
- Progress towards Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) targets
- Creation of a skilled youth workforce pipeline
- Strengthened community relationships and long-term sustainability
Outcomes
Notable Results:
- At Supreme Poultry’s abattoir in Botshabelo, several participants have secured full-time employment post-placement.
- Some alumni have initiated their own small-scale poultry businesses, contributing to local food security and economic resilience.
Challenges
- Training Investment: Developing adequate poultry training facilities requires significant resources and planning.
- Post-Placement Support: Ensuring youth move successfully into permanent roles or entrepreneurship after the programme remains a key concern.
✨ What You’ll Gain:
✔️ Valuable work experience 🛠️
✔️ Be part of South Africa’s youth empowerment movement 💪
✔️ People with disabilities are welcome to apply ♿
How to Apply:
✔️ Email us with your uncertified Matric Certificate, ID & CV 📧
✔️ Use LEARNER as the subject line
✔️ Send to: germiston@amphisa.co.za
🗓️ Closing Date: 30 September 2025
Note: Only successful applicants will be contacted. 📞
Conclusion
The YES4Youth Poultry Programme demonstrates a valuable approach to tackling youth unemployment through sector-focused, skill-enhancing interventions. By aligning youth development with the needs of South Africa’s agricultural economy, the programme has the potential to create meaningful work opportunities, foster entrepreneurship, and drive rural transformation. Ongoing investment and collaborative partnerships will be crucial for scaling the initiative and ensuring its long-term success.
