Repository logo
 

Assessing skills training programmes for the unemployed youth as strategy to reduce poverty and inequality in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

2020

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Abstract

With the high youth unemployment, poverty and inequality in South Africa, there has been a shift in focus towards skills development. The skills development framework was designed as a measure to reduce these issues, and this has led to the implementation of policies and strategies which guide skills development programmes. These skills training programmes have offered skills to the youth of South Africa and aim to combat unemployment. The study aims to assess how skills training programmes for the unemployed youth are performing as a strategy to reduce poverty and inequality in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This was achieved by investigating the perceptions of the unemployed youth regarding skills training programmes implemented by Msunduzi Municipality and understanding the socio-economic impacts of the training programme on the youth. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology where data was collected using ten interviews to get in-depth knowledge. The research was separated into three categories as follows: one ongoing programme, one successful programme, and one transitioned programme. In each of these programmes, three participants were sampled using purposeful and snowball sampling where participants were identified by other participants within the same category, and telephonically interviews were conducted. Etikan, Alkassim, and Abubakar (2016) define snowball sampling methods which can be implemented in hard to research populations. Due to covid and the limitations of training classes, this method was most relevant in achieving the research objectives. Lastly, One participant from the Msunduzi Municipality was also interviewed and responded to the programmes that were being researched. Data collected was audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed to understand the trends. The study found the youth appreciate the initiative by the government, to offer them a skill. Skills training programmes positively affect the youth and gave them hope of getting employment in the future. It was also established that there are significant challenges that threatened the success of the programmes and the future of the youth. These problems include unpaid stipends and the lack of communication and on-the-job placements. It also found that the youth were starting to lose hope in completing their training and finding employment. It can be concluded that proper planning, monitoring, and evaluation of skills are required to ensure that they become a success. The research has recommended that government organisation, private companies, and NGO’s form a partnership to resolve these challenges.

Description

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.

Keywords

Citation

DOI