South Africa’s challenge of youth unemployment remains pressing, but targeted initiatives are beginning to show tangible results.
We Buy Cars, in partnership with SA Business School, has recently demonstrated how structured training can translate directly into jobs, with a group of learners completing sponsored programmes and moving into permanent employment.
Eight unemployed participants undertook 12-month learnerships, graduating in December 2025 and February 2026. Of these, seven have already secured permanent roles within the company, a strong indication of how practical training aligned to business needs can open doors.
The programmes covered qualifications in business administration at NQF Level 4, information technology systems support, and strategic management at NQF Level 5. Each combined classroom learning with workplace exposure, giving participants the kind of experience that is often difficult to obtain without prior employment.
South Africa continues to face high unemployment, particularly among young people, while industries report shortages of relevant skills. Learnerships are designed to bridge this gap by linking training directly to workplace requirements. Cynthia Banda, Head of Learning at SA Business School, emphasised that such programmes help break the cycle where job seekers cannot gain employment due to lack of experience.
Beyond technical skills, learners are introduced to workplace expectations and broader life skills, improving their chances of long-term success.
This latest intake forms part of a wider effort by We Buy Cars to expand access to training opportunities. In 2025, the company supported 20 learners with disabilities through a wholesale and retail distribution qualification at NQF Level 2, also providing workplace exposure. The high absorption rate in the recent group highlights the practical value of these initiatives.
Rather than acting only as educational interventions, they serve as direct pathways into employment, while businesses benefit from developing talent already familiar with company operations and culture.
While learnerships alone cannot resolve South Africa’s broader employment challenge, they remain one of the most effective tools available to the private sector and training institutions.
By aligning education with real-world requirements, they offer a more direct route into the workforce and help build a capable, prepared talent pool.
