MultiChoice extends YES partnership to 300 new learners

Joburg-based digital entertainment provider the MultiChoice Group has extended its partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES) to assist with the recruitment and training of 300 learners.

Each of the 300 learners will receive employment opportunities with MultiChoice or affiliates

President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the YES initiative three years ago. The programme calls on SA business to help the government create critical work experience for unemployed youth who would otherwise have had limited employment opportunities. 

MultiChoice will be participating for a second time, having helped to create 400 new job opportunities in last year’s round. Along with its sporting initiative, Let’s Play, the two partnerships equal a total investment of R50-million towards putting 500 SA youth to work.

The YES initiative

This year, learners recruited across all nine provinces will receive work readiness training and a stipend from MultiChoice. Following the training, each of the 300 learners will receive employment opportunities with MultiChoice or external affiliates.

“The main objective for this programme is to create work opportunities for youth who have previously not been afforded the opportunity. It is our contribution to responding to youth unemployment in a meaningful way that impacts our communities,” says Jabavu Heshu, Group Director for Corporate Affairs at MultiChoice.

The program is split into learnerships and internships. There are 75 TVET college students who will receive internships across a diversified portfolio that includes HR, Finance, Marketing, Law, and IT. 

The remaining 225 places are prioritised for ICT learnerships for matriculants and others with qualifications but who are not working. 

These learnerships will focus on:

• 3D Animation and Visual Effects
• Television and Radio production
• Interactive Media
• System development
• End-user design
• Telecommunications
• Business Analysis
• Technology database development

“MultiChoice has long been an advocate for SA’s youth, providing mentorship opportunities and a platform for young people to tell their stories. This year we have deepened our commitment to the youth and through partnerships such as the one with YES we hope to continue to have a meaningful impact in the lives of young South Africans,” Heshu concludes. 

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Featured image: Tyler Casey via Unsplash