Youth Content Collective launches to connect young creatives with corporates

The Youth Employment Service (YES) has launched the Youth Content Collective (YCC), a platform that connects creative content creators with businesses.

The collective was launched at the YES hub in Alexandra, Gauteng on 19 August.

The collective’s first group of content creators include 50 photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and illustrators aged between 18 and 35.

Acting YES Co-Chief Executive Officer Leanne Emery said the collective aims to address South Africa’s rising youth unemployment level.

“It’s a national crisis of epidemic proportions, and the formal sector cannot create employment at the scale that is needed,” Emery said.

“However, the fourth industrial revolution has allowed us to leapfrog some of the obstacles and create opportunities that would not have been open to these youths 10 years ago.”

Youth Content Collective to help creatives find work

YES launched the collective in collaboration with Metropolitan GetUp and Ford SA.

In mid-2020, YES and Metropolitan GetUp conducted research to find out how to help young people generate income while fulfilling business needs.

“It soon became clear that there was a dire need for locally-produced photo and video stock, as seen through an authentic, South African lens,” Emery explained.

The collective’s first group of content creators include 50 photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and illustrators. The creatives are aged between 18 and 35.

Through the programme, the group can monetise their skillsets. It will make their work available to local and international markets.

The programme also will provide creators with mentorship and training on micro-entrepreneurship. The YCC will also help those from disadvantaged communities establish professional networks.

YES intends to grow the Youth Content Collective to include thousands of content creators within three years.

The service also put out a call for companies to submit their creative briefs for potential collaborations.

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Featured image: Supplied