Waste Management Company EnviroServ has spent more than R3 million this year helping 73 unemployed youth around the country enter the working world by sponsoring their studies.

According to Neville Moopanar, EnviroServ group training manager, the learnerships are key to addressing skills that are scarce and critical within the organisation, industry or sector, thereby contributing to employability.

Each sponsorship costs around R45 000 per learner and includes all training costs, trainer fees, stationery, stipend and catering for the year.

“Learnerships equip learners with both theoretical and workplace-learning interventions that lead to occupationally based qualifications that are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority,” Moopanar explains.

After three months of theoretical training, some of the learners are placed at EnviroServ offices nationally.  “Due to the high volume of learners recruited, EnviroServ formed strategic partnerships with local schools, libraries and councillor officers who have opened their doors and provided learners with an opportunity to obtain work experience for a further nine months,” he adds.

Moopanar notes that when they asked young unemployed people what held them back from entering the job market, the resounding response was employers requiring people with experience.

“Our learnership programme ensures young people have a sound academic foundation as well as valuable work experience, making them viable candidates for employment,” he concludes.