Business Day TV: What SA needs to do to get its young people working

Addressing South Africa’s Unemployment Crisis: The Role of Lulaway in Bridging the Gap

South Africa's unemployment rate remains a major challenge, with youth unemployment reaching alarming levels. According to recent statistics, over 50% of the youth aged 18 to 24 are without jobs, highlighting a critical issue that needs urgent attention.

In response to this challenge, Lulaway has been making significant strides in connecting young job seekers with the opportunities that exist in the market. With over 30,000 placements in employment and internship opportunities, Lulaway is creating tangible solutions to address this crisis.

Lulaway's journey started from a simple idea: to help young people access the job market. Initially, the process was cumbersome, with many job seekers relying on outdated methods like printing CVs and hoping for the best. Lulaway transformed this by creating a network of job centers across the country, where young people can receive guidance, submit their documents, and undergo assessments, all digitally. This process is designed to match them with the right employers quickly and efficiently.

But the challenge doesn’t end there. Research by Lulaway revealed a worrying trend: only 50% of pre-qualified young people show up for interviews, and 30% drop out within three months of starting their job. This highlights not just the lack of awareness around job opportunities but also a gap in work readiness and the expectation of the type of work young people are willing to do.

Jake Willis, CEO of Lulaway, emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset. Many young people expect easy, comfortable office jobs straight out of school, but often the first steps involve starting with entry-level positions and gaining valuable work experience. A shift in attitude towards work readiness and perseverance is essential for overcoming the youth unemployment crisis in South Africa.

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