Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has deepened its dedication to improving the employability of South African youth by providing them with essential knowledge and skills and offering opportunities to showcase their abilities, establish a strong work ethic, and prove their value.
The VWGA through the Youth Employment Services (YES) Programme, of the South African government, enrolled about 508 candidates this year, who received various forms of skills development support to enhance their employability.
This 12-month programme offers young people their first employment opportunity, enabling them to earn a living and contribute to economic growth.
In line with this commitment, Volkswagen Group is piloting a training programme to equip the candidates with suitable skills for vehicle sales positions.
The goal of the training initiative, according to the management, is to connect the YES trainees to permanent employment opportunities within the automotive industry.
VWGA Director for Corporate and Government Affairs, Nonkqubela Maliza, said, “We are piloting a Volkswagen Sales Skills Training Programme to select suitable YES trainees for potential sales positions within the Volkswagen dealer network.”
She highlighted the benefits of the programme to businesses participating such as the creation of an improved general business environment and the development of a new market by integrating youth into the economy and enhancing their earning potential.
“As a company with a proud history of commitment to sustainable development and transformation in the country, and as a company that has always been responsive to societal needs, we have pledged our support to the YES initiative by creating job opportunities for South Africa’s youth,” she explained.
Miss Maliza emphasised that this month, 508 new YES candidates joined VWGA, with 282 placed at the Kariega plant, as well as the Sales and Marketing and Aftersales divisions in Gauteng and Cape Town, while 226 candidates were placed within the dealer network.
During the selection process, candidates completed a Precise Fit Sales Assessment, which evaluates how well their profiles align with the requirements and expectations of a sales position in a dealership.
“We believe that this programme will further equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to apply for Sales Executive opportunities within the dealer network,” she concluded.
