Buckman's enduring partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES) demonstrates successful corporate engagement in youth employment. The collaboration has created career opportunities for 129 young South Africans, with a particular focus on advancing women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
The program's impact is exemplified by Thilivhali Muthuthuli's journey. Recruited in 2020 through Buckman's third YES program cohort, she transitioned to permanent employment in 2021, illustrating the initiative's effectiveness in creating sustainable career paths.
YES, established in 2018, works with businesses to provide yearlong work opportunities for youth aged 18-35. Buckman's commitment extends beyond basic employment, actively challenging gender norms in technical and industrial roles. This aligns with broader efforts to increase women's representation in STEM fields and manufacturing sectors.
The partnership reflects Buckman's long-term investment in South Africa's workforce development. As a chemical manufacturing company, Buckman provides YES participants exposure to specialised industrial skills and technical training. This approach helps address both youth unemployment and industry skills gaps.
The success of participants like Thilivhali highlights the program's dual impact: providing immediate employment while creating pathways for long-term career development. Buckman's consistent engagement with YES demonstrates how sustained corporate partnerships can effectively address youth unemployment while promoting gender equality in the workplace.
This initiative contributes to South Africa's broader economic development goals by creating skilled employment opportunities and promoting diversity in technical fields. The program's success in transitioning participants to permanent roles showcases its sustainable impact on youth employment.
Amendment to the Gazette