An analysis of the effectiveness of graduate training programmes on youth unemployment in South Africa

Abstract

The study analysed the Graduate Training Programmes (GTP) in the Vaal Triangle Area. The purpose of the study was to test whether the efficacy of the GTP would essentially reduce youth graduate unemployment and youth unemployment in South Africa. The objectives of the study were to analyse the managerial performance feedback on the graduate who underwent the GTP, evaluates whether the quality educational level allows graduates to be competent in their field of work; explore the skills which the graduates gained during the GTP, analyse whether the skills advanced graduates to become employable, and evaluate whether graduates occupied permanent roles after completing a GTP. The qualitative method was followed, and an interview schedule was created and distributed to the relevant participants to acquire the study data for evaluation and findings purposes. The findings illustrated the effectiveness of the GTP in the Vaal Triangle Area. The objective was presented by the majority of graduates who participated in the interview schedule being appointed permanent employment roles. The study recommended that the GTP should be structured and not allocate tasks or projects to graduates on an ad-hoc basis. The study also suggested that GTP should assign mentors/ coaches and peers to graduates and a feasible budget for graduate training and development courses.