The Gauteng Department of Social Development recently hosted the Youth Skills of the Future Seminar at Richfield College under the theme, ‘Partnerships for Skills, Jobs and Youth Development.’

The seminar brought together government agencies, industry leaders, higher education institutions, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), and youth development centres funded by the department to strengthen collaboration aimed at addressing youth unemployment and preparing young people for future job markets.

The event focused on one of Gauteng’s most pressing challenges: youth unemployment, underemployment, and limited access to meaningful economic opportunities.

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Despite continued investment in youth development initiatives, many young people in the province still struggle to access sustainable employment opportunities.

Speaking at the seminar, Gauteng Department of Social Development chief director Welcome Sibisi highlighted the growing mismatch between skills acquired through education and those demanded by the labour market.

“A significant challenge remains the mismatch between the skills acquired through education and training and those required by the labour market, particularly in emerging sectors such as digital technologies, artificial intelligence, green industries and other future-oriented occupations,” said Sibisi.

He added that while the department has expanded its investment in skills development through funded youth organisations and increased the number of beneficiaries reached, limited resources and fragmented partnerships continue to hinder the transition of young people from training into sustainable employment and economic opportunities.

The seminar aimed to bridge these gaps by fostering stronger partnerships between government, academia, industry and development partners.

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Discussions explored practical solutions to align skills development programmes with current and future labour market demands, while expanding access to internships, work-based learning, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

Through collaborative engagements, stakeholders identified innovative approaches to equip young people with relevant skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy and strengthen pathways towards sustainable livelihoods.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development said it remains committed to empowering young people through strategic partnerships that create sustainable opportunities for skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.

The department noted that the seminar represents an important step towards building an inclusive economy where every young person has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Gauteng’s growth and development.