Hands on Skills Solutions (HSK), in collaboration with Tsotetsi Holistic Wellness Hub (WRLP) and the People of Joburg (PoJ), hosted a conducive program called the Workplace Readiness Launch Programme at Thakgisa Teacher’s training centre in Meadowlands, Soweto, from February 23 to 27.

The program aimed to equip participants, especially young people, with essential workplace skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience strategies, while fostering confidence and community pride.

It also emphasised skills transfer to real- world contexts, encouraging participants to connect training to workplace environments.

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Sicelo Hlubi, deputy chairperson of PoJ, shared that they remain committed to addressing youth unemployment through strategic collaborations within the communities they serve.

‘’We believe that meaningful change begins at home, and we are proud to support impactful programs benefiting the youth of our communities. These workshops will continue as part of our ongoing community development efforts,’’ he said.

HSK expressed pride in delivering a programme that blends technical frameworks with emotional resonance, while THWH emphasised the importance of holistic wellness in workplace readiness, and PoJ celebrated the empowerment of the youth in local communities through inclusive recruitment and participation.

Nandi Dlamini, a participant in the workshop, said: ‘’I had a fantastic experience at the work readiness workshop. The session was well- organized and packed with value. Big thank you to the facilitators who were excellent at breaking down complex topics.’’

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She told Urban News that she walked away with a clear roadmap for her professional future, insights into professional etiquette, communication, and workplace expectations.

The program highlighted professional communication, managing yourself, teamwork and conflict navigation, problem-solving and workplace behavior, economy and future work, and body movement for health.

‘’Our strategic intent is to build resilience within underserved communities adversely affected by the pandemic. We have been presenting online courses for the last two years.

“Seeing young learners being offered a job opportunity during our first in- person course affirms that we are moving confidently on the correct path to building resilience, one community at a time,’’ said project manager at HSK, Henrietta van Kramberg.

The WRLP stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing youth unemployment by equipping the youth with practical skills, emotional intelligence, and confidence. The initiative contributes to building stronger communities and a more resilient workforce.