Ferndale based financial institute CDA Solutions has empowered 14 unemployed young through its Youth Employment Scheme (YES) programme.
This remarkable initiative will allow these individuals to hone their skills and gain valuable experience in the financial sector.
The programme aims to equip the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the competitive job market.
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Director of CDA Solutions, Adrian Plantema, explained that they believe that investing in the youth is crucial for the future of their industry and the community.
“The YES program has been running for the past two years and we are proud to have assisted over 28 unemployed youth during this time. In 2024, we absorbed 8 individuals on a permanent basis.”
The placement includes various roles, such as quality assurance analyst, marketing assistant, IT back-end developer and campaign manager. Everyone will undergo comprehensive training and mentorship for 12 months to ensure their successful integration into the company and the industry.
“We created several junior positions specifically for the programme across various departments. The intention is to provide young, unemployed South Africans with real experience and skills to improve their future career opportunities.”
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Jerusha Sing, a 2024 beneficiary of the program, shared his experience as a marketing assistant. “The program has been a game-changer for me; it has not only provided me with the opportunity to develop my skills, but also given me the confidence to pursue my career goals in the financial industry.”
The company advertised the positions, asking interested candidates to apply. They received hundreds of applications and selected potential candidates based on their tertiary education and experience.
“After following our standard interview process, we selected candidates who had the skills for the positions, but most importantly, who we believed would fit the CDA culture, and add value to their teams.”
Thabang Mothapo, another beneficiary, said he is very excited about the opportunity because it’s his first experience working in the financial sector.
“This opportunity will impact my life positively and I will gain new skills and experience,” he said. “I’m working as [a] junior accounts assistant, and I will be responsible for client relation management. I am looking forward to adding value, and helping the business grow.”
