VW welcomes 540 youth through YES programme

With its seventh consecutive intake of young unemployed graduates, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reinforced its commitment to youth development through the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme.

25 V Wyouth1

The YES programme was initiated by the South African government in 2019 to alleviate youth unemployment. Since the programme’s inception, VWGA has supported the initiative by providing employment opportunities and work experience for youth at its sites, in addition to opportunities within the dealer network and SME partners.

In the 2025 intake, VWGA has welcomed 540 YES trainees, of whom 296 candidates will work within VWGA: 232 in Kariega, 62 in Gauteng and two in the Western Cape. Another 244 trainees will be deployed with external partners in October.

This intake brings the total number of YES trainees who have benefited from VWGA’s involvement in the programme to 3 650.

“We know that today’s youth will be tomorrow’s leaders, but we also believe in playing an active role in developing those leaders and innovators,” says Nonkqubela Maliza, VWGA’s Corporate and Government Affairs Director. “Through our participation in the YES programme, we want to offer youth the space to become economically active and gain invaluable skills on which they can build successful and fulfilling careers.”

More Industry News stories

Dunlop completes R1.7 billion investment at uMnambithi

Dunlop completes R1.7 billion investment at uMnambithi

Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, introducing new manufacturing technology and expanding production capabilities at the plant.

  • 17 August 2026
GM renews China venture with SAIC for 20 years after restructuring

GM renews China venture with SAIC for 20 years after restructuring

General Motors (GM) has renewed its joint venture with China's SAIC Motor Corp for another 20 years, enabling ‌the United States (US) automaker to use China as an export hub amid rising competition from Chinese brands in and outside their home market.

  • 17 August 2026