Unilever Provides Work Experience to 315 Youth Through YES Partnership

Unilever Provides Work Experience to 315 Youth Through YES Partnership. Unilever Southern Africa has provided 315 unemployed young people, aged 18 to 35, with twelve months of work experience across diverse fields including manufacturing, digital optimisation, sales, marketing, and the green economy. The initiative forms part of the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme and was made possible through collaboration with recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, and outcomes tracking partners.

Unilever Southern Africa CEO Stefan Cloete highlighted the importance of YES as a collaborative effort between government, business, and labour to equip youth with practical skills and employment pathways. “This programme is about creating opportunities that prepare young people for meaningful careers while contributing to South Africa’s economic transformation,” Cloete said.

Participants shared positive reflections on their experiences. Busiswa Mngadi described the programme as “a welcoming, collaborative environment offering valuable knowledge and career-shaping experience.” Kiara Kassie expressed gratitude for supportive colleagues and excitement for continued learning, while Mubeen Haroun appreciated the chance to work within Unilever’s passionate R&D team in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.

YES CEO Ravi Naidoo emphasized the broader impact of the partnership. “Our collaboration with Unilever is more than just corporate involvement; it is a powerful commitment to the next generation of South African leaders. By welcoming these YES inductees into such a world-class environment, we aren’t just providing jobs — we are igniting careers and the potential to transform South Africa for the better,” he said.

Unilever equips programme graduates with professional skills, updated CVs, reference letters, and completion certificates to boost employability. The company’s efforts aim to tackle youth unemployment, promote economic inclusion, and build a diverse talent pipeline.

Calling on other businesses to join the initiative, Unilever stressed that partnerships with YES can empower youth, create sustainable jobs, and support South Africa’s long-term development.