Industrial products provider BMG – part of Invicta Holdings Limited – is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its joining the private-sector-funded Youth Employment Services (YES) Programme, which is a joint initiative between government and the private sector.

The country’s YES Programme aims to create one-million work opportunities for unemployed youth.

“We believe that the business sector has a responsibility to help solve the escalating problem of youth unemployment,” says industrial consumables supplier Invicta Shared Services human resources group executive Ruth Black.

She adds the social cost of unemployment and the threat it poses to the stability and dignity of South African society are far too great for companies to eschew meaningful involvement.

“Through the inspiring YES Programme, Invicta and BMG currently employ over 132 young people.”

Importantly, the YES programme offers youth a bridging opportunity between school and the world of work, nurturing leadership capabilities that are invaluable for business success and individual achievement.

“By providing the opportunity for young people to gain practical work experience and enjoy mentoring and training at BMG, we are able to equip them with the necessary skills and business ethos that contribute to a brighter future and economic sustainability.”

The 12-month YES Programme offers participating businesses the chance to gain up to two levels on their broad-based black economic empowerment scorecard.

As a special service, BMG offers its clients the opportunity to participate in this initiative by providing training to selected candidates at BMG World. These businesses are then able to claim the scorecard points at the end of the programme.

“The BMG team has always enjoyed a culture of learning and knowledge sharing, which is why this uplifting programme is a perfect fit with our need to develop commercial and technical skills and nurture personal development,” says Black.

BMG currently has 82 candidates participating in the YES Programme, who are involved in all areas of the business, including sales, warehouse functions, various roles in product divisions, as well as important support functions.