Research-led consultancy Krutham has launched a R300-million Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund to help address youth unemployment in South Africa.

The programme provides an opportunity for skills development providers to deliver sustainable employment solutions for the nation's youth, particularly those who have historically faced obstacles in securing employment.

Unlike traditional approaches to job creation, which tend to focus on inputs and activities like training, workshops and events, the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund uses an outcomes-based pay-for-performance model that ensures funds are allocated upon the successful placement and sustained employment of young people in quality jobs.

"Jobs Boost challenges skills development organisations to think beyond traditional methods. We're looking for partners who can demonstrate real results in placing young people in quality jobs, aligning training with the actual needs of the job market," says Krutham programme director Riyaadh Ebrahim.

The programme was initiated and is managed by Krutham and funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training’s National Skills Fund (NSF) as part of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.

The first phase is a pilot and the NSF is the sole outcomes funder.

Ebrahim says Jobs Boost opens a new frontier for training companies. This initiative is a partnership that goes beyond funding. “It's a commitment to equip South Africa’s youth with the skills and opportunities they need for meaningful employment.”

Jobs Boost offers a unique chance for skills development organisations to apply their expertise in a results-driven funding environment. The funding will be released to successful applicants as outcomes are achieved, based on specific milestones verified by an outcomes auditor, including enrolment in the programme (20% of funding flows), job placement (40% of funding flows), and sustained employment over three months (20% of funding flows) and then six months (20% of funding flows). 

Skills providers interested in participating in Jobs Boost have until December 14 to submit expressions of interest through the Jobs Boost website.

Prospective implementation partners should not be employers themselves; however, they may have a formal relationship with employers to ensure successful placement.

The selection will be based on a transparent and consistent evaluation process, focusing on the realism of proposals, job targets and value for money. Selected organisations will then be invited to present detailed proposals, demonstrating their capability to deliver tangible employment outcomes.