As South Africa observes Youth Month, leading construction firm GVK-Siya Zama, reaffirms its commitment to addressing the nation’s critical construction skills shortage. The company actively attracts and develops young talent through mentorship and skills development, thereby helping to shape professional careers and securing the future of South Africa's vital construction industry.

"Investing in today's youth is crucial for future workforce development," says Cathy Strydom, HR Manager at GVK-Siya Zama’s business in the Eastern Cape. "At GVK, we aim to provide continuous support, comprehensive skills development, and clear career paths. We know that the industry increasingly faces a shortage of experienced mentors, so our proactive approach of pairing young professionals with seasoned experts is essential in bridging knowledge gaps and facilitating growth."

Developing talent from the ground up

GVK's strategy involves partnering with universities, TVET colleges, and learnership programmes to host students during their practical year in order to identify and nurture potential future employees. This hands-on exposure, combined with dedicated mentorship, ensures that young recruits gain a thorough understanding of various aspects of construction.

Leandri Viljoen, Strydom’s counterpart in the group’s Gauteng business, says, "We have a rigorous recruitment process for in-service trainees, supported by strong mentorship. We assess character, potential and capacity for growth – not just academic performance."

Once on board, young recruits benefit from accredited training across all departments, with many receiving bursaries for further tertiary education. "Every senior team member plays a role in mentorship – it’s part of our culture. We guide young recruits through practical learning to help them carve out a sustainable career path," Viljoen adds.

Viljoen asserts that despite the company’s efforts, the industry faces hurdles in attracting and retaining young talent, including a gender gap and a desire for rapid career progress. "Many of today's younger employees are highly time-conscious – they look for a job with good prospects that is not too pressured and that does not impact their private life after hours. In our industry, this limits full immersion and advancement," says Viljoen. "When turning their sights on employment abroad, they find out the hard way that hard currency jobs do not come without pressure, long hours and total commitment."

In response, GVK’s people-led approach offers individualised development plans that evolve with each young person's aspirations. "We're invested in their long-term journey, in the company, and in the industry’s ability to provide a meaningful career and future,” she says.

Beyond initial training, GVK ensures long-term retention by continuously addressing gaps through upskilling. Accredited professionals are brought in as needed, and middle and senior management are encouraged to provide daily on-the-job mentorship. The company also encourages professional registration for employees, enabling them to stay current with industry standards and advance into leadership roles.

With South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate, the stakes are exceptionally high. “It’s about more than just jobs,” says Viljoen. “It’s about creating educated and empowered future leaders. Our investment covers education, skills development, work experience, and mental health support. In addition, we involve younger employees in robust discussions about policies and planning, giving them a voice in shaping the future of the company.”

The stories of tomorrow’s leaders

The success of GVK’s youth development initiatives is best reflected in the stories of young individuals who are making a significant impact. They share how GVK has empowered them to create fulfilling construction careers:

• Asanda Mchunu (24), Junior Quantity Surveyor in KZN, values the recognition and respect she receives as a young, Black woman on site. She sees a promising future, emphasising hands-on learning and mentorship.
• Athi Maseti (28), Site Engineer in the Western Cape, thrives on creative problem-solving. He believes the industry is "headed in a positive direction," highlighting strong communication as key.
• Ayanda Fodo (29), Site Engineer in the Eastern Cape, enjoys dynamic challenges and contributing to community development. He advises young people to gain practical experience and be proactive.
• Joash Pillay (21), Civil Engineering student in KZN, loves seeing buildings come to life, finding it fulfilling to contribute to communities. He sees "great potential" in South Africa’s construction sector.
• Mamsy Masemola (29), Student Engineer in Gauteng, thrives on learning and challenges, and is fascinated by tall buildings. She believes the “future looks bright", thanks to GVK.
• Nabeelah Parker (29), Junior Quantity Surveyor in the Western Cape, loves "transforming land into meaningful structures that serve future generations," and believes in mutual upliftment.
• Nolo Lekwathi (25), Junior Quantity Surveyor, enjoys the field's ever-changing dynamics, noting how GVK exposes the youth to diverse projects.
• Siphelele Mthembu (30), Production student in KZN, found vital training at GVK after having struggled for a while. She values real projects and expert learning.
• Thembakuye Khanyile (24), Junior Quantity Surveyor in Gauteng, loves dynamic challenges and seeing projects realised, and finds team collaboration rewarding. He sees a promising future with increased infrastructure investment.
• Danielle Francis (23), Junior Quantity Surveyor in Gauteng, is passionate about environmental impact and skills development. She advises cultivating technical and interpersonal skills and seeking mentorship.

GVK-Siya Zama’s dedication to nurturing young talent is a strategic investment in the sustainable growth of South Africa’s construction industry. “We build more than structures; we build people. And when we build people, we build a better South Africa,” Viljoen concludes. By empowering its young employees, GVK is investing in a stronger, better skilled future for the nation.