The National Youth Service (NYS) programme was launched by the national Department of Public
Works (DPW) in 2004 as part of its Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). This initiative was
introduced as a means to train and provide
11 000 young people with practical work experience
over a five-year period, up to 2009. The programme has evolved over the years and now comprises
192 national projects to the value of R9 billion.
The beneficiaries, aged between 18 and 35, receive orientation, life skills and technical skills training
from accredited training service providers. Upon completion of their training, they are employed by
contractors for periods of at least six months in order to gain practical work experience. Contractors
are tasked with the responsibility to supervise, assist and mentor these beneficiaries in order to
optimise their career development.
To date, approximately 7 000 young people have been provided with life skills and technical
training, coupled with essential construction site work, thus affording them the opportunity of actively
participating in the South African economy. Amongst others, training was provided in the seven
identified scarce skills areas, namely paving, bricklaying, plastering, painting, plumbing, tiling and
electrical.
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