G.U.D. Holdings says YES4youth
G.U.D. Holdings has partnered with the Youth Employment Service (YES), as part of its socio-economic upliftment programmes, to introduce previously disadvantaged young people to the inner workings of the automotive aftermarket. YES – a not-for-profit joint initiative between business, government and labour – aims to address the youth unemployment crisis in South Africa by creating work experience opportunities. G.U.D. Holdings, known for its leading automotive brands; GUD Filters, Safeline Brake Pads, Indy Oil, Fram, Holts and Raw4x4 kicked off the programme in February 2022 by taking on 55 unemployed youth from across South Africa.
As a leader in the automotive aftermarket, G.U.D. Holdings is able to provide unemployed young people with the opportunity to obtain sought after experience, learn about manufacturing best practice and gain exposure to the local automotive aftermarket. The workplace programme involves learning about the Company’s operations while working in different areas of the business. In addition, the YES learners will be able to study toward a formal certificate in entrepreneurship, providing them with the knowledge needed to set up their own business in the future.
G.U.D. Holdings CEO Chris Haworth said the Company’s involvement in YES is their way of playing a part in addressing unemployment in South Africa. “The YES programme is a great opportunity for young people to get a first-hand understanding of the various career paths available to them, while gaining much-needed work experience within a diverse and successful organisation like G.U.D. Holdings,” he said.
For G.U.D. Holdings, it is really important to look after our employees. “The programme was open to family members of our loyal staff, who fit the YES programme criteria and the response was extremely encouraging. We were pleased to offer placement to 34 employee relatives,” said Haworth.
G.U.D. Holdings actively drives community upliftment projects, such as YES, supporting a number of socio-economic and education-based initiatives in previously disadvantaged communities, said Bonnie Magada, Transformation Director at G.U.D. Holdings. “Our involvement in the YES programme is another opportunity for G.U.D. to help young people build brighter futures while making a significant contribution to the economy and transformation. The programme will run concurrently with our annual learnerships, offered to persons with disabilities and unemployed youth,” she said.
A second batch of 55 youth will also be selected to participate in the second intake, scheduled for later this year.