Explore how G.U.D. Holdings empowers young South Africans through the YES Programme—offering 12-month work experience, training.
Imagine a young South African entering the bustling world of automotive manufacturing. Their day begins learning how filters are made, working alongside production supervisors, and ending with a digital lesson on entrepreneurship. This is the reality for youth enrolled in the G.U.D. Holdings YES Programme, part of South Africa’s broader Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative.
Through a structured, year-long opportunity, participants not only earn a stipend—they gain practical work experience, life skills, and a recognized entrepreneurship certificate. For G.U.D. Holdings, a leader in automotive aftermarket brands like GUD Filters, Safeline Brake Pads, and Fram, this programme is about more than compliance—it’s about transformation.
1. Why G.U.D. Holdings Invests in YES
Youth unemployment in South Africa remains a pressing issue. G.U.D. Holdings recognized this challenge and joined the YES movement to help bridge the gap between education and employment. By offering structured work experience within its own facilities, the company provides young people with their first real chance at building a career.
In its initial rollout, G.U.D. onboarded 55 youth participants, many of whom were previously unemployed and without access to the formal workplace. A second intake of similar size was planned, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment.
2. What the YES Placement Offers You
Real Industry Experience
Participants gain hands-on experience in:
- Manufacturing and assembly
- Logistics and warehousing
- Quality assurance
- Marketing and communications
Entrepreneurial Training
Alongside work exposure, learners pursue a formal certificate in entrepreneurship—covering business planning, budgeting, customer service, and more.
Financial Stipend
Participants receive a monthly stipend, helping reduce the financial strain of transportation, meals, and job-related costs.
Professional Mentorship
Each YES participant is assigned a mentor or supervisor to guide them through their learning journey, ensuring meaningful growth.
3. Who Qualifies for G.U.D.’s YES Programme
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be aged 18–34
- Be currently unemployed
- Not previously participated in a YES opportunity
- Be available for full-time work for 12 months
Preference is often given to candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented communities. In some instances, G.U.D. has also prioritized the family members of its current employees to foster deeper community impact.
4. A Day in the Life of a YES Intern at G.U.D.
Your day may start with a team briefing in the production area, where you’ll help inspect and assemble parts. By mid-morning, you’re learning logistics systems or shadowing a supervisor in marketing. In the afternoon, you’re back at your workstation or logged into your entrepreneurship training platform, completing coursework.
This blend of work and study is what makes the YES programme a unique and powerful steppingstone into the real world.
5. What Is the YES Initiative?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a national, collaborative programme launched in 2018 to tackle youth unemployment. It gives businesses the opportunity to create 12-month paid work experiences for young people—helping them gain their first job and build a track record.
The initiative aligns with national development goals and supports B-BBEE transformation. In return for participation, companies benefit from enhanced B-BBEE scores and access to a more skilled workforce.
6. How G.U.D. and YES Work Together
Recruitment and Intake
G.U.D. advertises opportunities through its internal and public channels, selecting candidates who align with its business and values.
Onboarding and Training
Once selected, interns undergo orientation and are placed in departments such as production, quality assurance, logistics, or administration.
Ongoing Monitoring
Supervisors track each intern’s progress with monthly reports, while participants complete assignments and log their learning.
End-of-Programme Certification
After 12 months, learners receive a certificate of completion and, where applicable, a certificate in entrepreneurship.
7. Benefits for Youth Participants
- Workplace exposure in a national-level company
- Personal development through soft-skills training and mentorship
- Entrepreneurial readiness with formal business learning
- Income security via monthly stipends
- APPLICATION PROCESS
- CV building through formal certification and job references
These benefits create a well-rounded, real-world foundation for future employment or even self-employment.
8. Real Impact Stories
Participants from the first intake often share how the programme shifted their mindset. From being uncertain about their future to developing confidence in an industrial setting, the transformation is visible.
Some graduates were even offered contract positions after completing the programme, while others pursued business opportunities based on their entrepreneurship training.
9. Challenges Faced by YES Interns
While the programme is a positive opportunity, it’s not without its difficulties:
- Workplace pressure: Adapting to a formal environment for the first time can be overwhelming.
- Limited permanent absorption: Not all YES interns get permanent jobs afterward, though many gain enough experience to succeed elsewhere.
- Learning curve: The combination of work and study demands commitment and time management.
Despite these challenges, the majority of participants agree that the benefits outweigh the hurdles.
10. The Broader Context: YES in South Africa
Since its launch, the YES programme has created over 100,000 job opportunities nationwide. Companies across sectors—banking, retail, IT, agriculture, and manufacturing—are joining the movement to give youth a chance at meaningful employment.
In return, companies improve their B-BBEE status and contribute to the national goal of reducing unemployment and poverty.
11. What Happens After the Programme?
Once your 12-month term ends, several doors may open:
- You may be hired full-time by your host company
- You can use your certificate and experience to apply for better jobs elsewhere
- You can launch your own small business, applying your entrepreneurship training
- You become more employable, having overcome the “no experience” barrier
Your journey doesn’t end with YES—it begins there.
12. Sample YES Programme Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Company | G.U.D. Holdings |
| Programme Duration | 12 months |
| Target Group | Youth aged 18–34, unemployed South African citizens |
| Stipend | Monthly allowance provided |
| Placement Areas | Manufacturing, marketing, logistics, admin |
| Training Included | Certificate in Entrepreneurship |
| Exit Opportunities | Job placement, further study, self-employment |
Final Thoughts: A Pathway with Purpose
The G.U.D. Holdings YES Programme is more than a corporate obligation—it’s a mission to reshape the future of youth employment in South Africa. By merging real job experience with entrepreneurial learning and financial support, the programme offers a holistic bridge into economic activity.
For young South Africans struggling to get that first opportunity, YES is not just a job—it’s the spark that can ignite a career.
✅ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with G.U.D. Holdings or the YES Programme. Programme details may change over time. Applicants should consult official programme sources or the company’s HR department for the most current information.
