The Standard Bank Youth Pathways Skills Programme (YPSP) is Seriti’s strategic green initiative that aims to employ 36 participants (ages 18–34) transitioning from the Social Employment Fund (SEF) and the National Youth Service (NYS) programme into a 12-month internship programme.

The programme leverages accredited training, paid green work, and enterprise incubation to address youth unemployment, food insecurity, and climate vulnerability in rural and peri-urban communities. The programme is currently being rolled out across three sites: Modimolle in Limpopo, Standerton in Mpumalanga, and Deelpan in North West.

By the end of the programme

  • 36 youth will have successfully completed accredited environmental training, earning the NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate (EMC) to strengthen their foundational green economy knowledge and skills.
  • Interns will have gained hands-on work experience through structured work in climate adaptation, waste innovation, and environmental restoration projects.
  • The Programme will support green micro-enterprise development by enabling participants to design, develop, and launch small businesses focused on thematic areas in the green economy, which will support the work currently being done on the Multi Functional Agri-Nodes (MFAN).
  • Interns will be digitally and entrepreneurially empowered through access to laptops, data connectivity, and training in entrepreneurship, digital tools, and workplace readiness skills.
  • The Programme will contribute to sustainable livelihood creation by ensuring that interns transition into self-employment, further training, or income-generating opportunities upon completion.

Participant Testimonials

“The programme has been an amazing experience because it has expanded my knowledge in water conservation and compost production.” – Tumelo Motloung

“This programme has opened up my eyes to the environmental issues our community is facing and how we can address them through awareness and taking part in the green economy.” – Thembinkosi Mkhaliphi

“The programme allows me to showcase my skills and is building my confidence by discovering new interests. What I enjoy most is the e-learning and working on activities that allow me to apply practical skills.” – Thebeitsile Maphunye

“What I like about the programme is the discussions and exercises making learning dynamic and fun. I have developed critical thinking which has boosted my confidence in preparing for future challenges.” – Modiegi Caroline Molokela