17/04/2025
EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME IN SKILL DEVELOPMENT OF UNEMPLOYED GRADUATES IN LESOTHO
1. Introduction The government of Lesotho established the Youth Apprenticeship Programme (YAP) in 2019 after conducting a survey on youth employment post-varsity completion. Initially supervised by the Ministry of Finance, YAP, popularly known as Lihalahala, is now managed under the Office of the Prime Minister. Youth unemployment has been a persistent challenge in Lesotho, and the introduction of skills development programs aimed at reducing unemployment and poverty has been a key governmental intervention. This study evaluates the effectiveness of YAP in skill development for unemployed graduates in Lesotho and assesses stakeholder involvement in the conceptualization, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the program.
2. Skill Development YAP aims to address the shortage of skills and reduce youth unemployment by providing practical, hands-on training. It combines theoretical learning, experiential learning/community service, and exit opportunities. Apprenticeship placements in various sectors offer young graduates an opportunity to gain experience in their respective fields. However, challenges such as skills mismatches and employment insecurities have been observed, which impact the overall success of the program.
3. Market Demand The program’s effectiveness depends on aligning skills provided with market demands. Evaluations were conducted at various institutions such as the DA’s office and Mountain View Hotel. At the DA’s office, apprentices specializing in Public Administration and Human Resource Management performed tasks aligned with their qualifications, gaining practical administrative experience. At Mountain View Hotel, apprentices in catering, housekeeping, and accounts found their skills relevant but underutilized, with some assigned to storage keeping instead of financial management. This highlights the need for better placement strategies to ensure skill application in appropriate roles.
4. Work Exposure Apprentices placed in different workplaces, such as hospitals and guest houses, gained valuable experience that enhances employability. For example, Ka Pitseng Guest House hosted a chef and a Tourism Management graduate, both benefiting from relevant industry exposure. However, some placements did not align with the apprentices’ qualifications, leading to concerns about employability. At Mabote Filter Clinic, an IT technician worked as a data clerk, gaining relevant skills, whereas an Electrical Installation graduate was placed in the ART department handling files and viral load registers. Addressing such mismatches would improve the program's impact.
5. Career Guidance The program aims to equip apprentices with practical knowledge and exposure that contribute to long-term career success. Some apprentices demonstrated strong performance, leading to potential job offers, while others faced barriers such as unfair treatment and lack of protective clothing. Career support services, including mentorship and proper job rotations, should be strengthened to enhance employability and career progression.
6. Entrepreneurial Skills Apart from job placements, YAP should foster entrepreneurial skills to encourage self-employment among graduates. Youth cooperatives and small business funding remain a challenge, limiting opportunities for graduates to establish their own ventures. A structured entrepreneurship training module within YAP would enable apprentices to develop business acumen, financial management, and innovation skills essential for self-sufficiency.
7. Economic Growth Youth employment plays a crucial role in economic development. The YAP initiative contributes to human capital development, leading to improved productivity and economic participation. Reducing unemployment rates enhances consumer confidence and investor sentiment. However, delays in stipends and funding issues hinder the program's full potential. Addressing these financial constraints and enhancing skill alignment with economic needs would maximize YAP's contribution to national economic growth.
Challenges and Recommendations Challenges faced by apprentices include:
• Skills mismatch in placements, causing insecurity about future employment.
• Extreme absenteeism due to delayed stipends.
• Lack of protective clothing, especially in health-related fields.
• Unfair treatment from other departments.
• Supervisors refusing to sign timesheets after rotations.
To improve YAP’s effectiveness, the following measures are recommended:
• Better alignment between apprentices' qualifications and placements.
• Strengthening entrepreneurial skill development to promote self-employment.
• Ensuring timely stipend payments to prevent absenteeism.
• Implementing mentorship programs to provide career guidance.
• Enhancing job rotation strategies to maximize skill acquisition.
Conclusion The Youth Apprenticeship Programme is a crucial initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment and fostering skills development. While it has provided opportunities for many young graduates, challenges such as mismatches in job placements and funding issues need to be addressed. By refining placement strategies, enhancing entrepreneurial training, and ensuring financial stability, YAP can significantly contribute to skill development, economic growth, and sustainable employment in Lesotho.
Report By:
Ms Tlalane Ntili
Youth Apprenticeship Programme
