The Skillsbridge Catalyst Initiative (Sci)
Empowering Youth through a tailor-made apprenticeship model
Introduction
By 2035, Africa will contribute more young people to the workforce each year than the rest of the world combined. Yet, the current economic landscape offers few opportunities for young people. Of Africa’s nearly 420 million youth aged 15-35, one-third are unemployed and discouraged, another third are vulnerably employed, and only one in six is in wage employment. These staggering numbers highlight an urgent need for scalable, sustainable solutions to equip young people with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive. These young people, typically aged 15-30 years, find themselves outside of the system, limiting their ability to secure sustainable livelihoods.
The issues faced by young people are multifaceted, driven by financial constraints, systemic inefficiencies, and socio-economic challenges. Whether graduated, recently dropped out, or never enrolled, many youth find themselves without the skills needed to access sustainable livelihoods. This trend results in high rates of unemployment, under employment and untapped talent, that undermine Africa’s long-term development goals, such as Vision 2030 and Agenda 2063.
To address these challenges, we launched a pilot apprenticeship program, the Skillsbridge Catalyst Initiative, successfully equipping 108 youth with market-relevant skills, connecting them with Master Craftspersons (MCPs), and creating tangible pathways to employment and self-sufficiency. Building on this success, we now seek to scale the program to reach double the number of youth (250), expanding our impact and further unlocking the potential of this underserved group.
The Skillsbridge Catalyst Initiative apprenticeship model presents a transformative opportunity, bridging the gap between education and employment. By addressing the economic and financial challenges faced by young people, this model fosters sustainable livelihoods, contributes to national growth, and ensures that no young person is left behind in Africa's journey toward industrialization and prosperity.