MAKE UP YOUR MIND | The job experience trap: Should Companies Hire Young People Without Work Experience?

South Africa has millions of young people looking for work, but getting that first job can be difficult when employers often ask for previous work experience — even for entry-level positions. Almost six in ten unemployed young South Africans have no previous work experience, according to Statistics South Africa. This creates a frustrating cycle: you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience. Research by Youth Capital and JOBJACK has also highlighted the financial burden of looking for work, with transport alone costing many young jobseekers hundreds of rand each month. But employers also face risks when hiring inexperienced workers, particularly in industries where staff turnover is high.