Alderman James Vos, the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, launched the City-funded Youth Skills and Employment Incubator. This training programme offers a career path to Capetonians in the thriving business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, which is largely made up of call centres.
The project will equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to secure entry-level roles in contact centres and other BPO functions. The Youth Skills and Employment Incubator is funded by the City of Cape Town and the Department of Labour and administered by CapeBPO, the City’s industry partner.
‘BPO has, over the past decade, become one of Cape Town’s consistently strongest industries. In 2015, 45 400 people were employed in the sector in the province, the majority of whom were based in Cape Town. Now, close to 100 000 people work in the industry in the city, serving domestic and international clients. Further, estimates for 2015 indicated that BPO contributed around R10,9 billion to the provincial economy. By mid-2024 this had grown to R21 billion in Cape Town alone,’ said Alderman Vos.
The programme will comprise work readiness training with an opportunity for placement into a job thereafter.
‘This initiative is about more than just jobs; it’s about creating sustainable career paths for young people in Cape Town. The BPO sector continues to be a major contributor to employment and economic growth, and through this programme we are ensuring that more individuals have the opportunity to participate in this success story. Our goal is to equip learners with the right skills, connect them with employers and ultimately, transform lives through meaningful employment,’ said Clayton Williams, the CEO of CapeBPO.
‘Through the City’s partnership with CapeBPO, we have strengthened Cape Town’s reputation as an ideal destination for companies in this industry to invest and grow. Not only have we demonstrated that Capetonians have the talent, but we have the mechanisms to nurture and support that talent. I encourage young people who are not only looking for a job but thinking long-term about their careers, to sign up for this exciting opportunity,’ said Alderman Vos.
For more information, contact CapeBPO via email at bpo@futur-ed.co.za or call/WhatsApp 079 050 4280.
