6. What does this all mean from the perspective of a young person?

A young person will have a number of increasingly clear options when contemplating entry into the labour market once South Africa's policies are fully implemented:

(a) Improved information and guidance about the labour market when making career choices - both from the learning institution as well as the employment services local office. SETAs will play an important part in preparing up-to-date information on trends.

(b) Placement in a formal-sector job, if one is available and the young person is qualified.

(c) Return to full-time learning with a view to acquiring occupational skills that appear to be needed.

(d) Entry to a learnership - with structured learning and work experience in an occupational area - with work experience facilitated by a SETA or college.

(e) Placement on a job creation scheme if the young person needs to be 'oriented to the labour market'. Youth brigades and Youth Service Schemes are envisaged.

(f) Preparation to commence their own business, either alone or in partnership with others, with support available from various agencies.

(g) Work experience, linked to probation periods and life skills could fill the gap between youth brigades and learnerships.

(h) Young people already in work, either in the formal sector or in self-employment, should be able to access upgrading opportunities. Employment equity legislation should assist those who have previously suffered from discrimination.

(i) Support for those with substance abuse problems, victims from sexual abuse or violence and psychological problems will require special support.

Improved government co-ordination will be needed at the local level to make these choices real for young people across a broad scale. A commitment in this regard has been secured already and collaborative work has begun. The National Youth Commission is making an important contribution to this work.