Program design and youth employability outcomes in South Africa: A longitudinal study

This study examines the association between program design and youth employability outcomes. Using longitudinal survey data from the Siyakha Youth Assets project in South Africa, we analyzed responses from a sample of 1809 youth enrolled in eight different employment programs across the country. Data were collected at four time points over 36 months using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Analyses were conducted on multiply imputed data sets using multilevel mixed-effects regression models, with repeated observations at Level 1 and program design features at Level 2. Results indicate variation in the association between program design features and outcomes. Youth in programs with moderate soft skills training, substantial work experience, and structured job matching reported significantly higher employability attributes, job readiness, and job interviewing skills, and were more likely to apply for jobs than those in programs with minimal soft skills, no work experience component, and unstructured or ad hoc matching. Program duration and technical skills training were not significantly associated with outcomes. The stipend provision showed a significant negative association with career self-management, while all other associations were non-significant. These findings underscore that the design and delivery of youth employment programs, particularly those integrating soft skills, work experience, and labor market matching, are linked to improved outcomes. In contrast, the standalone use of stipends, extended duration, or technical training shows limited effects over time. Results highlight the importance of integrated program design, particularly the inclusion of soft skills, experiential learning, and labor market linkages, in improving youth employment outcomes in South Africa.