Donné Nieman, Sales Director at Workforce Staffing Solutions
For many young South Africans, finishing matric does not come with a clear next step. University and other tertiary study options are sorely limited, funding is often a barrier, and jobs are tough to secure, as even entry-level roles usually require some form of experience. This uncertainty can leave school leavers feeling discouraged, especially when they are motivated to work but unsure where to turn. As a result, many school leavers find themselves ready to work but unsure how to get a foot in the door.
Temporary Employment Services (TES) provide a practical way for matriculants to enter the job market and begin gaining experience. While it is not a guarantee of permanent employment, it offers a structured starting point for young people who want to earn an income and begin building a history of work experience. For many, it is one of the few accessible options that allows them to start working while still figuring out longer-term plans.
Why finding a first job is so difficult
One of the biggest challenges facing matriculants is the expectation of experience. Employers want to hire people who understand basic workplace expectations, but those expectations are usually learnt through work itself. Such an expectation creates a barrier for young people who have not yet had the opportunity to work. The result is a cycle where young people struggle to gain experience because they do not yet have it.
Many young people also leave school with limited insight into how different workplaces operate. Skills such as timekeeping, professional communication and adapting to a work environment are rarely taught in classrooms. Without a chance to learn these skills on the job, breaking into formal employment can be difficult.
How TES creates a way into the job market
TES can help to address this gap by offering a single point of access to work opportunities across multiple employers and industries. Instead of applying to many companies individually, matriculants can register with a TES provider that places them where support is needed. These placements are typically entry-level, making them suitable for people who are starting out. For many school leavers, this first placement provides their initial exposure to formal employment, helping them understand what is expected in a working environment while beginning to build a record of experience.
Working through a TES allows young people to learn by doing. Practical skills are developed on the job through daily tasks, supervision and workplace interaction. This may include industry-specific duties as well as broader skills such as teamwork, communication and responsibility. These experiences help young people gain confidence and feel more comfortable in professional settings.
Building momentum over time
In most cases, client companies provide induction training or on-the-job guidance when workers are placed. Exposure to different clients over time can also help young people gain a wider understanding of different roles and industries, allowing them to identify where their strengths and interests lie. TES provides more than just a first job.
By gaining experience and demonstrating reliability, young people can improve their employability and access further opportunities. This may include longer-term placements, permanent roles with client companies, or improved prospects elsewhere in the job market. Because TES providers work with multiple clients, workers may move between placements rather than facing long periods without work. This continuity helps young people remain active in the workforce while continuing to build experience.
More than an income
Earning an income, even at entry-level, plays an important role in building independence. For many young people, this is what allows them to contribute at home, gain confidence and begin planning for their future. Just as importantly, working helps build a sense of purpose and belonging in the economy. It is also vital to help young people see themselves as part of the workforce, rather than on the margins of it.
For matriculants who are unsure of their next step or unable to continue studying, choosing to go the TES route offers a realistic and practical pathway into the workforce. While it does not remove every challenge, it provides young people with an opportunity to start working as quickly as possible, gain experience and move forward in a competitive job market.
ENDS
