MEDIA ARTICLE

Date: 14 June 2024
To: All media
Embargo: For Immediate Release

CBE LAUNCHES AN INITIATIVE TACKLING YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS GAP IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT SECTOR

Statistics South Africa reported a 45.5% unemployment rate amongst 15–34-year-olds for Quarter 1 of 2024, surpassing our national average of 32.9%. The pressure of inequality, poverty and the skills shortage in the Built Environment sector are exacerbating this problem.

In 2023, the CBE conducted a research study on factors hampering the registration of candidates in the Built Environment professions. The aim was to put forth measures to boost the number of professionally registered persons.

Over 500 unemployed graduates, primarily aged 20-29 participated in this study. It was discovered that factors such as complex registration processes, steep fees, lack of work exposure, and limited mentorship are hindering the path towards professional registration.

So, what did we do? The CBE launched the Built Environment National Logbook (BENL) on 8th March 2024. The BENL is a comprehensive database that not only tracks students, graduates, professionals and artisans but also provides academic support, historic debt payment assistance, work skills training, entrepreneurial awareness, and other opportunities.

Recognising the need to foster youth engagements, we also introduced the Youth programme, with the CBE CEO initiating conversations with youth to address challenges and develop innovative solutions within the sector.

To celebrate Youth Month, there will be a stimulating roundtable discussion on 21st June 2024, at Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria-West Campus. This will mark the Launch of the Council for the Built Environment Youth Assembly.

This programme aims to immerse the youth in sustainable practices, technological advancements, and emerging design approaches within the sector. They will be networked with other students and young professionals, empowered about career pathways, and encouraged to actively participate in the established Youth Assembly.

The journey towards economic empowerment and skills development may be long, but with measures such as these, we believe in creating a brighter future for South Africa’s youth in the Built Environment sector. We stand together, and together, we move forward!

#CBE #BuiltEnvironment #YouthUnemployment #SkillsShortage #SouthAfrica #YouthMonth

ENDS

About the CBE:

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) is a Schedule 3A Public Entity that reports to the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. It is a regulatory body established under the Council for the Built Environment Act 43 of 2000 (the CBE Act) that coordinates the following six Councils for the Built Environment Professions – Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Property Valuers, Project and Construction Management, and Quantity Surveying – and through memoranda of understanding these include Town and Regional Planning, Land Surveying, and Environmental Assessment.

The CBE was established for the purpose of instilling good conduct within the Built Environment Professions, mobilising transformation in the Built Environment Professions, protecting the interest of the public in the Built Environment and advising the South African Government on Built Environment related issues. For more information visit: www.cbe.org.za

Issued by:
Dr Msizi Myeza
Chief Executive Officer
Council for the Built Environment
Tel: 012 346 3985
www.cbe.org.za

Enquiries:
Ms Nosizwe Mokoena
Strategic Support and Engagement Specialist
Mobile : 078 415 9211
Email : nosizwe@cbe.org.za

Ms Sinah Ndala
Communications Associate
Mobile : 078 423 1942
Email : sinah@cbe.org.za