Central Johannesburg TVET College Partners with JOSHCO to Reduce Youth Unemployment

Central Johannesburg TVET College (CJC) has entered into a five-year partnership with the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO) to help address youth unemployment by expanding work-integrated learning opportunities for students.

The agreement is intended to help eligible students gain practical workplace experience while completing their occupational qualifications. Through this collaboration, students will have an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained through their studies in a professional working environment and develop skills that can improve their employability.

Follow WhatsApp Channel

According to an announcement published by the City of Johannesburg on 20 October 2026, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Central Johannesburg TVET College's head office in Parktown, Johannesburg.

The partnership is part of JOSHCO's commitment to skills development and youth empowerment following the Youth in Construction Summit.

Overview of the JOSHCO and CJC Partnership

• Educational institution: Central Johannesburg TVET College

• Partner organisation: Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO)

• Agreement: Five-year Memorandum of Understanding

• Main objective: Reduce youth unemployment through workplace learning opportunities

• Target group: Eligible students enrolled in relevant occupational programmes

• Opportunity: Work-integrated learning and practical workplace experience

• Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng

• Announcement date: 20 October 2026

What Is the Purpose of the Partnership?

The partnership aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by giving students practical experience in a workplace setting.

Many young people complete their studies but struggle to secure their first jobs because employers often require previous work experience. Through this agreement, CJC and JOSHCO intend to help eligible students gain exposure to real workplace responsibilities while completing the practical components of their qualifications.

The initiative is also intended to develop a pipeline of skilled, work-ready young people who can contribute to the economy and pursue sustainable careers.

JOSHCO's acting Chief Executive Officer, Katlego Ditshego, emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for young people to gain experience, develop their skills and realise their potential.

What Opportunities Will Students Receive?

Under the agreement, students enrolled in relevant occupational programmes will be placed within JOSHCO's operational environment to complete the practical components of their qualifications.

The opportunities are expected to include the following:

1. Work-Integrated Learning

Eligible students will have an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience related to their studies. This will help them understand how their theoretical knowledge applies to real workplace situations.

2. Workplace Induction

Students will receive workplace induction to help them understand the organisation's working environment, procedures and expectations.

3. Mentorship and Supervision

Participants will receive mentorship, supervision and professional guidance while completing their workplace learning activities.

4. Development of Industry-Relevant Skills

The partnership is designed to help students develop practical competencies, workplace discipline and professional skills that may improve their readiness for employment.

5. Support During Workplace Learning

Students will receive ongoing support as they complete the practical components of their qualifications.

The specific occupational programmes, number of placements and placement dates have not been announced in the published statement.

Responsibilities of Central Johannesburg TVET College

Central Johannesburg TVET College will play an important role in coordinating and preparing students for workplace learning.

Its responsibilities under the agreement include:

• Coordinating student placements.

• Preparing students for workplace learning.

• Monitoring students' progress during their placements.

• Supporting students as they complete the practical components of their qualifications.

• Working with JOSHCO to strengthen the link between education and employment.

CJC Chairperson Mokhobu Phasoane highlighted the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and employers in creating pathways from education to employment.

Responsibilities of JOSHCO

The Johannesburg Social Housing Company will provide the practical workplace environment in which eligible students can gain experience.

JOSHCO's responsibilities include:

• Providing practical training opportunities.

• Offering workplace induction.

• Providing mentorship and supervision.

• Giving students professional guidance.

• Supporting the development of workplace competencies.

The partnership reflects the organisation's commitment to youth development and its recognition that skills development can contribute to broader social and economic growth.

Who Can Benefit from the Partnership?

The initiative is intended for students enrolled in relevant occupational programmes at Central Johannesburg TVET College.

However, the announcement does not provide a complete list of qualifying programmes or confirm that applications for placements are currently open.

Students should therefore contact the college to establish whether their qualifications are covered by the agreement and whether placement opportunities are available.

Applicants should not assume that all CJC students will automatically qualify for workplace placement.

Does the Partnership Offer Learnerships or Stipends?

The announcement specifically refers to work-integrated learning opportunities, practical workplace experience, mentorship and supervision.

It does not confirm that the initiative is a learnership programme, nor does it specify whether students will receive a monthly stipend or other financial benefits.

Students should contact CJC for clarification about placement conditions, funding arrangements, transport support and any other applicable benefits.

How to Enquire About JOSHCO Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities

Students interested in benefiting from the partnership should contact Central Johannesburg TVET College through its official channels.

Step 1: Visit the college website:

https://cjc.edu.za/

Step 2: Contact the college to enquire about occupational programmes covered by the JOSHCO partnership.

Step 3: Ask whether work-integrated learning placements are available for your qualification and intake.

Step 4: Confirm the eligibility requirements, application process and any supporting documents required.

Step 5: Follow the instructions provided by the college and keep your contact details up to date.

Central Johannesburg TVET College Contact Details

• Website: https://cjc.edu.za/

• Telephone: 011 351 6000

• Email: info@cjc.edu.za

• Main office: 5 Ubla Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193.

Students can also visit the official JOSHCO website for information about the organisation and its programmes.

What Does This Mean for Youth Employment in South Africa?

The partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between TVET colleges and employers in addressing youth unemployment.

Vocational education provides students with occupational knowledge and technical skills, while workplace learning allows them to gain practical experience and become familiar with professional expectations.

By working together, educational institutions and organisations can help students develop the competencies needed in the workplace and improve the transition from studying to employment.

Although the partnership does not guarantee jobs for participants, it represents an effort to create more practical pathways for young people seeking their first employment opportunities.

Final Thoughts

The five-year partnership between Central Johannesburg TVET College and JOSHCO is intended to expand work-integrated learning opportunities and help eligible students prepare for the workplace.

Through practical training, mentorship, supervision and professional guidance, the initiative aims to help students complete their occupational qualifications and develop skills that can improve their employment prospects.

Students enrolled at CJC should contact the college to confirm which programmes qualify, when placements will become available and how to participate.

Official announcement: https://joburg.org.za/media_/Newsroom/Pages/2026-News-Articles/JOSHCO-and-TVET-college-partner-to-tackle-youth-unemployment.aspx

Central Johannesburg TVET College: https://cjc.edu.za/

Important: This announcement concerns a five-year partnership to expand work-integrated learning. It is not, by itself, an open recruitment advertisement. Confirm placement opportunities directly with the college before applying.