Our Programmes

South Africa’s youth face significant challenges, including high unemployment rates and educational disparities, which severely limit their ability to access meaningful opportunities after completing school. This struggle to bridge the gap between education and employment is especially acute for young people from historically disadvantaged communities.

Our three interrelated Programmes are specifically designed to address these challenges and empower youth to build successful futures.

Vocational Pathways

The Vocational Pathways Programme combines accredited and industry-recognised qualifications with robust personal development, which is rooted in emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. This ensures that participants are not only job-ready but also prepared to excel in life and drive positive change in their households and communities.

Currently, our course offerings are focused on the wine and tourism industries, as outlined below:

Wine Practitioner

Participants in the Wine Practitioner Course gain essential knowledge in wine production, viticulture, oenology, wine tasting, and the wine industry as a whole. This technical foundation is augmented by hands-on work placements within the industry, providing practical experience that enhances their learning.

Tourism Practitioner

Participants in the Tourism Practitioner Course receive a thorough education in tourism management, covering key areas such as destination marketing, sustainable tourism development, and operations management. This technical foundation is also reinforced by practical work placements, allowing participants to apply their learning in real-world settings.

PYDA’s Unique Approach: Personal Development

What truly sets any PYDA course offering apart is the unique approach that emphasises personal development. This component constitutes around 60% of the curriculum and is rooted in emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. This ensures that, alongside industry-specific knowledge, participants develop essential skills and attributes to excel not just professionally, but in all aspects of life.

Alumni Connected Programme

The Alumni Connected Programme is more than just a network; it’s a community of PYDA graduates who continue to grow and support each other long after their initial training. This programme offers ongoing career development opportunities, mentorship, and networking events. By staying connected, alumni can advance in their careers, improve their living conditions, and remain active contributors to their communities. PYDA remains a partner in their success, offering resources and guidance every step of the way.

Research & Innovation Programme

At PYDA, we believe in the power of learning and innovation. Our Research & Innovation Programme is dedicated to enhancing our educational model through ongoing documentation, evaluation, and knowledge sharing. We conduct research that informs our practice, ensuring our programmes remain effective and relevant. Additionally, we contribute to the broader field of youth development by sharing our insights and innovations, positioning PYDA as a thought leader in the sector.