YAP - Youth Apprenticeship Program

The Youth Apprenticeship Program wishes the Right Honourable Prime Minister a wonderful birthday filled with joy and continued blessings. May this new year bring you good health, wisdom, and success as you continue to serve the nation.

The Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP) is holding a Back-to-School event at Motsekuoa High School today, 12 March 2026, where it donated stationery, school uniforms, school bags, and sanitary towels to vulnerable students.
Speaking at the event, the YAP Director, Mr Lesala Maphathe, stated that it can be demotivating for less privileged students to attend school when they lack basic school necessities. He indicated that the program considered the challenges faced by such students, which is why it took part in the Back-to-School initiative.
Mr Maphathe also emphasized that the program aims to develop the skills of newly graduated youth by providing them with two years of practical experience in their respective professions.

On 19 June 2025 the Youth Apprenticeship Programme (YAP) successfully engaged 200 apprentices, placing them across various organisations, including key institutions within the government sector.

An official induction session was held at the Lesotho College of Education, where the YAP management provided a comprehensive introduction to the programme. The purpose of the initiative is to provide young graduates with practical experience in the fields they studied at school, thereby enhancing their employability and readiness for the job market.

The session aimed to familiarize both host companies and apprentices with the objectives, expectations, and operational framework of the Youth Apprenticeship Programme. It also served as a platform to strengthen collaboration between YAP, host institutions, and the apprentices.

The event was attended by representatives from host organisations and the apprentices, marking a significant milestone in bridging the gap between academic training and practical workplace experience.

Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP) and Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Offenders Association (CRROA) Launch Sign Language Training in Mohale’s Hoek Correctional Services - 30 April 2025

In a groundbreaking partnership aimed at fostering inclusivity and empowering communication within correctional facilities, the Youth Apprenticeship Program, in collaboration with the Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Offenders Association (CRROA), with National Association of the Deaf Lesotho has officially launched a Sign Language Training Initiative at the Mohale’s Hoek Correctional Services.

This pioneering initiative is designed to equip both correctional officers and inmates with essential sign language skills, promoting better communication, understanding, and rehabilitation support for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals within the correctional system.

Speaking at the launch, the Senior YAP Officer, Mrs Tlalane Ntili, emphasized the importance of inclusive practices in justice and rehabilitation. “This partnership reflects our dedication to creating environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access the tools they need to reintegrate into society with dignity,” she said.

The program aligns with national efforts to support offender rehabilitation and youth empowerment through skills development and innovative partnerships. The sign language training will be facilitated by certified trainers and is expected to expand to other correctional facilities in the future.

For more information: 22323411

Tlalane Ntili
Senior Youth Apprenticeship Program Officer
Office of the Prime Minister

The Youth Apprenticeship Program wishes to inform the public that registration is currently available at the following council offices:

Bokong Council

Butha-Buthe Urban Council

Holy-Cross Council

Likila Council

Maseru Urban Council

Mphokojoane Council

Qacha’s Nek Urban Council

Quthing Urban Council

Ratau Council

Tenesolo Council

Hlotse Urban Council

The Youth Apprenticeship Programme is principally aimed at empowering young individuals through skills development and professional exposure, contributing to national efforts towards youth employment and capacity enhancement. In partnership with the Renoka Programme—which advocates for integrated, sustainable land and water management in Lesotho—a capacity-building workshop was convened for youth participants currently engaged in Renoka initiatives.

As a result of this strategic collaboration, 33 young Basotho graduates—drawn from diverse academic disciplines including natural sciences, social sciences, agriculture, and education—were formally onboarded. These graduates are expected to contribute meaningfully to the implementation of Renoka’s interventions while simultaneously gaining practical experience, enhancing their employability, and strengthening community-based environmental stewardship. This partnership not only facilitates youth inclusion in climate resilience and environmental governance but also fosters knowledge transfer and intergenerational collaboration in addressing land degradation and water resource challenges in Lesotho.

EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME IN SKILL DEVELOPMENT OF UNEMPLOYED GRADUATES IN LESOTHO

1. Introduction The government of Lesotho established the Youth Apprenticeship Programme (YAP) in 2019 after conducting a survey on youth employment post-varsity completion. Initially supervised by the Ministry of Finance, YAP, popularly known as Lihalahala, is now managed under the Office of the Prime Minister. Youth unemployment has been a persistent challenge in Lesotho, and the introduction of skills development programs aimed at reducing unemployment and poverty has been a key governmental intervention. This study evaluates the effectiveness of YAP in skill development for unemployed graduates in Lesotho and assesses stakeholder involvement in the conceptualization, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the program.

2. Skill Development YAP aims to address the shortage of skills and reduce youth unemployment by providing practical, hands-on training. It combines theoretical learning, experiential learning/community service, and exit opportunities. Apprenticeship placements in various sectors offer young graduates an opportunity to gain experience in their respective fields. However, challenges such as skills mismatches and employment insecurities have been observed, which impact the overall success of the program.

3. Market Demand The program’s effectiveness depends on aligning skills provided with market demands. Evaluations were conducted at various institutions such as the DA’s office and Mountain View Hotel. At the DA’s office, apprentices specializing in Public Administration and Human Resource Management performed tasks aligned with their qualifications, gaining practical administrative experience. At Mountain View Hotel, apprentices in catering, housekeeping, and accounts found their skills relevant but underutilized, with some assigned to storage keeping instead of financial management. This highlights the need for better placement strategies to ensure skill application in appropriate roles.

4. Work Exposure Apprentices placed in different workplaces, such as hospitals and guest houses, gained valuable experience that enhances employability. For example, Ka Pitseng Guest House hosted a chef and a Tourism Management graduate, both benefiting from relevant industry exposure. However, some placements did not align with the apprentices’ qualifications, leading to concerns about employability. At Mabote Filter Clinic, an IT technician worked as a data clerk, gaining relevant skills, whereas an Electrical Installation graduate was placed in the ART department handling files and viral load registers. Addressing such mismatches would improve the program's impact.

5. Career Guidance The program aims to equip apprentices with practical knowledge and exposure that contribute to long-term career success. Some apprentices demonstrated strong performance, leading to potential job offers, while others faced barriers such as unfair treatment and lack of protective clothing. Career support services, including mentorship and proper job rotations, should be strengthened to enhance employability and career progression.

6. Entrepreneurial Skills Apart from job placements, YAP should foster entrepreneurial skills to encourage self-employment among graduates. Youth cooperatives and small business funding remain a challenge, limiting opportunities for graduates to establish their own ventures. A structured entrepreneurship training module within YAP would enable apprentices to develop business acumen, financial management, and innovation skills essential for self-sufficiency.

7. Economic Growth Youth employment plays a crucial role in economic development. The YAP initiative contributes to human capital development, leading to improved productivity and economic participation. Reducing unemployment rates enhances consumer confidence and investor sentiment. However, delays in stipends and funding issues hinder the program's full potential. Addressing these financial constraints and enhancing skill alignment with economic needs would maximize YAP's contribution to national economic growth.

Challenges and Recommendations Challenges faced by apprentices include:

• Skills mismatch in placements, causing insecurity about future employment.
• Extreme absenteeism due to delayed stipends.
• Lack of protective clothing, especially in health-related fields.
• Unfair treatment from other departments.
• Supervisors refusing to sign timesheets after rotations.
To improve YAP’s effectiveness, the following measures are recommended:
• Better alignment between apprentices' qualifications and placements.
• Strengthening entrepreneurial skill development to promote self-employment.
• Ensuring timely stipend payments to prevent absenteeism.
• Implementing mentorship programs to provide career guidance.
• Enhancing job rotation strategies to maximize skill acquisition.
Conclusion The Youth Apprenticeship Programme is a crucial initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment and fostering skills development. While it has provided opportunities for many young graduates, challenges such as mismatches in job placements and funding issues need to be addressed. By refining placement strategies, enhancing entrepreneurial training, and ensuring financial stability, YAP can significantly contribute to skill development, economic growth, and sustainable employment in Lesotho.

Report By:
Ms Tlalane Ntili
Youth Apprenticeship Programme

REPORT ON THE BACK TO SCHOOL INTIATIVE

Date: 06 February 2025
Venue: Maseru Day High School
Organised by: Youth Apprenticeship Program (OPM)

1. Introduction
The back to school initiative, held at Maseru day high school was a resounding success. Sponsored by many hosts, the event aimed to support underprivileged student by providing essentials school supplies ensuring they start the academic year with the necessary resources for learning.
2. Objectives of the initiative
To equip students with stationary and school utensils.
To ease the financial burden on parent and guardians.
To motivate student by fostering a conducive learning environment.
3. Event highlights
The event was well attended by students, invited motivational speakers, teachers and representatives from the youth apprenticeship program. Key activities included:
Distribution of supplies: over 40 students received hardcover books, pencils, pens, rulers, erasers and other school materials.
Speeches and Encouragements: representatives from many hosts and youth apprenticeship programme delivered motivational speeches, emphasizing the importance of education and community support
Student engagement: some students expressed their gratitude through short speeches and performance
4. Impact and feedback
The initiative had a significant impact as expressed by school authorities:
Principal appreciated the support noting that well-equipped students are more focused in class.
Students were excited and motivated to begin the school year with confidence
5. Conclusion
The back to school initiative was a success, thanks to the generous support of many host. The event not only provided much-needed materials but also reinforced the spirit of community and education. Moving forward, we hope to expand the initiative to reach more schools and students in need.
6. Recommendations
Continue engaging sponsors to expand the initiative.
plan early to increase outreach and improve logistics
explore traditional ways to support students, such as mentorship programs.
This initiative was a testament to the power of collaboration in empowering young learners. We look forward to making an even greater impact in the future.

Prepared by:
Tlalane Ntili
Senior Youth Apprenticeship Programme officer

At YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM, we're dedicated to empowering young people every step of the way. Last week, we had the privilege of hosting a Back To School Program at Maseru Day High School, where we donated essential stationery and gifts to support students' educational journeys. With the invaluable support of Lesotho PostBank Maseru City Council - Motse Moholo Maseru College of Paramedics & Fire Engineering - CPFE Lesotho College Of Education Pasa Productions, we continue to strengthen our mission of offering opportunities and resources to empower the youth. We remain committed to providing young people with the tools they need to thrive in both their studies and future careers.

Together, we’re creating pathways for growth, success, and a brighter tomorrow.

Hello and welcome to our page!

This program is a division of the Office of Prime Minister of Lesotho, established in 2019 with the mission of providing the youth with valuable experience and combating poverty. It supports both graduates and non-graduates.

We’re thrilled to connect with individuals who share our vision of addressing youth unemployment. Let’s create a community that inspires, supports, and empowers one another!