The award recognises Babcock as one of YES's earliest partners and acknowledges its sustained contribution to helping unemployed young people gain practical workplace experience and improve their employment prospects.

Presented at the Sustainability and ESG Africa Conference and YES ESG Awards 2026, held at the Sandton Convention Centre on 30 September, the award was accepted by Ashley Craft on behalf of Babcock from YES Chief Executive Officer Ravi Naidoo.

Nine years of creating opportunities

Babcock has participated in YES since its introduction in 2018, helping unemployed young people gain practical workplace experience, develop skills and improve their future employment prospects.

Now in its ninth year, the partnership has created 765 work experience opportunities, with more than R43.89 million injected into the South African economy through youth salaries.

The programme continues to grow, with Babcock supporting its largest cohort to date in 2026. This year's intake comprises 137 young people, compared with 120 in the previous programme.

Of the current participants, 97 are gaining experience within Babcock's operations, while the remaining 40 are placed with external host companies.

Developing skills through practical experience

Participants are placed in various roles across Babcock's business units throughout South Africa, gaining exposure to different working environments and developing skills that can support their future careers.

Hosting participants internally also allows Babcock to align its investment in youth development with business needs, while providing additional support across its operations.

Beyond providing workplace placements, Babcock focuses on making the 12-month experience meaningful. Participants work alongside experienced employees, receive practical training and guidance from their line managers and become part of the teams in which they are placed.

Supported by programme partner Afrika Tikkun Services, participants also complete workplace development modules designed to strengthen their employability.

“Our partnership with YES is about giving young people the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience and develop skills that will help them build their careers,” says Kereshma Naidoo, HR Director at Babcock Africa.

“By bringing more participants into our own operations, we can provide practical training, mentorship and exposure to the working world. Receiving this award is a welcome recognition of our longstanding commitment to youth development and the role business can play in creating opportunities for young South Africans.”

From work experience to career opportunities

The value of practical workplace experience is reflected in the achievements of young people who have used their YES placements to develop skills and build careers.

One example is Katleho Thianye, who participated in a Babcock-sponsored YES programme implemented through Afrika Tikkun Services.

During his placement as a Junior Systems Developer Intern, Katleho developed skills in website maintenance, front-end and back-end development and mobile application design.

Following his internship, he secured permanent employment as a full-time Systems Developer.

His experience illustrates how workplace exposure and practical skills development can help young people take the next step in their careers.

Opportunities for the next generation

For participants in the current programme, the opportunity to work within Babcock provides valuable exposure to the working world and a chance to develop their professional skills.

A partnership with lasting impact

Youth unemployment remains a significant challenge in South Africa, making collaboration between business and youth development organisations an important part of expanding access to workplace opportunities.

Since its establishment, YES has created more than 230,000 work experience opportunities nationally, demonstrating the scale of what can be achieved through sustained private-sector participation.

For Babcock, the Partnership Excellence Award recognises nine years of continued investment in helping young South Africans gain the experience, skills and confidence needed to pursue future employment opportunities.