RS South Africa, a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1) and a leading provider of industrial product and service solutions reaffirms its commitment to empowering young people with the technical and digital skills essential for shaping the industries of tomorrow as World Youth Skills Day 2025 is celebrated on 15 July. With this year’s global theme, ‘Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills’, RS South Africa is proud to showcase the work it is doing to build a future-ready generation.
According to Wesley Hood, Education and Social Impact Specialist, the country’s industrial and electronics components sector is facing critical skills shortages, particularly in hands-on technical experience. “A lot of young people know the theory but have not had the chance to actually work with real tools or systems,” says Hood. “When we do not have skilled people, it holds everything back, from productivity to innovation and economic growth.”
Emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, IoT, and 3D printing are rapidly reshaping the industrial landscape, driving a growing demand for digital fluency and practical engineering skills. RS South Africa is responding by investing in youth-focused education programmes, technical training initiatives, and strategic academic partnerships.
Key initiatives include the RS Student Project Fund to support students with funding and technical guidance to bring engineering projects to life. In 2025, a record 69 applications were received, with 13 exceptional projects selected in fields such as automation, sustainability, and robotics.
The Future Mobility Lab at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) is a world-class facility launched with RS support, enabling students to explore cutting-edge technologies in transport and mobility.
Super Skills Workshops focus on developing both technical and soft skills, including communication, personal branding, leadership, and problem-solving, crucial for success in the modern workplace. In terms of campus roadshows and equipment donations, RS engages with institutions across South Africa, hosting events, donating laboratory equipment, and offering mentorship that bridges the gap between education and industry.
“We work closely with lecturers, curriculum designers, and education teams to make sure students gain job-ready skills. It is not just about knowing the theory, it is about being able to apply it in the real world,” says Hood.
RS South Africa also promotes youth engagement through platforms like RS DesignSpark, giving students free access to digital design software and engineering resources. These tools, alongside automation kits and coding platforms, help young innovators move from passive learning to active creation.
Beyond technical ability, RS South Africa recognises the importance of resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. “Tech skills are crucial, but attitude is everything. The ability to collaborate, solve problems, and communicate effectively is what helps young people thrive,” adds Hood.
His message to South African youth on this important day is simple: “Keep pushing. You do not have to know it all, just be willing to learn. The world needs young people who are ready to build, create, and lead. You have got this.”
RS South Africa encourages students and aspiring engineers to connect, collaborate, and innovate. With the right support and access to opportunity, the next generation has the power to transform industries and drive South Africa forward.
To learn more about how RS champions education and innovation, visit their website and follow RS South Africa on LinkedIn for updates and success stories that highlight our impact.
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About RS
RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably.
We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations.
We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference.
Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit.
RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.
PR Contact Person – RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
+27 11 691 9366
Media Contact Person – NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
Senior Account Executive
+27 11 867 7763
Further information is available via these links:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSOnlineSA
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rs-south-africa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rssouthafrica
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Beyond technical ability, RS South Africa recognises resilience, adaptability, and teamwork.
RS South Africa is investing in youth education, technical training, and academic partnerships.
Wesley Hood, Education and Social Impact Specialist, RS South Africa - RS South Africa champions youth empowerment through skills and innovation on World Youth Skills Day 2025_approved
RS South Africa champions youth empowerment through skills and innovation on World Youth Skills Day 2025_approved
