The question is being asked every day and written about in newspapers.

I only hear questions but very, very few people give practical solutions to the plight of jobless youth.

Too many seem to be interested only in a university education. What the country needs is qualified plumbers, electricians, technicians, mechanics.

What South Africa needs is for the government to introduce a three- or four-year apprenticeship system. Encourage small and large companies to employ youngsters as apprentices and develop them into qualified artisans.

Engineers and other professionals with university degrees are ineffective if they are not supported by a team of well-trained people, which can be achieved only through proper apprenticeships, not a quick six-month course.

Let's get our school-leavers off the streets and turn them into bright artisans.

The great majority of the unemployed youth roaming about have some skills to offer.