KYOCERA Document Solutions
Young people in South Africa represent far more than a population group – they are central to the country’s future. Yet, for many, especially those in poverty-stricken areas, the path into stable employment remains out of reach. According to Statistics South Africa, the official unemployment rate for youth aged 15 to 34 reached 46.1% in 2025, up from 36.9% a decade earlier.
Given these realities, investing in youth development is crucial and programmes that offer technical training and clear pathways into work make a meaningful difference. That is the space where Kyocera Document Solutions South Africa (KDZA) has chosen to focus its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, using training in xerography to help young people access employment.
How the partnership began
Since 2006, KDZA has partnered with Potters House, a Soweto-based vocational non-profit training centre, to provide practical training in the servicing of office equipment.
The partnership emerged from a clear intention: to support CSR initiatives that create tangible opportunities in communities with limited access to skills development.
Our decision to partner with The Potters House was driven by our commitment to making a meaningful difference in underserved communities. Through our training in xerography, we aim to empower learners with practical, valuable skills they can apply in the workplace.”
Sharon Peche, Marketing Communications Manager, Kyocera Document Solutions South Africa
Location was also a deliberate choice. Potters House operates in Soweto, close to KDZA’s regional head office, making it easier for the company to stay actively involved, visit the training centre and provide ongoing guidance.
Student intake, technical skills development and gender inclusion
Annual intake is shaped by local demand, with groups typically ranging from around 15 to 30 learners. Historically, the programme has been male-dominated. A turning point came in 2017, when the first female student completed the training in xerography, opening the door for more women to enter a traditionally male field.
All students are assessed by an on-site trainer, who evaluates both theoretical understanding and practical competency. This ensures that graduates are not only familiar with the basic servicing of office equipment but can also apply it confidently in the workplace.
Selecting and supporting young people through community engagement
Selection is handled by Potters House, using a holistic lens. Beyond basic eligibility, the centre looks at each applicant’s ability to complete the programme, their genuine interest in the field and their long-term aspirations.
Community engagement is central here. Potential learners are often identified through orphanages and other support programmes, especially where young people may not otherwise have access to skills training.
How the xerography training prepares youth for employment
Effective training in xerography depends on up-to-date equipment and content. KDZA’s role is to ensure that both stay current.
KDZA’s in-house trainer works closely with the Potters House trainer, reviewing course content and aligning it with industry standards. Together, they update materials so that learners are exposed to the technologies they are most likely to encounter in the field.
On the equipment side, KDZA supplies printers, devices and consumables that form the backbone of the practical modules. During training, learners disassemble and reassemble these devices, giving trainers clear insight into their understanding and progress.
Work-integrated learning is an essential part of the assessment model. Learners have the opportunity to job shadow professionals, applying what they have learned in real workplaces. This practical exposure, combined with classroom activities, builds confidence and bridges the gap between training and employment.
Kyocera Europe’s CSR Initiatives
Guided by Kyocera’s founding philosophy, our CSR approach is rooted in integrity, innovation, and responsibility. Across Europe, teams are supporting initiatives such as habitat preservation and carbon offsetting, endangered species protection, and urban biodiversity projects.
Creating long-term employment impact beyond the classroom
What began as a local CSR initiative has grown into a sustained community engagement effort, supporting more than 400 trainees over nearly two decades.
Students are encouraged to apply for internships and jobs with Kyocera partners and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to get their foot in the door. Several alumni have gone on to establish careers in the office automation industry, some progressing into managerial roles. Others have moved into related areas, such as IT distribution.
The programme’s impact is best seen in the experiences of its graduates. Alumni like Katlego Ramotshabi describe the training as life-changing, emphasising the importance of learning, skill-building, and seizing opportunities:
“Being a part of the programme has opened opportunities for employment that were not available before. I’ve also learned a lot about the copier industry, as well as developed skills like discipline, time management and paying attention to detail.”
Strengthening the partnership for the future
Many graduates remain active in community initiatives, giving Potters House and KDZA opportunities to reconnect and understand how the programme has shaped their lives.
For now, the focus is on strengthening and enhancing the existing structure rather than rapid expansion.
Looking ahead, the team plans to introduce additional key performance indicators, including problem-solving abilities and workplace performance, to build a more complete picture of the programme’s long-term impact.
Making a difference where it matters
Effective CSR begins with understanding what local communities need, and the partnership between KDZA and Potters House shows what can happen when that understanding aligns with the right cause. By grounding the programme in local realities, the training has remained relevant and responsive to the young people it aims to support.
If you’re exploring how to shape or strengthen your own CSR initiatives, our team can help you consider an approach that fits your goals and the communities you aim to support.
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