youth@WORK

🎉 We’re thrilled to announce that youth@WORK has won the Industry Specific Risk Initiative Award in the Youth and Education category! 🏆 A huge thank you to the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) for this incredible honor! Your support and recognition inspire us to continue our mission of reducing long-term unemployment and economic inactivity among young people. Thank you to everyone who has supported our mission! Together, we’re making a difference! 🙌 #IRMSAAwards24 #RiskManagement #RiskExcellence #YouthEmpowerment #SimplyTheBest #AwardWinning #GallagherConventionCentre

Twelve months ago, I embarked on an incredible journey at Sage as a Sage Pastel Accounting Technical Support Analyst Intern, a role I was fortunate to secure through the agency youth@WORK. I want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a remarkable organization. From the beginning, this role challenged me to grow both personally and professionally. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of supporting clients, solving complex issues, and gaining invaluable insights into technical support and accounting systems. This experience has not only expanded my technical skills but also taught me the importance of collaboration, patience, and customer service excellence. I’ve acquired so many skills that I will carry forward, and I deeply appreciate the supportive environment at Sage. One of the highlights of my time here was the chance to participate in volunteering activities, which allowed me to give back to the community—a cause that is close to my heart. I am incredibly grateful to Sage for fostering such opportunities to make a difference. I also had the opportunity to cultivate my entrepreneurial spirit by engaging in small business ventures, including selling Sweets, Avon, and Perfumes. These experiences not only enhanced my business acumen but also taught me valuable lessons in customer engagement, time management, and strategic thinking. Sage’s support for entrepreneurial growth, such as hosting a market day for employees to showcase their businesses, further inspired me to pursue and refine these endeavors. Most importantly, I deeply appreciate the collaborative spirit of my team. I didn’t just have colleagues—I found a family in them. The camaraderie, mutual support, and encouragement I experienced have been truly heartwarming and have left a lasting impact on me. As my contract comes to an end, I reflect on this chapter with immense pride and gratitude. Sage has played a pivotal role in shaping my career aspirations and empowering my personal growth.I will always cherish the lessons learned, the memories made, and the relationships built. Looking ahead, I am excited about what the future holds, knowing I now carry with me a wealth of skills, experiences, and a renewed sense of purpose. The journey doesn't end here, and I'm eager to take all that I've gained and apply it in new and exciting ways. #sage #corporatehun #lifeatsage

Exciting News! 🎉 We are beyond thrilled to announce the remarkable achievement of 5 of our exceptional Alumni, now proudly working with Investec as Service Representatives at the prestigious Investec InTransit Kiosk at OR Tambo Airport! 🛫✨ These talented individuals, who were part of the YES 12-month programme, have shown resilience, dedication, and brilliance throughout their journey. After a rigorous process of pre-screening and in-person interviews, they emerged as top contenders and officially began their roles on 6 January 2025. 👏 Their journey stands as a powerful testament to what’s possible through hard work, preparation, and the right opportunities. 💪 We have no doubt they’ll excel and inspire others to dream big and achieve even bigger and represent the Investec brand with pride and professionalism! 🌟 Here’s to their continued success – soaring to new heights and making an impact! 🚀 #YESAlumni #InvestecInTransit #EmpoweredYouth #ClientServiceExcellence #SuccessStories #OpportunitiesUnfold

🎉 Kicking off 2025 with gratitude and big ambitions! 🌟 In 2024, youth@WORK achieved incredible milestones, from winning prestigious awards to empowering thousands of youth through impactful roles and innovative programs. This year, we aim even higher! 🚀 Together, let’s make 2025 a year of transformation and empowerment! 💼💡   #YouthEmployment #YouthEmpowerment #YouthDevelopment #CollaborationForImpact #YES4Youth #GreenEconomy #ICT #Automotive #TourismAndHospitality #Transformation2025

Ready to grow your business? The Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme, a dynamic collaboration between YES and Seeds of Africa, is here to help YES Alumni take their businesses to new heights! This transformative programme offers 26 credits towards a New Venture Creation qualification, personal development training, seed capital, coaching, mentorship, and access to a digital business helpline. Applications are now open to all YES Youth Alumni! Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable resources, insights, and support to accelerate your entrepreneurial journey. Apply now – applications close 22 January 2025: https://bit.ly/3VBBA2y #YouthEntrepreneurship #GrowYourBuisness #SME #Entrepeneurs #SA

🌟 Success Story Highlight: From Aspiring Teacher to Thriving Farmer 🌟 In 2021, Camilla Ndhlovu embarked on a journey with the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) at their local school. However, destiny had other plans, and within a month, She transitioned into the DBE E-Cubed Program, funded by Telkom SA as part of the YES initiative. This pivotal opportunity unlocked a passion for entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. The E-Cubed experience became the foundation for a bigger dream: owning a farm. Balancing studies at UNISA to become a teacher (a path encouraged by their mom for stability), She decided to dedicate herself fully to agriculture. In 2024, after years of challenges, her dream is now a reality! With support from the Land Bank, Department of Agriculture, and other partners, Camilla acquired a 29.9-hectare farm in Limpopo, now proudly known as Oak Farm. 🌾 Achievements: • Produces 40,000 broilers per cycle, scaling to 140,000 in 2025 through a partnership with Bush Valley Chickens. • Cultivates mangoes and vegetables, with plans to expand into mixed farming. But Camilla didn’t stop there. She is using Oak Farm to empower the next generation. Recognizing the barriers young people face in agriculture, they’ve created placements and training opportunities to bridge the gap between education and hands-on experience. 💡 "Through YES and E-Cubed, She learned lessons that helped her turn her vision into a reality. Now, she’s committed to paying it forward by equipping youth with the skills they need to thrive in agriculture and agribusiness." This story showcases the power of bold decisions, perseverance, and the transformative impact of initiatives like YES. 🚀 #YouthEmpowerment #Agribusiness #YESProgramSuccess #FromDreamToReality

#PizzahutSA hosted an EmpowerHER session for some ladies currently participating in the LeadHERship programme. Thank you, The Coca-Cola Company, for supplying each of our special ladies with a goodie bag! #youth@work #YES #YCC #clicklearning #pizzahutTAG Pizza Hut #leadHERship #boostayoungwomanscareer

🎉 Final Think Tank Thursday of 2024: Plan for an Impactful 2025! 🎉 Join us for the last Think Tank Thursday of the year, featuring the dynamic Zandile Ntlokwana, as we reflect on 2024’s milestones and chart a course for success in 2025. Event Details: 📅 Date: Thursday, 5 December 2024 🕒 Time: 14H00 – 15H00 📍 Location: Online via Zoom Join Zoom Meeting https://lnkd.in/d3TtjJ_M Meeting ID: 910 8974 3525 Passcode: 087977 💡 Topic: "Reviewing 2024 and Planning for 2025" About Our Speaker: Zandile Ntlokwana is the Founder of the Headstrong Foundation, Operations Manager at the South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners, and a celebrated Youth and Women Activist, Managing Director of Asakhe Zibula Holdings. Let’s wrap up the year with purpose and step boldly into 2025! #ThinkTankThursday #2024Reflections #2025Planning #Leadership #Empowerment

From unemployed to middle management. #YESTop35Under35 Alumnus Ebernezer Chauke’s journey shows the true impact of resilience and opportunity. Despite facing unemployment, he never stopped believing in his potential. Through the YES programme, with support from SAS Institute, Ebernezer joined youthWORK, where he excelled in CRM management and coordinated YES Youth placements nationwide. Today, he’s a proud Data Quality Officer, a role that showcases his dedication to learning and growing. His journey didn't just unlock his potential but ignited his path to success🙌🏾. Read more about the #Top35Under35 youth here: https://bit.ly/4gyTbRI #SayYES. Join the future of change. Here’s how: https://bit.ly/3WUJWSs. Daily Maverick, SAS. #Business #YESAlumni #TopAchievers #FutureOfChange #DataQualityOfficer

Fuelling community-driven change. #YESTop35Under35 Alumni, Fikile Mbambo, began her YES journey as a facilitator at Youth@Work, with the programme sponsored by CoCre8 Technology Solutions (Pty) Ltd (holding company, FS Infrastructure). Driven by her passion to give back, she now serves as Head of Programmes at the Imbeleko Foundation. Equipped with training in financial literacy, communication, and professional conduct, Fikile has grown into a remarkable leader and mentor. She oversees foundation programmes, collaborates with stakeholders, and guides YES Youth on their own growth journeys. Her story proves what opportunity and dedication can achieve. Read more about the #Top35Under35 youth here: https://bit.ly/4gyTbRI. #SayYES. Join the future of change. Here’s how: https://bit.ly/3YExgAr. #Business #YESAlumni #TopAchievers #FutureOfChange