Embracing Change: FutureMe's Journey in Youth Talent Development

In 2016, FutureMe embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between youth and the business world. Over the past seven years, we've grown, adapted, and evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of our youth and the dynamic South African landscape. Today, we want to share our journey, including recent accomplishments that demonstrate our commitment to youth talent development.

Our Journey So Far

FutureMe's journey began with in-school programs, where our team taught work readiness to Grade 9 students and brought guest speakers from various sectors to engage with learners. Our inaugural World of Work Career Festival at Christel House school was groundbreaking, as corporate CEOs interacted and learned from high school learners, creating a unique exchange of insights and perspectives.

From one school, we expanded our reach and broadened our scope, taking learners from multiple schools behind the scenes at factories, distribution centres, and head offices to inspire their career aspirations. We extended our programs to bursary candidates and new hires in organisations, furthering our commitment to youth talent development.

As the world changed, so did we. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led us to pivot to online, nationwide programs, ensuring that we continued to empower and inspire South Africa's youth.

Most recently, as the world has returned from COVID and schools, we shifted to a hybrid model for our programmes.? We cemented the national approach with SPAR as our anchor partner.

Meeting Changing Needs in South Africa

In response to trends such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the COVID-19 pandemic, and high youth unemployment rates, several key trends are shaping the youth talent development landscape in South Africa:

• A Focus on Digital Skills: Digital skills have become the currency of the 4IR. As the demand for digital skills grows across all sectors of the South African economy, government, businesses, and development organisations are investing in digital skills training programs tailored to the local context.
• Shift to Lifelong Learning: The evolving nature of work necessitates a shift from traditional education systems to lifelong learning models. These models empower young people to upskill and reskill as needed throughout their careers. FutureMe supports this transition by providing accessible, non-traditional learning opportunities.
• Importance of Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are increasingly vital in the workplace. Employers value these skills in addition to technical competencies, making them a cornerstone of FutureMe's programs.
• Rise of Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship is a driving force for economic growth and development in South Africa. Many young people are eager to start their own businesses, and entrepreneurship training and support programs are essential to nurture their ambitions.

Total Impact

Since the inception of FutureMe, we have engaged with over 19,000 learners, igniting their curiosity about the world of work and empowering them with knowledge and opportunities.

Recent Achievements in 2023

In 2023, FutureMe achieved significant milestones in our commitment to youth talent development:

• SPAR Go-Getter Programme: We kicked off the year with the SPAR Go-Getter Programme, a Career Roadshow that travelled across the country. This initiative reached over 2,900 learners and provided insights into career opportunities in retail. As a result, we witnessed a remarkable 69% increase in interest among all the learners we engaged in future working opportunities at SPAR.
• World of Work Festival: Our annual World of Work festival, held at Sun Exhibits, GrandWest on August 31, welcomed over 2,500 learners from 37 schools. This event showcased diverse industries and broadened the understanding of career possibilities.

Looking Forward

This past year has been a challenging one, not just for FutureMe but also for our clients.? We have therefore made the strategic decision to revisit our business model and approach to delivering our offerings.

As we move forward, FutureMe remains committed to adapting and evolving to meet the needs of young people entering the world of work. Our goal is to empower young people to contribute to economic growth and development while enabling them to realise their own potential.

We would like to thank all our partners who have contributed to the development of FutureMe over the years.? We would also like to celebrate the incredible work that the small but passionate team at FutureMe has achieved.??

We look forward to sharing our new dream with you in due course.? Together, we can create a brighter future for South Africa's youth.