From Job Seeker to Leader - Concentrix South Africa marks Youth Day with real impact

With over 62% of South African youth unemployed, Concentrix Corporation (NASDAQ: CNXC), a global leader in technology and services, is expanding its impact hiring and skills development initiatives to address this critical issue and to fuel real change.

Through its 12-month Skills Accelerator Programme, the company aims to work with at least 300 unemployed young people with an end goal of offering permanent employment no less than 85% of the participants, with over 100 already placed. Providing work readiness training and upskilling, the programme exemplifies Concentrix’ commitment to inclusive hiring practices by connecting talented young individuals with employment opportunities.

For Concentrix Advisor, Lisa August, the programme has been transformative: “One of the major benefits I gained from impact sourcing was an opportunity to gain industry experience. Coming from an impoverished area, it has provided me with financial stability, allowed me to earn an income, and has offered valuable job training. The training I received hasn’t just helped me in the workplace, it has made a difference in my daily life. The skills I learned have become part of how I handle personal and professional challenges and because of the positive experience I had, I’ve recommended impact sourcing opportunities to others in my community. I believe these roles are worth pursuing, and I now encourage others to apply when they become available. I’m so thankful for everything the programme has done for me.”

Deputy Team Leader, Yandisa Novokoza, added: “Thanks to this programme I have a stable, reliable income which has helped me support my family, improve living standards, and reduce financial stress. When I told my community how I started my job and how fast I grew, it inspired many of them. Whilst on-boarding for an impact sourcing programme might be different from a traditional recruitment process, I loved everything about it. There’s a focus on equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. This involves training sessions on technical and soft skills like communication and problem-solving, as well as an introduction to company culture. It offered me training in areas like customer service and technology. I was new to this industry, and now I'm part of the management of my campaign. Concentrix gave me a chance, and now I have a career.”

The most recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa indicates that 50% of all South Africans between 15 and 24 years old were unemployed in 2015. Ten years later, this number jumped to 62.4%.

“Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s greatest challenges and so the urgency is clear,” says Cathy Kalamaras, Growth Enablement Director at Concentrix “through our Skills Accelerator Programme, we’re not just filling roles, we’re unlocking potential, transforming lives, and creating real economic mobility from the ground up.”

As one of the first major employers in the sector that services international clients to embed impact hiring and development into its core business strategy, Concentrix is playing a pivotal role in reshaping the future of talent within South Africa’s tech-enabled services industry.

“We believe that hiring with purpose is hiring for impact”, continued Kalamaras. “Our industry thrives on fresh thinking and agility – qualities the youth bring in abundance. By creating opportunities for those from under-represented communities and by removing barriers to entry, we’re not only driving social progress but also fueling innovation across our teams and services.

Building South Africa’s Next-Generation Leaders

To support career development, Concentrix’ flagship Leadership Acceleration Programme (LAP) provides high-potential young professionals with mentorship, personal coaching, hands-on project experience, sustainable innovation, technical upskilling, and career planning.

To date, the 18-month programme has empowered 61 young employees to grow within the business, with many stepping into key roles across job families including Operations, Client Success, Facilities, Projects, People Solutions, and Innovation.

“By focusing on talent development and retention, we are not only enhancing leadership diversity and inclusion, but also building a strong leadership pipeline across South Africa,” concludes Kalamaras. “The next cohort of the Leadership Development Programme will graduate in the second half of 2026, ensuring a new generation of agile, resourceful, and strategically-minded leaders ready to drive future transformation in today’s rapidly changing environment.”

Concentrix’ plans to create even more careers for the young South Africans include participation in the 1000 Opportunities event in July, hosted by CapeBPO and FutureED at Athlone Stadium. By having a dedicated space on the day for young people to discuss job opportunities and submit CVs, they’ll be fast-tracking recruitment to both strengthen their talent pipeline and support regional youth employment.

By the end of 2025, Concentrix plans to expand its impact hiring and development programmes to upskill even more young South Africans. As they celebrate the creativity, energy, and potential of South African youth on this Youth Day, they encourage other South African businesses to follow suit - investing not just in jobs, but in futures.

To learn more about Concentrix, please visit concentrix.com.  

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