In this Ignite 2025 episode, Erika Kempkon, founder of Youth at Work, explains how her organization is building real pathways for South Africa’s youth. As a YES implementation partner, they connect young people to 12-month work placements across industries like manufacturing, automotive, finance, solar, and tech—while tracking retention, completion, and post-program absorption into jobs, entrepreneurship, or further study.
Backed by a bespoke CRM and AI intake system, Youth at Work achieves ~92% retention and monitors not just youth outcomes but also the business growth of host companies. Erika also shares the multiplier effect of education, the entrepreneurial energy in South Africa’s informal economy, and her personal journey as a teacher, mother, and woman founder driving over R500m of impact into youth and communities.
If you’re passionate about employment, entrepreneurship, or purpose-driven leadership, this conversation will leave you with both perspective and practical takeaways.
🔗 EO Durban: www.eodurban.co.za 🎙️ Produced by TIM Africa.
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