Linking young people to opportunities

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The National Pathway Management Network (NPMN) is a network of networks. It connects major partner networks into a single national network that links young people to existing opportunities, facilitates the creation of new opportunities and addresses barriers young people face in entering the labour market.

The implementation of the NPMN is led by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), with the Presidency providing overall strategic direction. Among others, the network partners include:

the Department of Labour (DEL) with its Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) platform and 126 labour centres across the country;
the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator who manages the SA Youth platform;
the Gauteng Provincial Government's Tshepo 1 Million platform;
private sector initiatives such as the Youth Employment Service (YES4Youth);
the Department of Higher Education and Training's (DHET) Kheta career advice portal.

This broad partnership allows for effective exchange and the joint development of mechanisms to ensure equitable access to opportunities for all young people in the network.

Greater access, more opportunities- all in one place

Through the NPMN, young people can access range of learning and earning opportunities, employment services, as well as financial and non-financial support. Users of the digital platforms in the network can develop a profile that links them with the most relevant opportunities. This allows young people to embark on sustainable pathways that align with their personal preferences and strengths.

The NPMN addresses barriers that young people face when looking for opportunities, such as high data costs, lack of access to personalised advice, insufficient workplace experience, or skills profiles that are out of tune with market demand.

The NPMN helps users navigate the complex landscape of available services and resources that can help young people overcome these obstacles. The network is also a powerful tool for prospective employers and training and employment service providers to reach young people.

National Pathway Management Network - SA Youth

Financial enterprise support

Earning opportunities

Non-financial enterprise support

Learning opportunities

Work seekers support

Resources and information

Driving innovation

To test new ideas, the NPMN has launched an Innovation Fund. A first cohort of implementing partners is currently delivering interventions that will stimulate demand, reduce barriers or facilitate links to opportunities. The next call for proposals is due in mid 2023 and will be published on the website of the Jobs Fund. The goal is to pilot novel approaches and scale existing viable concepts to enhance the support and opportunities provided to young people.

For further information:

Download

the fact sheet on the National Pathway Management Network

Get involved

As a young person, register on SAYouth.mobi, access Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA), the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system or check out the Kheta career advice portal. You can also download the mPowa app. Here, you can build your profile and access opportunities in your vicinity for youth service, further learning or work. If you cannot access SAYouth.mobi, look for a DEL Labour Centre or NYDA Youth Office near you. You can also call the toll-free hotline at 0800 72 72 72.

As a learning and employment service provider or prospective employer, register as a partner on SA Youth. If you want to support the implementation of the NPMN, please reach out to the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator for SA Youth (info@sayouth.org.za). If you would like to create opportunities for young people and receive B-BBEE incentives, contact the Youth Employment Service (corporatesupport@yes4youth.co.za).

As a network serving young people, you can become a member of the NPMN. If you are interested, please click here.