Concentrix initiative for South Africa’s 62% youth unemployment
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — Concentrix is scaling up its impact hiring and skills development initiatives to combat South Africa’s over 62% youth unemployment rate. Through its 12-month Skills Accelerator Programme, the global tech and services leader aims to train and permanently employ at least 300 young South Africans.
Bridging the skills gap with targeted training
The initiative offers work readiness training, technical upskilling, and soft skills development, with a target of 85% permanent employment for graduates. More than 100 participants have already secured jobs, gaining financial stability and career pathways previously out of reach.
Lisa August, a Concentrix Advisor and beneficiary of the program, attests that the program changed her life. As an individual who grew up in poor conditions, it provided her with the financial means and expertise that she utilizes in her day-to-day life.
In the same way, Deputy Team Leader Yandisa Novokoza mentioned that the training has helped her rise to the top of the company ladder since she worked in a company as a starting staffer, and now she is in management. Concentrix provided her with an opportunity, and she was able to get a career.
“Thanks to this programme I have a stable, reliable income which has helped me support my family, improve living standards, and reduce financial stress,” Novokoza said.
Leadership development for long-term growth
Besides hiring entry-level talents, Concentrix is grooming potential leaders using the Leadership Acceleration Programme (LAP). The program is an 18-month scheme that develops young, high-potential professionals.
To date, 61 individuals have graduated to key positions within the organization, where they have been given central roles in operations, client victories, and patent innovations. The two focuses were noted by Cathy Kalamaras, Growth Enablement Director, who said, “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.”
The company is also expanding recruitment efforts, including participation in CapeBPO’s 1000 Opportunities event in July, where it will fast-track youth hiring.
By 2025, Concentrix plans to widen these programs, urging other businesses to invest in youth employment. “Hiring with purpose is hiring for impact,” Kalamaras stated. “It’s not just jobs—it’s futures.”
Elevating impact at OIR 2025
Concentrix’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment in South Africa exemplifies the transformative power of purpose-driven outsourcing.
Such initiatives highlight the broader potential of the outsourcing industry to drive meaningful social and economic change.
The Outsourcing Impact Review (OIR) 2025 by Outsource Accelerator, further amplifies these efforts by recognizing and celebrating companies that prioritize impact alongside innovation.
OIR 2025 offers a platform to showcase corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, gain industry recognition, and inspire others to embrace “Outsourcing for Good.”
By participating, companies are joining a global movement redefining outsourcing as a force for progress—just as Concentrix is doing with their initiative.
More than just taking CSR initiatives, Concentrix also recently ranked #6 in the OA500 2025, an objective index of the world’s top 500 outsourcing companies.
