About Us
FutureMe Holdings (Pty) Ltd is a social enterprise that addresses youth unemployment and critical skills gaps by engaging with young people, employers, and other relevant stakeholders. Strategy and management consultants Nicky van Hille and Ursula Cooper founded the company in 2015. The business is a level-2 B-BBEE contributor, with 51% owned by FutureMe NPO NPC (a public benefit organisation).
The Skills Crisis
South Africa’s youth unemployment rate is over 60% — the highest in the world. Worse, nearly one in three young people (15–24) are not in employment, education, or training¹.
The odds are stacked against young South Africans. But career awareness remains limited to traditional jobs, and youngsters aren’t developing the soft skills and self-awareness that employers expect. As a result, many young people have unrealistic career expectations, leading to disapointment when they take their first steps into the world of work.
Our Approach
Our holistic work-readiness programmes produce passionate, work-ready young people. We emphasise soft skills, self-awareness, and career exposure, challenging youngsters to invest in themselves as they take their first steps into the world of work.
Our growing network of corporate partners helps us immerse young people in the working world. We don’t teach, because learning happens naturally when young people connect with real workplaces and relatable role models.
Our programmes are completely free and completely digital. The FutureMe web app gives young people a way to earn career opportunities by gaining self-knowledge, building a CV, developing skills, exploring career options, and joining live events. It’s like learning in a playground.
Youth Talent Challenges
- Young people don’t know about your business and aren’t aware of all the career opportunities on offer in your sector
- You lack suitable candidates for employment, especially in critical skills areas
- New hires have the wrong attitude and struggle to integrate into your business
- Employees lack purpose or feel like they don’t make a difference
How We Can Help
- Showcase your people and promote career opportunities to bring your sector and brand to life
- Identify and screen candidates to build a sustainable youth talent pool
- Support young employees in developing the soft skills and self-awareness they need to integrate into your organisational culture
- Create opportunities for your employees to engage with young people, reigniting their passion in the process
