How internship programmes support young entrepreneurs and job seekers

Empowering Youth Through Career Development: Lulaway’s Path to Success

In today’s fast-paced world, technology, innovation, and career development go hand in hand. For many young people, finding a way to carve out a successful career path can be daunting. However, organizations like Lulaway are working tirelessly to provide practical solutions to help youth navigate this journey. Recently, Lulaway’s Nandi took to the airwaves, sharing valuable insights on starting a business, career readiness, and employment opportunities for young South Africans. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from her interview.

The First Steps to Starting Your Own Business

Starting a business can seem overwhelming, but Nandi highlighted some essential first steps that anyone looking to take the entrepreneurial plunge should consider. The first step? Understanding your target audience. Nandi explained that in the case of Lulaway’s work, the team took time to understand the needs of youth seeking jobs and how the challenges of applying for work in different sectors can be solved.

Lulaway’s approach centers on creating job centers across the country. These centers are designed to make it easier for young people to connect with job opportunities. Through their online portal, Lulaway collects resumes and sends them directly to employers, thus facilitating job placements for youth across the nation.

Another crucial point Nandi made was the importance of registering your business idea. In addition to protecting your intellectual property, registering allows you to plan for the future—both the successes and the challenges. She pointed out that every business will face obstacles, and understanding those from the start can help you better prepare for any setbacks that might arise.

The Role of Mentorship and Emotional Intelligence in Career Success

Lulaway doesn’t just stop at job placement. One of the standout aspects of their approach is the mentorship program, designed to guide individuals on their career journey. Nandi emphasized that a strong emotional intelligence (EQ) foundation is crucial for professional success. By offering emotional intelligence training, Lulaway helps candidates not only develop the technical skills needed for a job but also the soft skills that are essential in any work environment.

In addition to job placements, Lulaway offers work-readiness training that covers everything from workplace communication to personal resilience. This well-rounded approach ensures that job seekers are prepared for both the practical and emotional aspects of starting a new role.

Opportunities for Youth to Join Lulaway

For young people wondering if they can be a part of Lulaway’s mission, Nandi’s message was clear: anyone can join, as long as they meet the minimum qualifications. While it’s important to finish school, Lulaway is open to anyone with the right experience and a willingness to learn. The minimum educational requirement is Grade 10, but experience, even if it’s just a few months in a specific area, is valued. For example, Lulaway recently looked for security officers and considered applicants with Grade 10 or above, along with relevant experience.

Nandi encouraged anyone interested to take the first step by visiting the Lulaway website or contacting their nearest center. With USSD codes available for easy access, young people can simply send their postal codes and resumes to be added to Lulaway’s system, which will then connect them with job opportunities suited to their skill set.

The Importance of Access and Training

One of the key aspects of Lulaway’s strategy is ensuring accessibility to training and opportunities for youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Whether you’re from a small township or a more urban area, Lulaway offers equal opportunities to get the training, experience, and qualifications necessary to enter the job market successfully.

By providing free training on various work-readiness programs, emotional intelligence, and practical skills, Lulaway is ensuring that youth aren’t just finding jobs—they are building the confidence and capabilities necessary for long-term success.

How You Can Get Involved

For young people looking to make a change in their lives, Nandi encouraged them to get involved by registering on the Lulaway portal and taking advantage of the resources available. The first step could be as simple as reaching out to a local Lulaway center and getting your CV onto their platform. This opens up a wealth of opportunities and connects you with potential employers across the country.

Conclusion

Lulaway’s work is more than just about job placements; it’s about empowering the youth with the tools they need to succeed in the modern workforce. By understanding the needs of young people and providing mentorship, training, and emotional intelligence resources, Lulaway is helping to shape the future of South Africa’s youth.

If you’re a young person looking to jumpstart your career, or even if you’re thinking about starting your own business, remember that it all starts with understanding your audience, staying resilient through challenges, and accessing the support networks available to you. Lulaway has opened the door for many young people to thrive in their careers, and you could be next.

To learn more about how you can become part of this incredible journey or to access career support, visit the Lulaway website or reach out to your local center today.

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