Training & Employment.
Welcome to Next Steps for You, a distinguished Non-Profit Company dedicated to closing the gap between education, theoretical training, and employment. Our mission is to empower the abled, disabled and disadvantaged youth, who are facing economic, environmental, physical, and cognitive challenges.
At Next Steps for You, we extend our support to the vulnerable youth of South Africa, including those in residential facilities such as secure care and places of safety. Care-leavers, who are preparing to step into the working world, but often encounter compounded environmental challenges that hinder their employment prospects.
While we acknowledge the government’s efforts to address the skills gap through programs like learnerships and apprenticeships, we recognize the need for a more tailored approach. Our focus is on ensuring that the youth enrolled or leaving these programs, receive the opportunities, skills, and support necessary for program completion and to become gainfully employed.
Who are we?
Tsholofelo Phiri
Being a qualified skills development specialist and ardent advocate for community development, learning and entrepreneurship, Tsholofelo spearheads the implementation of all learnerships and short skills programs.
Her role at Next Steps is invaluable in ensuring that beneficiaries receive the tools necessary to embark on their careers and thrive in the workplace, as well as equipping them with the essential skills needed to successfully launch and manage their own startups.
Melissa Snodgrass
Specializing in business and skills development, while holding a business degree and a decade of experience in the skills development and transformation arena, Melissa knows firsthand the pitfalls that face our South African youth, especially when it comes to sustainable employment opportunities. It is this experience that has fuelled her particular interest in working with learners living with disabilities and ensuring they are offered equal opportunities in the employment space.
In her opinion, one of the best ways to improve the prospects of employment in our country is through supporting willing candidates in new business ventures so that they can create further job opportunities for others and a sustainable income for themselves.
Candice Preece
Candice is a qualified Occupational Therapist with special interest in vocational rehabilitation, paediatrics and the medico-legal field in South Africa. She aims to promote person-centred services built on effective therapeutic and professional relationships.
Candice fulfils a vital role in the determination of what level of assistance is needed to establish and support work-related interventions, where each client’s needs, skills and strengths are considered as well as any identifying work barriers that may be present.
Our Services
The NEXT STEPS team offers a comprehensive range of services which are designed to promote the integration of South African youth into the workplace.
Our services include:
- Further skills development,
- Learner support programs,
- Intervention services through holistic assessment, to establish and support the youth through case management, work trials, work hardening, and employment guidance,
- Entrepreneurial and self-employment initiatives,
- Follow-ups with employees, employers, and family members.
Vocational Support Journey
Next Steps is dedicated to aiding the South African youth in securing and maintaining gainful employment through comprehensive vocational support services. Our program emphasizes prevocational skills, job training, and continuous integrated support for individuals completing our qualifications.
The vocational support journey comprises the following steps:
1. Vocational Counselling and Assessment
- A focused evaluation of an individual’s interests, skills, and abilities.
- Development of a transition plan for a seamless entry into the workplace.
2. Skills Training for Work Readiness
- Scheduled classes, both in-person and virtual, covering work concepts, ethics, social protocols, and behaviours to ensure job success.
- Provision of job-seeking skills, interview coaching, and resume preparation services.
3. Work-Based Learning and Development for Youth
- Aspiration to provide internships or work-based learning experiences.
- Assistance, with donor and sponsor support, in securing paid work experience when direct placement on the employer’s payroll is not possible.
4. Employment Development and Placement
- Collaboration with partners to locate employment based on individual interests, abilities, and the current job market.
5. Supported Employment
- Provision of on-the-job and off-site job coaching services during the transition period.
- Assistance in developing necessary supports for success, including relationship building, on-site job training, and crisis intervention.
6. Ongoing Supported Employment Services
- Continued support after the initial period of supported employment.
- Routine interventions or crisis responses to ensure ongoing success and sustainability.
The Next Steps vocational support program aims to accompany the youth of South Africa on their journey, assisting them in achieving their highest level of vocational skill development, one step at a time.
How can you help?
As a Non-Profit Company, we prioritize impact over financial gain, relying on funding from donors, social developmental target spends, and grants. In appreciation of any support received, businesses will be issued a Section 18A Tax Deduction Certificate to submit with their annual tax return.
For contributions and support, kindly refer to our banking details:
- Bank: First National Bank
- Branch: 220529
- Account Number: 63045453296
Join us in making a difference at Next Steps for You, where every step counts toward a brighter future for South Africa’s youth.
Contact us
Email:
info@nextsteps.co.za
Call:
0825248537 / 0836589176
Facebook:
facebook.com/nextstepsforu
Address:
132 Kayburne Avenue, Randpark Ridge, Randburg