On March 26, Benoni’s Kids Haven is hosting a targeted corporate networking lunch at its Cranbourne Avenue premises to expose potential local employers to their Pathway Programme.
Hotels, distribution centres, warehouses, logistics operators, retailers and service businesses around OR Tambo International Airport and the greater Ekurhuleni are being invited to explore a practical, structured way to access prepared entry-level talent while creating measurable social impact.
“We are issuing a direct invitation to local employers to come through and see for themselves. Employers can gain access to motivated, locally based young people who are prepared, supported and eager to prove themselves.
“Even one opportunity – an exposure visit, internship, volunteering placement or entry-level position – can change a life,” said Ilka Stein, manager: youth and skills development at Kids Haven.
The Pathway Programme prepares young people transitioning out of residential care and vulnerable communities for real-world work environments through:• Life skills and workplace readiness training
• Structured volunteering placements
• Exposure visits to companies
• Ongoing mentorship and support
• Careful candidate screening and matching
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Stein said that for many businesses operating in high-demand, high-turnover environments, sourcing reliable entry-level employees can be challenging. At the same time, hundreds of capable young people in Ekurhuleni struggle to access their first formal work opportunity, not because they lack ability, but because they lack access.
“The transition from school into the workplace is the most vulnerable moment for many young people, yet for employers that same stage represents an opportunity, to shape, train and grow loyal entry-level staff from the start,” she said.
“Businesses in hospitality, warehousing, retail, food services, cleaning, maintenance and logistics rely heavily on entry-level roles. Yet many employers report challenges around readiness, reliability and retention.
“The Pathway Programme addresses this directly. Kids Haven remains involved beyond placement, supporting both employer and employee to strengthen retention and workplace integration.
“This is not about sending CVs. It’s about building a local talent pipeline that works,” Stein emphasised.
Between June 2024 and December 2025, the Pathway Programme delivered:• 118 young people participated
• 45% moved into earning, education or training
• 22 secured full-time employment
• 13 enrolled in university, college or learnerships
• 112 completed structured volunteering placements
• Six secured employment directly through volunteering
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“By the time we introduce a young person to an employer, they have been assessed, prepared and supported,” Stein explains. “We understand both the candidate and the workplace need. That alignment is critical.”
Nqobile’s storyThis year’s networking lunch will also showcase a powerful example of what exposure can achieve. Chef Noni will prepare the meal alongside Nqobile, a Pathway participant who discovered her passion for food during last year’s programme after working with chef Tebogo.
Since then, she has continued gaining practical experience, steadily building her confidence and skills in a professional kitchen.
“One opportunity led to another. That is exactly how trajectories shift. The Pathway Programme makes it possible for employers to gain access to motivated, locally based young people who are prepared, supported and eager to prove themselves.
“This is shared value. It strengthens businesses, communities and futures,” Stein concludes.
Companies interested in attending networking lunch can RSVP to youth@kidshaven.co.za
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