A new workplace readiness programme is giving unemployed graduates an opportunity to strengthen their skills, expand their networks and improve their chances of finding meaningful employment.
The inaugural ACCESS70 Workplace Launchpad Boot Camp will take place in Johannesburg from 19 to 26 June 2026 and is being offered free of charge to selected graduates.
ACCESS70 was established by Israel Noko, founder and CEO of NPI Governance Solutions, with the aim of helping young South Africans transition successfully from higher education into the workplace.
Noko said the programme was developed in response to the growing number of graduates who struggle to secure employment despite holding tertiary qualifications.
“This has been a long-term vision of mine. The number of graduates leaving university and remaining unemployed is increasing. Often the issue is not that positions are not available, but that graduates do not have access to the opportunities. In the gig economy, ACCESS70 is designed to bridge the gap between higher education and employment,” he said.
The programme focuses on sectors where South Africa continues to experience skills shortages, including information technology, digital services, financial services, marketing and sales, supply chain and logistics, and engineering.
The week-long boot camp combines workplace simulations, interactive learning experiences, mentorship opportunities and direct engagement with employers. Participants will receive training in professional communication, teamwork, problem-solving, personal branding, workplace etiquette and interview preparation.
According to Noko, building confidence and resilience is a key component of the programme.
“Losing hope can be a consequence of prolonged unemployment, but attitude remains one of the most important factors in determining how far you will go. Employers look beyond academic achievements for graduates who are adaptable, resilient, eager to learn and committed to contributing positively in the workplace.”
The programme extends beyond the initial training period, with participants receiving employer matching and placement support, as well as ongoing career monitoring designed to promote sustained employment outcomes.
“We’re in this to make a difference – to the unemployment crisis and to young lives,” Noko said.
ACCESS70 is open to graduates between the ages of 18 and 35 who are committed to personal growth and career development. Organisers say delegates will be selected according to strict criteria to identify graduates who demonstrate discipline, leadership potential, creativity and a strong willingness to learn.
Applications for the inaugural ACCESS70 Workplace Launchpad Boot Camp are available through the ACCESS70 website.
