A team passionate about making change
About the Experience Lab
In South Africa, the skilled unemployment rate has doubled in just 4 years. As industries rapidly evolve, employers are calling on educators to do more than just teach frontier tech skills—they need learners who are job-ready, with real-world experience to match their qualifications.
The Experience Lab was designed to close this critical experience gap for high-potential, unemployed youth. As a "last-mile" experience incubator, it provides young professionals with hands-on opportunities to apply their skills in real work environments — earning the practical experience and confidence needed to compete in the job market.
Through partnerships with the IDC and leading enterprises in South Africa, we’re pioneering a new way for young people to enter the workforce as immediately valuable, impact-driven employees.
Our goal? To accelerate the path to high-value employment, equipping young people with the right experience, the right skills, and the right opportunities—so they don’t just enter the workforce, but thrive in it.
A note from our Executive Director: Fiona Tabraham
“I am thrilled to be part of this exciting initiative that aims to revolutionise the way we approach youth skills development in South Africa. Having dedicated many years to this field, I have seen the remarkable talent that our young people possess but also recognise the growing challenges they face in securing meaningful and sustainable employment. It is our duty to innovate and create new work constructs that allows our young talent access to quality earning.
Our Experience Lab is designed to break away from traditional employment models and provide multiple opportunities for young talent to gain experience, knowledge, and applied skills through work gigs, project work, community service, mentoring, internships and short-term jobs. By fostering an environment of personal and professional growth, we aim to equip our youth with the tools they need to thrive in today's dynamic job market.
To potential participants, I invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and development. Experience Labs will offer you a unique platform to enhance your skills, gain valuable experience, and unlock your full potential. To potential partners, your support is crucial in making this vision a reality. Together, we can create a brighter future for our youth, drive positive change in our communities and build a future where every young person can thrive.”
What drives us
At the Experience Lab, we are a diverse team of passionate individuals from different backgrounds, united by one belief: where you come from should never determine where you can go.
We put learners at the heart of everything we do—because when young people are empowered, they unlock not just their own potential, but the potential of entire communities.
Our mission is to build a new generation of social capital, equipping young people with the skills, support, and belief they need to thrive. We know firsthand how transformative this journey can be—15% of our team are Umuzi graduates themselves, living proof of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
As we grow, we remain committed to making a lasting impact without losing our humanness. We dream big, challenge the status quo, and believe that together, we can change the world—one learner at a time.