City’s career expo opens a whole new world for learners
12 May 2017
Young career-seekers were spoilt for choice when a diverse range of private sector companies, government departments, state-owned entities and educational institutions turned up in their numbers to exhibit a variety of career and educational opportunities at the City of Johannesburg’s annual career expo in Alexandra, Region E, this week.
More than 25 exhibitors participated in the three-day event held from Tuesday May 9 at KwaBhekikanga and Minerva high schools.
The exhibitors included state-owned logistics company Transnet, Nedbank, National Libraries, Urban Brew Studios, national Department of Agriculture, South African National Defence Force, South African Police Service, Road Accident Fund, Brand Laiki, South African National Blood Service, Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO), Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), National Youth Development Agency, University of Johannesburg, National Financial Student Aid Scheme, Rosebank College, Damelin, National School of Arts and the School of Tourism. Local exhibitors included community radio station Alex FM, Imbalie Beauty School and Alexandra Chess Club.
The expo, organised by the City in partnership with the Eastern Region of the Gauteng Department of Education, attracted throngs of learners, students and youths from various parts of Region E.
According to Regional Director Liziwe Makoro, the exhibition was an attempt to reduce the high levels of unemployment in the community by exposing local learners and youth to various career opportunities available in the market.
“Our youth, learners and students are seldom exposed to what is available out there. With this expo we aim to uplift them and bring to their doorsteps the various opportunities that are out there for them to consider,” Makoro said.
“Some of the information shared with the youth was on how to access bursaries, learnerships, scholarships and internship opportunities,” she said.
The targeted groups were learners in grades 9 and 12, school-leavers and unemployed youth. Ndzhaka Telleng, a 16-year-old Grade 11 pupil at KwaBhekikanga High School said she was delighted to be part of the event.
“We need such services from the government. Most of us are studying but don’t know what we want to become when we grow up. We only know a few career choices such as teaching, nursing, law, commerce, science and medicine. Today we learnt about a lot more,” Telleng said, who added that she wanted to pursue a career in the media.