Expo opens the youth’s minds on career, learning options
One of the event organisers, Walter Luthuli, a deputy chairperson of the ward 32 ANC branch, said the purpose of the initiative was to connect young people with their prospective employers and learning institutions from around Ekurhuleni, offering them advice and guidance for their future career.
Young people came in their numbers to attend a career expo organised by the ANC’s ward 32 branch in Boksburg, on January 26.
During the event held in the old city hall, known as the pink building, the youth met with representatives of prospective learning institutions, different companies and various government departments in the City of Ekurhuleni.
Among the many speakers who shared information on different careers were David Mulele from Ekurhuleni West TVET College (EWC), Archie Futshane from City of Ekurhuleni, Linda Budaza from SETA Local Government, Andile Tshabalala from Wama Group, Velile Mnguni founder of Velile Supply Chain and Consulting and facilitator, speaker, coach and author Isaack Mavuso.
One of the speakers, Mulele, said communities usually have the idea that TVET colleges are only for those who struggle with academic subjects at school, and that these colleges are inferior compared to universities.
“You ask yourself why many people, more especially black communities, do not like anything to do with TVET colleges. I don’t blame you. I blame the system because this is what we have always been taught that you don’t take your children to such colleges.
“This perception needs to change because TVET colleges are not for stupid people, but play a very important role in addressing and transforming the skills shortage in the country. In the entire world, in those countries in the forefront in terms of economy, they didn’t look down upon their TVET colleges,” said Mulele.
Mulele encouraged young people to register at such colleges and make use of the bursaries administered by NSFAS.
Meanwhile, facilitator, speaker, coach and author Isaack Mavuso shared crucial information on how to draft a winning CV when job hunting.
The youth was also encouraged to speak to as many potential employers, ask questions, consider whether they would be interested in working for them and what academic requirements may be required from them.
“This will help open up the mind of the young lions so as to show them the options available out there,” he said.
