The Career Expo was organised by Mthi 1st Traditional Council for Greater Vlaza in partnership with the Office of the Ward Councillor; Ward 120 Honourable Councillor Puseletso Nzimande; and hosted on 2 October at Lenasia South Civic Centre.
The Career Exhibition was aimed at equipping high school learners and unemployed youth with opportunities and knowledge to guide their career paths.
The attendees of this exhibition were learners from grade 9 to 12 from eight secondary schools within the area of Lenasia South, as well as unemployed youth.
The following schools and exhibitors received invites and responded to the invitation: Willowmead Secondary School; Lenasia South Secondary School; SANLAM; the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA – Thuthuka Bursaries); Thuthuzela – Victim Empowerment with NPA; the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation; Mentor South Africa; W & R SETA; Rhodes Technical College; and the Xaba Royal Council.
Mthi confirms that the Career Expo will be an annual event; aimed to connect learners and aspirant students with their intended professional goals; and to provide insights into various career paths. Mthi encourages learners, unemployed youth and aspirant students to explore diverse fields ranging from engineering to healthcare; helping them make informed decisions about their future careers.
Attendees gained valuable knowledge about bursaries; educational requirements; job market trends; learnerships; and internship opportunities. Mthi 1st Traditional Council received confirmation from Willowmead and Thuthuzela that the Career Expo was highly beneficial to the learners and unemployed youth and had achieved its intended purpose.
Mthi explained that a needs analysis was conducted within the area; and it became clear that there were no Career Expos of this magnitude; while learners were struggling to plan a proper career path. Mthi believes that the event offered a unique opportunity for learners; unemployed youth; matriculants; and recent graduates. Attendees engaged exhibitors; networked with professionals; gained knowledge from workshops; and explored numerous career opportunities across multiple industries. It is important to indicate that Willowmead Secondary School is one of the few secondary schools in the area that provides specialised subjects to learners.
From Grade 8 to 12 the school offers Electrical Technology; Civil Technology; Consumer Technology; and Engineering Graphics & Design (EGD). From Grade 10 to 12 it offers Technical Mathematics; and Technical Science. This was shared as part of the information on the type of schools hosted at the Expo.
Mthi is confident that the 2025 Career Expo was a significant opportunity for learners and job seekers to connect. For attendees, especially recent graduates from institutions such as secondary schools; FET colleges; and universities, this expo was essential for networking. Events of this nature provide a platform for professional development; access to a diverse talent pool; and guidance on how to facilitate skill development effectively. Collaboration with the Ward Councillor on skills development programmes will further ensure the empowerment of youth in the Ward; and build sustainable opportunities for the future.
Images: Ntombikayise Majenge
