Gqeberha, South Africa, 22 February 2024 – The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) took part in the 25th Edition of the Annual Working World Exhibition (WWE) at the Feathermarket Centre in Gqeberha, from the 20th to the 22nd of February 2024. The event provided a platform for Grade 12 learners and educators from the region’s leading schools to explore various career opportunities and gain valuable insights into the working world.
Director of Inkanyezi Events, WWE organiser, Mr. Andrew Binning, explained the purpose of the WWE: “This event brings together government, business, civil society, and education, so that young people can engage and network with role players face to face, and hopefully be inspired with a vision for their future. This is important because we all have a collective role to play in ensuring that young people thrive and add value to society.”
As part of its contribution to the dynamic three-day career exhibition, Coega participated in an insightful panel discussion for 300 Grade 12 learners and educators. The discussion aimed to provide guidance to school-leavers as they enter the workforce or pursue further education, covering a range of topics including skills development, career options, and the importance of informed decision-making. During the event, Coega also shared valuable material with attendees, including information on the catalytic Coega Maths and Science Programme, which is specifically designed to enhance matric performance in Mathematics and Physical Science and promote careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Ms. Fonziaan Siphosethu Carelsen (17), a Grade 12 learner from Brandwag High School in Kariega, attended the WWE for the first time and shared her experience: “Engaging with the professionals in this setting gave me a wake-up call, in terms of what I want to be in life. I want to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree as my desired career is to be a Forensic Scientist.”
Mr. Craig Luckman, the Unit Head of Coega Human Capital Solutions, represented Coega as a VIP speaker in the panel discussion facilitated by the distinguished Professor of Education for Stellenbosch University, Professor Jonathan Jansen.
“Coega’s participation in this event is about sharing valuable information to equip young people with the insight to navigate a very competitive job market and to make informed decisions about the future. We were invited to share experience- based insights on the skills needed by industry and the value of following an entrepreneurial path,” said Luckman.
Luckman explained that the various training initiatives facilitated by Coega have been conceptualised to support the professional growth of young people, and importantly, the broader goals outlined by national government in terms of fit- for-purpose skills. “We cannot overlook the value of skills in the STEM fields in terms of employability. Similarly, we need to instill the value of vocational and artisanal skills in our young people.”
Luckman went on to highlight the importance of young people putting theory into practice to refine their skills: “The benefit of the working world these days is the fact that internships are offered. Young people need to make use of these opportunities as it will have a significant impact on their employability thereafter. Coega is very serious about taking in a cohort of interns from year to year to impact positivity on the employability of young people in the region.”
The annual WWE aims empower and position learners for the world of work, aligning with the South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP Vision 2030) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this event and look forward to supporting future career development initiatives in the region,” concluded Luckman.
What inspired Ms. Fonziaan Siphosethu Carelsen to pursue a career as a Forensic Scientist?