Cape Town launches career expos in townships
Concerned by the Stats SA release of a national youth unemployment rate of almost 35%, the expos are part of the City’s Transversal Youth Development Strategy, which includes personal development through life skills training, with a focus on unlocking economic opportunities.
“There are a number of reasons for the unemployment rate, including lack of access to information and opportunities, young people who are simply not work-ready and that so many young people drop out of school without completing matric. We are addressing these very complicated issues on a number of fronts and the expos are about taking opportunities to our young people and opening their eyes and minds to what is out there for them if they’re prepared to work hard,” said the City’s mayoral committee member for social development and early childhood development, Councillor Suzette Little.
The expos will provide information on the various employment opportunities available and how to access those opportunities, to prepare young people for the workplace and broaden their job and career prospects. The focus is on youth aged between 14 and 25, as they are leaving school and entering the workplace. Support will also be provided to those wanting to start their own businesses.
Exhibitors, such as the South African Police Service, the South African Navy and representatives from the banking industry, FET colleges, universities, specialised art, hotel and business schools, recruitment companies, SETAs and other organisations, will be attending the expos to improve access for the young people who need it most. At the expo, young people will also be able to complete an aptitude test to assess their strengths and weaknesses.
Dates and venues
Similar events will be held in all of the Social Development Department’s districts in the coming month. Details of the upcoming events are outline below.
| District | Date | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khayelitsha | 4 March 2016 | Andile Msizi Hall in Site B | 9am to 3pm |
| Western | 4 March 2016 | Dunoon Hall, Dunoon | 9.30am to 4pm |
| Eastern | 11 March 2016 | Kleinvlei Community Centre | 8.30am to 2.30pm |
| Southern | 15 March 2016 | De Wet Hall, Ottery | 8.30am to 2.30pm |
| Tygerberg | 18 March 2016 | The Hague Recreational Hall | 8.30am to 2.30pm |
| Mitchells Plain | 18 March 2016 | Spine Road High School, Mitchells Plain | 8am to 4pm |
| 19 March 2016 | 8am to 1pm | ||
| Klipfontein | 1 April 2016 | Rylands Civic Centre | 8.30am to 2.30pm |
With the rollout of this project to other areas, the City intends to help broaden the horizons of the youth, particularly those at risk.
“Youth unemployment is a major challenge and by engaging with residents through this platform, we are empowering them to change their lives despite what their circumstances are, encouraging them to shape their own destiny. What sets these career expos apart is that we are taking the resources to the youth, with everything in one place.
“There are many such events annually, but not every child is in a position to get to an open day at, for example, a tertiary institution or the navy, so they miss out on opportunities. We are connecting them to the right people, but ultimately it is up to the individual to make the best of this opportunity,” concluded Councillor Little.