Eastern Cape Career and Science Expo inspires learners to aim high and dream big

The Eastern Cape Career and Science Expo will see around 1 000 grade 7-12 learners from Engcobo and surrounding towns and villages participate in this year’s event where over 30 exhibitors will be on show, including institutions of higher learning (universities and TVET colleges), and various other organisations that aim to showcase their career opportunities.

Now in its second year since establishment, the inaugural Eastern Cape Career and Science Expo was hosted in Engcobo in May 2021. Delivered in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Education, its primary objective is empowering learners, particularly in townships, rural and remote areas of the Eastern Cape Province through exposure to unique career opportunities seldom within their radar.

"Education is an important investment for any country, particularly in a developing country such as South Africa. Our country is characterised by vast rural and remote communities that have limited information at their disposal.

Through the Eastern Cape Career & Science Expo, we are intentional with exposing our children to quality career options that will see them change the face of this province and free their families and future generations from the poverty and inequality entrenched in our society,” said Mbete.

Education is a powerful driver of development and one of the strongest instruments for reducing poverty. The country grapples with high unemployment statistics, with the Eastern Cape Province topping the list.

Informed by trends and marketplace demands, the Career and Science Expo aims to steer learners towards careers that are scarce and considered critical skills, such as careers in:

• science
• technology
• engineering and mathematics (STEM)
• finance, and
• health. 

This approach not only helps address the shortage of critical skills in the country but avoids learners pursuing studies in careers in high supply with fewer chances of employment and further exacerbates the crisis of unemployed graduates the country has faced over the past years to date.

“We are excited about this year’s Eastern Cape Career and Science Expo, which promises to be bigger and a more streamlined delivery than last year. We are most excited for our leaners, our intended beneficiaries, who stand to benefit from the event as this is not only a platform to access career options, but one that presents funding opportunities for high school and higher education studies,” adds Mbete.

This year’s lineup of exhibitors includes:

• University of Fort Hare
• Walter Sisulu University
• Nelson Mandela University
• Rhodes University
• MICTSETA
• Old Mutual
• South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL)
• National Lotteries Commission
• South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
• BrandSA
• Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism
• the Department of Human Settlements
• Engcobo Local Municipality
• Department of Higher Education & Training
• IEC
• Creative Arts College
• ECSECC
• SUV Challenge
• NSFAS
• National Education Collaboration Trust
• Coca-Cola
• Microsoft
• MISA
• MERSETA
• Standard Bank
• SAASTA
• LGSETA
• Deep Sky Blue
• Medicore Group
• King Hintsa TVET College
• Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform
• Eastern Cape Department of Social Development, and
• Eastern Cape Provincial Government.

The Eastern Cape Career and Science Expo takes place at the Engcobo Village Sports Ground from 09:00 to 16:00.