Expo visitors who have completed the expo’s career guidance journey will unlock access to apply for the more than 140 bursaries, valued at over R20 million. They also have access to more than 20 education institutions, who will be hosting stands at the expo, as well as a wide variety of career guidance, learnership and job opportunities.
The expo runs for three months, focusing on different topics each month. For November, the theme is 'Education' and participants can register to connect with educators, training providers and organisations who sponsor young talent. The expo features a variety of pathways across six different expo halls: business and management; media and communication; science, technology, engineering and maths; health and wellness; tourism and hospitality; and arts, humanities and education.
For the current matric cohort, the event’s use of the WhatsApp platform enables them to easily coordinate browsing the virtual education and employment expo halls with their study and exam timetables, from home, simply via their devices. For school-leavers and students, it enables them to scout for serious study opportunities, bursaries and sponsorships without incurring any travel spend or major data costs. In addition to accessing the bounty of bursaries, participants have the option to apply for Standard Bank student loans via the WhatsApp bot.
Jaryd Raizon, Africa director of The Knowledge Trust says, “This expo was designed for youth as a free tool they can explore within the comfort of their homes. At a time when so many other events have been disrupted due to the pandemic, it was vital to provide youth with access to career guidance, education and job opportunities, at scale through affordable technology. At the same time, ensuring matrics and school-leavers are not further compromised due to Covid-19.”
JobStarter, a career coaching platform, is one of the partners at The Knowledge Trust Career Expo. Executive director, Marguerite van Niekerk says that in order to make the most of the expo, students should "...explore every booth in every hall. Don’t follow your preconceived ideas about study or work that might interest you. Keep an open mind and check out all the options. You never know what you might learn about yourself or the world of work that could shift your career trajectory in more fulfilling and rewarding ways.”
Unilever’s LevelUp initiative is an exciting feature of the expo this November. The youth empowerment programme will give expo participants access to training modules that will enable them to strengthen their CV as well as build their skills and experience. LevelUp teaches the basics of personal branding, helps to develop digital skills and offers a range of activities that promote work-readiness. Lisa Andrews, HR director talent & organisation at Unilever says, "Collaborations and partnerships are critical in growing and developing Africa's youth and we are proud to partner with The Knowledge Trust on such an innovative and purpose driven initiative."
Register for The Knowledge Trust Career Expo via WhatsApp free here.
