By Sanele Khumalo & Lucia Gxigxa
The Durban University of Technology’s Career Resource Centre and the university leg of Golden Key hosted an Employability Workshop which is aimed to equip students and post-graduates with essential skills for the job market and the modern workplace. This happens as South Africa is experiencing its university graduation season.
Career Resource Officer, Phumzile Monageng, says their engagement with students showed a need for such an event. “We have a lot of our students and postgraduates that e-mail us sharing that they’re struggling in terms of creating CV’s and putting themselves out there so they can be employable.”
As a result, experts from different fields were invited. Students say they appreciated the initiative.
“What I needed the most was assistance in job applications and how to structure my CV. The workshop fulfilled my expectations on that,” says Public Relations and Communications postgraduate student, Mthobisi Mathenjwa. “Today I learned the importance of attending such workshops so I can be more educated, and to consistently sharpen my employability skills to increase my chances of employment.”
Horticulture student, Zama Ntuli agres with Mathenjwa. “I mainly wanted to know how I can be employable when I finish my Diploma. The workshop was highly informative and as I will be doing my Work Integrated Learning and Industry Liaison (WIL) next semester. They gave me a clue on how I can structure my CV so I can be employable.”
The Department of Employment and Labour Assistant Director, Ramukhesa Fhamulani hsays job seekers must know how to compile quality CVs, interview etiquette and how the government Z83 form works.
All4Youth spokesperson, Comfort Tshisikule, says such initiatives have relevant tips on what they can do differently. “The reason All4Youth partnered with DUT for this workshop is because of the importance of having to encourage young people, especially those who are looking to go into the job market after their post-graduation. Sharing with them the number of opportunities for young people and how they can actively prepare themselves to enter the workspace is important.”
The Durban University of Technology begins in graduation season in May.
