"This event really makes a difference in the lives of young people"

South African Airways, Amazon and Food Lovers Market are just some of the leading companies that will be looking for new talent at this year's Career Indaba at the CTICC in Cape Town from 12-13 September.  Thousands of young people are expected at the Career Indaba, to which entry is free, and where they can get practical advice on career choices, finding a job and meet prospective employers.

Lack of career advice
Following the runaway success of Career Indaba in Gauteng since last year and this year, the event now comes to the Western Cape for the first time says Career Indaba director Claire O'Connell:  "we were literally overwhelmed by the number of visitors that came through the doors.  Not only is there a desperate need for career advice and job opportunities, but young people are actively seeking out these kinds of events themselves, but they are often limited by the distance that they can travel.  So we felt it important to move the event to the other provinces.  We are starting with the Western Cape and we hope to bring it to three provinces next year."  

She continues:  "there is a lack of career advice and many young people will pick the stereotypical jobs when you ask them what they want to be - a doctor, lawyer, engineer…. But they don't realise that the subject choices they have already made may prevent them from fulfilling these dreams. They can become disillusioned and we want to show them there are so many other options available to them."

Companies are looking to recruit
The Career Indaba director says visitors can meet with further education colleges and universities and talk to them about their courses and entry requirements to further their studies.  There are also companies like South African Airways, Amazon and Food Lovers Market who are looking to recruit. "There is also a workshop theatre where visitors can pop in for 20 minute talks on anything from 'Interview tips and techniques', 'Career opportunities with SAA' or 'Applying for a bursary – what you need to know'."

Parents are most welcome and even encouraged to accompany their kids especially if they are unsure what career path they want to take.  Says Claire O'Connell:  "if you have left school or college and you are still unemployed or looking for a career change, come by and meet with our exhibitors – they are actively recruiting and you might have the skills they are looking for."

Claire says organising Career Indaba is an exciting and rewarding experience:  "it sounds corny but this event really makes a difference in the lives of young people – that is the best bit."

Visitors can already register online for their free tickets on: www.careerindaba.co.za and there is a free bus shuttle offered for groups.

Dates, times and location:
Dates:  Thursday and Friday, 12-13 September 2013
Times:  09h30-17h00
Location:  CTICC, Cape Town

Contact:
Communications manager:  Annemarie Roodbol
Telephone :  021 700 3558
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.