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Creating Employable Graduates Vital for WoW Fair

Creating Employable Graduates Vital for WoW Fair

The Durban University of Technology’s Co-operative Education Department organised and hosted a gala dinner for all stakeholders, exhibitors and DUT staff at the Elangeni Hotel, North Beach, Durban, who formed part of the two-day World of Work (WoW) Career Fair which was held at DUT last week.

The WoW Career Fair saw more than 350 industry representatives from over 106 companies and organisations participate in the annual event giving prominence to job placements, bursaries and internships.

“We must try to ensure that students are living in an environment that doesn’t tolerate corruption and that the ethical framework is built into the curriculum,” said DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Ahmed Bawa. “Giving students the best possible chance of getting into industry must be a priority for us. We have to work with you (industry) and understand the training needs. Without that interface, it’s a very risky business to be involved in higher education,” stressed Prof Bawa.

Giving insight into what industries require of students was Clifford Klaas, Siemens Executive Director: Corporate HR and Sustainability, who said the WoW Career Fair is a symbol of engagement. “The quality of young talent that qualifies from DUT is exceptionally excellent. We will continue to offer our support to tertiary education in the field of engineering through many years to come, to skills sharing and employment. We are proud to be partners of DUT,” he said.

Hamish Erskine, Acting CEO of Dube Tradeport reiterated the importance of internships. ‘We have over 54 interns in the first three years and 27 students went straight into employment at Dube Tradeport, so please keep on doing what you (DUT) are doing,” he said.

Shakeel Ori, Director of the Co-operative Education thanked all stakeholders, sponsors, his staff and various other DUT departments for making the event a success. He also spoke about forming many other partnerships with stakeholders, adding that Prof Bawa was keen to pursue the possibility of establishing an aviation school in Pietermaritzburg.

– Waheeda Peters

Pictured: Delegates at the WOW gala dinner.

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