The Durban University of Technology’s Co-operative Education department hosted the World of Work (WoW) exhibition which ended yesterday (Thursday, 6 August 2015).

Over 350 industry representatives from more than 106 companies and organisations descended upon DUT for the successful annual event which which gives prominence to career opportunities, job placements, bursaries and internships. The event was organised and hosted by DUT’s Co-operative Education Department.

“As the Co-operative Education Department, we want students to get opportunities after they have graduated and for companies to give DUT students an opportunity in the industry,” said the Department’s Andile Maphumulo, adding that they are impressed with students’ attendance.

Shakeel Ori, Director of the Co-operative Education said the exhibition is growing because many companies wanted to attend but because of space constraints, many were turned down. For next year’s, so said Ori, the Department would look for a bigger venue which would hopefully accommodate all companies interested in participating in the event. “We want to expand this career exhibition because it is important to have partnership with industry because they give our students in-service training and future employment so contact is extremely important,” he said.

Tongaat Hulett’s Human Resources Development Manager, Thandiwe Mdunge, said the company (Tongaat Hulett) has previously recruited some DUT students through the WoW exhibition, adding that they are keen to employ more DUT students in future.

Terusha Naidoo, Food Technology BTech student at DUT said WoW is helpful because it gives students a chance to talk to possible employers. “Most of students do not have much time to check for vacancies on the internet and now it is easy because these people are here and we talk to them about career opportunities,” she said.

– Sihle Ndebele

Pictured: DUT students chat to the various companies and organisations which participated in the University’s annual WoW Career Exhibition.