The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Human Capital Services recently hosted the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme Site-Visit at DUT Indumiso Campus, in Pietermaritzburg. The aim of the visit was to assist in conducting regular monitoring and evaluation, to ensure that the programme was on track. The schedule for the visit was facilitated by the DUT Organisational Development and Talent Management Director: Mr Avhatakali Nenungwi.

Centre of Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) Academic Development Practitioner: Professor Livingstone Makondo welcomed guests who had attended, advised students on how to become successful in life and also expressed that they should make an effort in obtaining as much information as they can, since they are part of such an incredible opportunity.

DUT Midlands Student Housing and Residence Life Manager: Mrs Celiwe Chemane-Nyathi, shared valuable information on how to transition from students to employee lifestyle.

“As the students transit from universities to the workplace, it is important to create professional relationships, while they make friendship within the workplace they should also form respectful relationships with their managers, supervisor or other leadership positions as well as their colleagues,” said Chemane-Nyathi.

She went on and shared the strategies for effectively managing and thriving through transitions which includes; acknowledgement and honour of the transition, the importance to look for and appreciate the lessons learned, explore new possibilities, visualize the new phase, being kind to yourself and developing a ‘bucket’ list.

Mr Nenungwi facilitated a session on the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework and also allowed the students to actively participate. He accentuated that the Living Values Framework was a fundamental component of life within DUT and also encouraged the students to enter the ongoing Living Values Framework competitions and where they could win exciting prizes.

The students and supervisors were given an opportunity to share their experiences about how the internship was benefiting them and possible areas for improvement, going forward.

The programme concluded with training and development as well as a reflection session that was facilitated by Human Resources Skills Development Officer: Ms Kirshni Rhyman.

Pictured: YES programme supervisors and students

Photographer: Vusi Dlamini.

Zanele Mashaba