The Faculty of Engineering and Bult Environment (FEBE) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted its first ever third-year students’ re-orientation and industry engagement aimed to empower, equip and prepare them for the workplace environment at Ritson campus hall in Durban.
Several industries delivered informative presentations and interacted with students. Equipping them with work environment knowledge and about what they can expect in the industry. The students also received financial management advice from Standard Bank Financial Advisor, Tshepo Motsosi. Including the entrepreneurship skills which was presented by Khothatso Memela from the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
In welcoming the attendees, the Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Professor Sudesh Rathilal highlighted that this first ever orientation was inspired by third-year students during meetings and further stated why they saw the need to also orientate them to the industry.
“We have realised that our third-year students when they are leaving DUT, they need to be orientated, obviously if you are employed by the company they provide their own orientation. But it is important for us to recognise that this idea came from students, during our meetings they were telling us, so what happens with third years, does DUT just forget about us? That is not our intention; our intention is to always have this relationship. So, we want to orientate you into the working environment, and we are hoping that some of you will be great assets out there,’’ said Prof Rathilal.
Prof Rathilal also encouraged students to take full advantage of this opportunity to learn, network, and engage with companies to gain insights into the industry.
One of the industry representatives CHS Developments Construction Manager, Scelo Mhlongo, underlined that such events are very vital in closing the existing gap and building relationships between industries, and higher education.
“There has been this gap, so higher education institutions must have a relationship with the industry. So that they contribute and understand what is it that they can expect from institutions because whatever that is produced by the higher education it must go to the industry,’’ said Mhlongo.
The students were showered with DUT FEBE package gifts for their attendance. Additionally, industry representatives engaged with students by posing questions related to their presentations, and those who answered correctly received gifts as well.
Amongst the guests who graced the podium was DUT Alumni and staff, Dr Philani Khumalo, MLC Construction Cost Consultants Director, Haveer Singh, Krishna Moodley-ATNS, Tongaat Hulett Sugar-Siwe Sithole, Stefanutt Stocks- Dheshan Naidoo, GCK Siya Zama Building Constructors and Pamela Ngubane from KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements.
In her closing remarks, Mrs Aritha Pillay affirmed DUT FEBE’s unwavering support for the third-year students as they embark on their future paths. She expressed gratitude to the industry representatives, students, DUT staff, and all who contributed to the success of the event.
“Thank you so much for your support and informative presentations to our students. To students, we are here to support you. The journey is far from over, whatever challenges you may come across do not give up. Even if you do not find employment you can pursue entrepreneurship,’’ said Pillay.
Pictured: DUT FEBE and Industry representatives at the third-year orientation.
Vukani Langa
