The Durban University of Technology (DUT) students came out in their numbers to the two-day World of Work (WoW) Career Fair which recently took place at the Ritson Campus.

The WoW Career Fair was hosted by the University’s Co-Operative Education. The aim of hosting such an event was to offer DUT students an opportunity to interact with industry stakeholders.

The WoW also served as a platform where students were able to have face to face interactions with companies and obtain more information on job opportunities. Various companies in sectors ranging from retail, municipalities, government, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), SMME’s and engineering exhibited at the event. These companies are potential employers of DUT students after graduation.

Speaking on the WoW, Mr Shakeel Ori said: “The WoW is to basically get the WoW connecting with our students so we are bringing and supporting companies to be here. When I say companies, I mean any company that especially trains students, SETA’s and anyone that has a link to students, to come and inform our students about what they do, what skills are required and to also confirm that the courses students want to do are the right ones in terms of where they want to go.  It started around 2014 and with 20 companies and now we have 120 companies and even went up to 170 before COVID. So its grown and companies have responded very well and many of our students get employed by the same companies,” he said.

Mr Ori, who is also retiring at the end of this year, indicated that he hopes that the WoW goes on as the WoW is not about him but what DUT can do for their students and for the companies.

“While I still network with the companies the DUT needs to continue those networks to make sure that they do everything to get the students employed,” he said.

Many company representatives like RFG have expressed that Mr Ori has been one of their instrumental players from DUT in terms of student intake throughout the years and wished him all the best in his retirement.

The general consensus from DUT students who were in attendance at the WoW Career Fair expressed that it gave them an idea as to what companies are looking for in students like them in the various fields and gives them hope to be able to find WIL on offer, especially since the unemployment rate is quite high currently.

The first day of the WoW Career Fair ended with a gala dinner that evening.

Exhibitors, DUT staff, students and external stakeholders formed part of the gala event which culminated with well-wishers also wishing Mr Ori all the best in his retirement as well as sharing some of their positive interactions with the hard-working Mr Ori.

OLUMS exhibitor with DUT students at the WoW Career Fair.

His immediate Coop team also surprised him with a tribute video for his services and amazing contribution he had given to ensuring WoW and other projects are always successful at DUT.

Speaking at the gala dinner, Councillor NG Nelani, from the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality spoke fondly of Mr Ori, also expressing that the municipality needed a strong partnership and that was DUT. He further added that he hopes to continue this fruitful partnership because of Mr Ori and carry on because of so many aspects, one of them being research and ICT.

“We are linked closely and pursuing that connection because of this gentlemen (Mr Ori), we have 100 students with us at the municipality because of this relationship and we are still going strong,” he said.

Former Co-Operative Education student, Dipuo Mooi also expressed her gratitude to Mr Ori as he had shaped her to be who she is and has recently been employed in industry.

DUT Co-Operative Education Director, Mr Ori thanked the Co-Operative Education Department team, the University management, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thandwa Mthembu (in absentia), and all the members who were involved in making the biggest WoW Career Fair in the country a great success.

He further thanked Coop’s Shireen Singh and team for their token of appreciation.

“I’m so glad to have been associated with so many of you over the years but remember the challenge to give students jobs is not over,” he said.

Pictured: DUT Co-Operative Education Director, Mr Ori, speaking at the gala dinner.

Waheeda Peters