Free State youth have till Saturday (28/9) to connect with industry experts, gain valuable knowledge, and explore multiple pathways to success at a three-day summit in Thaba Nachu.

EmpowaYouth, an enterprise aimed at empowering and equipping unemployed youth around South Africa, is making a three-day stop in the Free State. The summit will focus on industries such as transport, energy, agriculture, entrepreneurship, tourism, and health and wellness.

“We’re thrilled to bring EmpowaYouth to the Free State, creating a platform where young people can access a comprehensive 360-degree approach to career empowerment and mentorship,” said EmpowaYouth head, Dumi le Roux. “The partnership with the Transport Education and Training Authority (Teta) adds a remarkable dimension to our summit, showcasing Teta’s commitment to expand access to learning and employment opportunities.”

The summit is expected to host 1,500 youth. One hundred speakers will discuss various topics such as the influence of digital skills, entrepreneurship, various transportation modes and careers within the sector.

“That’s where most of our youth may find occupations (vocational training) to be able to be an engineer, be able to become a diesel mechanic, to do all these skills that are available in our sector without necessarily going to a university but going through a TVET,” said Teta corporate services executive Kgatile Nkala.

Each session will address the various needs of the youth, and equip them with knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the job market.

Kgatile added when choosing to have a summit in the Free State, they looked at the main sectors, which are tourism and agriculture, and then made sure they tailored the available opportunities to suit these sectors to have an impact on unemployment.

To measure the impact the summit has on the youth, they will implement a feedback mechanism for each young person who participated and pursued a specific programme. The organisers will follow up with them and check their progress.

“We find out if there are any speed humps troublesome to our youth which they cannot pass, because it is important for us that they start and emerge on the other side successfully,” added Kgatile.

'This partnership will facilitate discussions on career pathways'

The partnership between Teta and EmpowaYouth is an enhancement to the summit. Teta brings knowledge of the transport sector and vital information that can assist with opportunities in this sector.

“This partnership will facilitate discussions on career pathways that are available in the transport sector as wide as it is and the training programmes that are available and are on offer.”

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony cg