On Tuesday, 23 September, the Atlantis City Mall transformed into a vibrant hub of opportunity as more than 20 exhibitors from various sectors, including education, service delivery, and youth support, set up stalls to engage with the community.
The event was a collaboration between the Cape Careers Exhibition Association (CCEA), Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ), and the mall. The CCEA organises up to 150 career exhibitions annually, taking their programme directly to schools and communities — including smaller towns often left out of mainstream career guidance initiatives.Shoppers had the chance to browse for their next career opportunity, engage with representatives from various sectors, and even sign up for programmes on the spot. Attendees ranged from learners and parents to young professionals and curious community members, all equally eager to learn more about possible career paths.
The mall’s marketing manager, Belinda Eland, expressed her gratitude for the collaboration between all stakeholders that made the event possible. She said the partnership between Atlantis City Mall and the ASEZ is a key factor in the expo’s success. Jean Baartman from ASEZ emphasised the importance of bringing career expos closer to the community. “Not everyone has the privilege of attending open days, which is why events like this are so important. They make information more accessible and help bring clarity to young people who are making big decisions about their future,” he explained. This sentiment was echoed by a Grade 11 learner from Robinvale High School, who said: “I can’t attend all the open days, but I must make decisions for my future. Speaking to them here makes it so much easier.” Two learners from Atlantis Secondary School, Shakur Samuelson and Shaniqah Jacobs, were inspired by a University of the Western Cape representative who encouraged them to take their future into their own hands.
Another member of the public, Amy-Lyn Collob, said she found work as a teacher’s assistant and later joined the Emergency Medical Services after being introduced to the SAYouth portal at a previous career expo. Assistance at the expo came in many forms, from helping attendees sign up for opportunities to offering words of encouragement. The expo also gave non-governmental organisations like Skateistan the chance to connect with community members. Community educator Zion Andrews said, “It allows us to build awareness and present careers that go beyond traditional jobs — to inspire and show that meaningful work can also change lives.”
A representative from IkamvaYouth highlighted the importance of ensuring that all students are well-informed about the world of work and the many opportunities available. She also encouraged more local stakeholders from Atlantis to get involved in future expos, as these events provide valuable networking and collaboration opportunities.
