The University has once again provided a platform for its graduates and industry to meet and talk about jobs and job opportunities. On 16-17 May 2024, large numbers of the University’s graduates, and students, were at its iconic hall where they visited stands by 51 companies that exhibited their businesses at the hall. Some of these companies are the Agricultural Research Council, Ampath Laboratories, BANKSETA, Bell Equipment, Blendcor (Pty) Ltd, CATHSSETA, Transnet Freight Rail, Transnet Pipelines and Umngeni-Uthukela Water.
Some of these companies have been a constant feature at the fair for many years. Zama Hlubi, Student Placement Officer at the University’s Department of Cooperative Education, explained the need for this annual event, and why this meeting between graduates and prospective employers is so vital. “The world of work is a different world, not the same as the University. Employers are looking for go getters, people who will add value to the company. As a graduate, one needs to actively search for work opportunities. Graduates need to ensure that they are marketing themselves. A graduate need to show what makes them different from the next person. As the Cooperative Education department our focus is on assisting MUT students to be employable,” said Hlubi.
Hlubi also highlighted the impact that the fair has had over the years. “As Cooperative Education Directorate, we ensure that we maintain good working relationships with all our stakeholders. We have companies which we have been working with for many years; some more than 10 years already. Companies like Transnet contracts Engineering students for WIL (work integrated learning) twice a year. They have been doing this without fail, every year. They recruit not less than 50 students each semester.”
Hlubi said another constant in the fair, Umgeni-uThukela contracts 10 Chemical engineering students. “They also take Analytical Chemistry and Electrical Engineering students for WIL for 12 months. They further take students as Engineers in training for further two years. Most of those graduates are later employed on a permanent basis. That commitment has been accomplished through the continued good work relationship,” said Hlubi.
There were at least four SETAS at the fair. Hlubi said SETAS such as Bankseta and merSETA provide MUT students with funding; they sponsor WIL students with a stipend. “Such financial assistance enables students to pay for transport and accommodation, and buy food,” said Hlubi.