Video
GEORGE NEWS - The second annual YearBeyond career fair on Tuesday 17 October saw about 500 young people from George and surrounding areas attending to suss out work and study opportunities available in the market.
The fair was held at the George Civic Centre and YearBeyond's core partners - private companies and training institutions as well as government departments - were available to share information with youngsters faced with daunting choices about their future.
According to Amena Hayat, YearBeyond's Western Cape pathway and progression manager from Cape Town, there is a demand among George companies for quality, employable young people, but they do not always know where to find suitable candidates. "YearBeyond provides a link between them.
The 10-month programme at YearBeyond helps young people to grow personally and professionally, get to know their potential and skills, and to develop self-confidence. At the end of the programme they are usually considering career options beyond what they imagined at the start."
VIDEO - Amena Hayat, YearBeyond pathway and progression manager, chats to George Herald:
Video: Alida de Beer
Ajay Gosai of Fancourt informing interested youngsters about job opportunities.
The core partner industries working with YearBeyond exhibited at the fair.
She said the youth in George are hungry for opportunities and to prosper. "I love coming to George because, here the youth are friendly, willing to learn, and grateful for every bit of help."
"Speed dating" sessions were held at the fair where the "rising stars" or best performers in this year's YearBeyond programme had the chance to market themselves to four specific companies that have work opportunities.
Hayat said another way in which Yeboneers (the youngsters who follow the programme) find work, is through practice interviews they do at partnering companies during the year. It prepares them for the world of work and often businesses appoint candidates based on these interviews. Some Yeboneers even find employment overseas.
Prominent companies such as DotSure, Fancourt, Henque Waste and EXL were at the fair and have made job offers to some of the Yeboneers.
The YearBeyond programme was introduced in George four years ago. It falls under the auspices of the Western Cape Department of Sport and Culture.
Global youth advisor for Education USA Mauricia Abdol (right) talking to a group of youngsters interested in overseas study opportunities.
Jadrian Booysen is keen to learn more about a career as a pilot. Chris Strydom (left) and Eddie ten Hoope of Flight Training College were keen to share information.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
