Students attend hospitality and tourism Career Expo

Mankwe Campus Tourism students at the National Tourism Careers Expo held in Bloemfontein, Free State Province in September were from left Mr Paul, Tourism Lecturer Ms Senoelo, Mr Tlholwe, Mr Lethoko, Ms Ditsele, Mr Matiapoto, Mr Seitei, Ms Mokgosi and Ms Chauke

Eight ORBIT TVET College, Mankwe Campus Tourism students were invited by the Bojanala District Municipality to participate in the ninth National Tourism Careers Expo. The Expo took place at the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State Province in Bloemfontein in September.

The students formed part of the 45 students and learners from 22 schools across the North West Province who were selected to attend.

Under the theme “Tourism alive with opportunities”, the Expo was aimed at driving South Africa’s National Tourism Strategy’s goal of creating 225 000 tourism job opportunities by 2020. Over 9 000 learners, tourism students, graduates and educators from across the country attended the exhibition.

The Expo showcased various exciting career opportunities available in the tourism and hospitality sector. Among the guests in attendance was, the Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, honourable Lindiwe Thabethe. She encouraged learners and students to focus on building their careers. North West Tourism MEC, Ms Desbo Mohono was also in attendance. She pleaded with the youngsters to make the most out of the information they acquired at the Expo.

Mankwe Campus Tourism Lecturer, Ms Julia Senoelo, who accompanied the students to Bloemfontein, says the event was very informative. It was an eye-opener for the students, who realised how important the Tourism sector is in the country. Some of the highlights included a Speakers Corner, where tourism entrepreneurs and industry experts could share their success stories. Learners and students were allowed to interact directly with the speakers. There was also a job placement and recruitment service.

Private sector companies exhibiting, provided interactive, edutainment experiences for the Expo attendees. They also showed their commitment to skills development by offering a number of bursaries, learnerships and internships to learners and students.

The annual event is the result of a collaboration between the Free State Tourism Authority, the National Department of Tourism, the Provincial Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, the Department of Small Business Development and the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA).

Source TVET College Times