Inspiring young people to pursue future-focused careers through Atlantis SEZ

Today marked the forth annual career expo hosted by Atlantis SEZ for Green Technologies. During the event learners were given the opportunity to engage with many universities and colleges regarding learnerships and other career opportunities in fields such as science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

Initiated in 2016, in partnership with Wesgro and the City of Cape Town, the Career Expo and Annual Renewable Energy Challenge encourage and inspire young people in and around Atlantis to explore careers particularly in the green economy. Since then, interest around the expo has grown with over 250 learners attending the event in 2018.

“The City of Cape Town’s efforts to support and partner with all spheres of government is paying dividends. Most importantly these efforts are translating into countless jobs being retained and more jobs created. The vital cog in the wheel is our learners and we are committed via efforts of GreenCape and other partners to exposing and exciting our youth to career opportunities. These efforts have also enabled the City to demonstrate to the residents and surrounding areas that government is serious about economic and social development, and job creation in the area,” said Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management.

Finally, the event concluded with the announcement of winners of the annual Atlantis Renewable Energy Challenge. The Annual Renewable Energy Challenge 2019 asked learners to submit mural ideas in the form of canvases illustrating how renewable energy could uplift their community.

“It was such a positive and uplifting event, and so heartening to see the interaction between learners and exhibitors,” said Ursula Wellmann, SEZ Stakeholder and Skills Manager. “The Career Expo and the Annual Renewable Energy Challenge are highlights on the ASEZ calendar, and from the participation and the feedback we’ve received, it’s clear the learners feel the same.”

The announcement saw Wesfleur Primary taking first, second and third place in the primary schools category, and Reygersdal Primary’s Water and Wind group also received a special mention. The learners’ canvases were exhibited at the mobile AREC exhibition on stands upcycled from pallets donated by Pallet Cycle, a pallet recycling company in Cape Town.