Recess with a Purpose
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE: CPUT hosted a four-day Employment Readiness Conference during the recess.
Monday, 13 October 2025
About 100 final-year students sacrificed their September recess to spend time in lecture halls in preparation for life beyond graduation.
CPUT hosted a four-day Employment Readiness Conference during the recess that aimed to be more than just a series of workshops but a powerful investment in the future of students’ employability.
What started as a two-day workshop by the Co-operative Education Unit quickly grew into a full-scale initiative, thanks to collaboration with the Golden Key International Honour Society, student leader Afika Manjati, and support from the Student Counselling department and external partner ORTSA.
The workshop took place at the Chemical Engineering Auditorium and was conducted by ORTSA’s Wesley Pillay. Students started with foundational skills of CV writing, interview preparation, and strategies to manage job-hunting stress. Pillay then guided them through workplace integration, corporate culture, probation, performance management, and building resilience. Standard Bank concluded the programme with a session on financial literacy, teaching essential skills in saving, investing, and money management. Students were given an opportunity to submit their CVs for review and feedback.
“Programmes of this nature foster a high chance of employability, exposing students to essential skills required in industry. The dedication of students over the week was remarkable; despite the conference taking place during recess, they arrived eager, attentive, and fully engaged. Their responsiveness in discussions, exercises, and practical sessions highlighted not just interest, but a genuine commitment to preparing for the future” says David Haarhoff, Administrator in the Co-operative Education Unit.
The Employment Readiness Conference demonstrated the power of collaboration between university departments, student leaders, and external partners. It equipped students with practical knowledge, personal insight, and the confidence needed to step into the professional world.
Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za
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