October has marked a busy season for the YearBeyond Programme. In recent weeks, the Pathway and Progression team has partnered with some of the most sought-after industry professionals to provide insights and opportunities for YeBoneers as they prepare for life beyond the programme.

This year, we hosted three career fairs in the Western Cape and one in the Eastern Cape. We received exceptional support from more than 130 partners across various industries, including beauty, medicine, emergency services, and education. All four Career Fair days, spread out through the month of October, were filled with excitement as partners and YeBoneers networked and inspired one another.

A crucial aspect of the fair is bridging the gap between young people and opportunities, addressing the challenge of connecting with opportunity providers who can open doors, irrespective of one's experience. Some YearBeyond participants, like Jadrian Booysen from George, left a lasting impression. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, "Everything was awesome. I even secured a job opportunity at DotSure. The companies provided valuable resources and insights about what the future holds for us."

During this phase of the programme, many of the youth are not only considering their next job but also investing time in furthering their education. This is why the Career Fair also hosts exhibitors from academic institutions. The representative from False Bay College, who participated in the metro career fair, remarked, "YearBeyond Career Fairs have allowed me to connect with numerous young individuals seeking opportunities for further study. I am delighted that, over my six years of involvement with YearBeyond, I have empowered many young individuals with information about various study and bursary opportunities available at TVET Colleges."

Additional activities at the fairs included speed dating. Speed dating provided top-performing YeBoneers, known as "rising stars," with the opportunity for one-on-one sessions with partners to interview or learn more about what they could do at their establishments. This year, we also introduced 'hustle economy' exhibitions for young individuals looking to initiate or expand their businesses or entrepreneurial skills.

The Career Fairs are another way in which YearBeyond lives out the value of collaboration. Together we are helping shape the future of our youth.

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