“The French Southern African Schneider Electric Education Centre at VUT hosted Career Week 2026, exposing learners and community members to engineering disciplines, innovative technologies and career opportunities ahead of National Science Week.”
02 June 2026 | Story by: Thomas Rasehloka | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
3 minutes read time.
The French Southern African Schneider Electric Education Centre (F’SASEC) at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted Career Week at the VUT Science Park on 27 and 28 May 2026. The event formed part of preparations for the National Science Week Launch scheduled for July 2026 and provided an opportunity to showcase the Faculty of Engineering and Technology’s programmes, facilities and innovations.
The exhibition featured various VUT divisions and initiatives, including departments within the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, e-Skills, 3D Printing, Student Recruitment and the VUT Science Park (TTI), all brought together through the coordination of F’SASEC.
F’SASEC, which focuses on advancing engineering education, skills development and community engagement, plays an important role in exposing learners and communities to opportunities within science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
According to Ms Msizi Nyembe, F’SASEC Coordinator, the event forms part of the centre’s community outreach programme, which is one of its key responsibilities.
“This event serves as preparation for the National Science Week Launch taking place in July. It is also an opportunity to expose community members to the different engineering disciplines offered at VUT,” said Ms Nyembe.
She further explained that the event aimed to assist prospective students from surrounding communities by guiding them towards career opportunities and the VUT application process.
“Many potential students remain unaware of the opportunities available to them. Through this event, we are helping to guide learners and community members through the university application process while introducing them to various engineering fields,” she added.
The youth from the Sebokeng community responded positively to the initiative. One attendee, Ms Bokang Mafeka, expressed particular interest in Additive Manufacturing, a field within Mechanical Engineering.
“Through this event, I learned more about manufacturing processes and how manufacturing equipment operates. That was especially interesting to me because I enjoy practical and hands on work,” said Ms Mafeka.
The initiative attracted approximately 100 registered attendees, providing exhibitors with an opportunity to engage directly with community members and prospective students. Exhibitors showcased a range of innovative technologies, engineering applications and career opportunities available within the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.
One of the exhibitors, Ms Khathutshelo Nemavhola from the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, who demonstrated Manufacturing Metallurgy processes and components, described the event as a valuable experience.
“The event was highly interactive, and the smaller groups allowed us to engage more effectively with attendees and provide detailed explanations about our exhibition,” said Ms Nemavhola.
National Science Week is one of South Africa’s flagship science awareness campaigns, aimed at promoting public understanding of science, technology and innovation while encouraging young people to pursue careers in these critical sectors.
The Career Week successfully created a platform for engagement between the University and surrounding communities, inspiring future engineers, innovators and scientists while showcasing the diverse opportunities available within the Faculty of Engineering and Technology ahead of the National Science Week Launch.