“VUT Career Fair 2026 connected students with industry partners, providing valuable career guidance, networking opportunities and pathways to future employment.”
09 September 2026 | Story by: Ntebogeleng Digasu| Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
4 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) reinforced its commitment to graduate employability when its Co-operative Education Department hosted the VUT Career Fair 2026 on 2 September. The event brought together students, academics and industry partners to explore career opportunities, strengthen professional networks and prepare students for the demands of the workplace.
Held as part of VUT’s 60th anniversary celebrations, the Career Fair provided students with a valuable platform to engage directly with employers, gain insight into workplace expectations and explore potential career pathways within their chosen fields.
Addressing industry partners and attendees, Director of Co-operative Education Dr Annie Moletsane thanked employers for their continued support in helping VUT students gain exposure to the working world and build the practical experience needed for career success.
“We are honoured to have you and to continue this partnership with you. The university, the students and industry partners are key role players in the University of Technology environment, and we value the role you play in supporting our students,” she said.
Dr Moletsane emphasised the importance of strong collaboration between higher education institutions and industry in ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills, experience and professional competencies required by employers.
Drawing on the message of the well-known song Lean on Me, she described the relationship between the university, students and industry as one based on mutual support and shared responsibility.
“The university, the students and industry partners are all connected. When we work together, we create opportunities that benefit everyone and help prepare students for successful careers,” she added.
For students, the Career Fair offered more than access to information. It created an environment where academic learning could be linked to real-world career opportunities, allowing students to engage with professionals, ask questions and gain a better understanding of industry expectations.
Among those attending was Ms Rethabile Mosia, a Hospitality student at VUT, who highlighted the value of direct engagement with employers.
“The Career Fair is important because it allows us to meet companies directly and understand what they are looking for from students. It also motivates us to work harder and prepare ourselves for the workplace,” said Mosia.
Electrical Engineering student Mr Nkosana Raseobe said the event provided valuable exposure to opportunities within the engineering sector and helped students better understand the skills required in industry.
“As an Electrical Engineering student, events like this help us understand what is happening in the industry and what skills we need to develop before we graduate. It is important for students to engage with companies because these connections can help us understand where our qualifications can take us,” he said.
The participation of industry partners highlighted the critical role that university-industry collaboration plays in student development. Such partnerships create opportunities for workplace learning, professional mentorship and industry exposure, helping students make a smoother transition from university to employment.
Dr Moletsane also encouraged industry representatives to engage positively with students, reminding them that every professional journey begins with learning and development.
“Please feel free with our students. Please bear with them. They are students. You used to be a student as well. I also used to be a student,” she said.
As VUT marks six decades of academic excellence and innovation, the Career Fair served as a reminder that preparing graduates for success requires more than academic achievement alone. It also involves building confidence, professional networks, practical skills and meaningful industry connections.
The event reflected VUT’s ongoing commitment to producing graduates who are ready to contribute to the economy and society, while strengthening partnerships that create opportunities for future generations. Through initiatives such as the Career Fair, VUT continues to bridge the gap between higher education and the workplace, ensuring that students are well positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.