STEM careers get a chance to shine
STEM careers get a chance to shine
Learners at the VUT stall
Selina Rapulane
Exhibitions are what feed the VUT Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park with business, growth and development and allow it sustainability to keep going and making a difference.
Its staff is dedicated to giving its best for maintaining business and establishing new collaborations. The staff is aware that by attending exhibitions and conferences, they will benefit from opportunities to network, collaborate, gain knowledge, develop skills and prepare for the future.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and Science Park attended the 18th annual Sasol TechnoX held at the Boiketlong Sport Centre, Eric Louw Road in Sasolburg from 13-17 August.
Sasol TechnoX is regarded as the largest career guidance exhibition of its kind in South Africa and attracts learners from all over the country. The flagship exhibition seeks to stimulate interest in the technological application of science and mathematics among learners, teachers and the public. This is done by giving visitors the opportunity to see and experience the numerous opportunities mathematics, science and technology hold, through exhibitions and workshops by industry, government and non-government organisations as well as tertiary academic institutions.
Different departments from all four faculties at VUT – Faculty of Engineering and Technology; Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences; Faculty of Human Sciences; and Faculty of Management Sciences – came on board and showcased their latest technologies to stimulate the learners and the public. They engaged with the learners about science-related topics.
The recruitment department was also part of the showcase, where they exposed learners to what is possible through access to information on new and evolving careers within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related fields as well as bursary opportunities from VUT. The learners were able to engage directly with the staff to get better insights into the fields of study they would like to pursue and what is required for them to be placed.
Learners asking questions in the VUT stall
From the Science Park, the renowned Idea2Product Lab was among the exhibitors. Others included the Additive Manufacturing Department, Centre of Footwear Enterprise, Energy Optimisation Unit, E-Waste and E-Skills Department. The E-Skills Department presented The Goal to Work, Start-up and Go Entrepreneur and HCBS.
The staff know how important networking is and continually want to be informed regarding what other institutions are offering so as to remain up to date. They took turns to walk around and mingle with other exhibitors. “Building relationships is easiest in person and trade shows provide a great way to meet new people and catch up with those you already know,” said facilitator Xolani Nyathi.
Mr Mohau Ramokhoase, from Additive Manufacturing, stated that exhibitions offer the opportunity to meet new customers or business partners and strengthen relationships with existing clients. “At an exhibition, you can meet industry experts and leaders as well as professionals who face the same challenges as you. You might not realise it, but being around so many of your peers in a new environment can even renew your motivation. When you attend a huge event such as Sasol TechnoX, which hosts a large number of people every year, the reenergising effect is only magnified.”
VUT was awarded with two certificates of recognition. A special one for “Allowing our future leaders to dream, explore and be exposed to the infinite possibilities of what they can become” and the other was third place in the Best Exhibition category.