The chief executive officer of one of the biggest insurers in the domestic economy has emphasised the importance of guiding learners through the often-overwhelming process of choosing a lasting and fulfilling career.
Tertius Stears, chief executive officer of Sanlam Namibia, on Wednesday evening reaffirmed his company’s commitment to supporting the careers’ expo, and empowering young people to make informed career decisions.
Stears was speaking at the launch of the 14th Annual Careers Expo which kicked off at the Windhoek Country Club.
“Let’s be honest, when we are young, the prospect of choosing a career can feel overwhelming. Often, we simply don’t know where to begin,” he said.
He added that through this initiative, Sanlam aspires to be that guiding hand, helping learners to uncover their inherent passions, to understand the diverse opportunities available, and to ultimately make informed and confident decisions about their future.
The annual event aims to equip Namibian youth with essential career resources and guidance, and brought together key stakeholders, corporate leaders, government representatives, education specialists and exhibitors, all united by a shared commitment to shaping the future of Namibia’s young professionals.
Careers Expo chairperson Jason Kasuto provided an overview.
“When you look at the structural issues of our economy, the one significant characteristic is the number of those who are not part of the formal economy. Exposure and networks are vital to start breaking structural issues of a dual economy”.
Looking ahead, the organisers are excited to announce that next year, the Careers Expo is expected to expand into a one-week platform, namely a Careers Week that increases to more learners, and provides a 360-degree platform of engagements amongst educators, policymakers, the private sector, civil society and multinational organisations.
“This extension will allow for deeper engagement, more interactive sessions and increased exposure to career opportunities, ensuring that every learner has ample time to explore, learn and connect with industry leaders,” Kasuto noted.
Established in 2009 by a group of young professionals, the Careers Expo has since evolved into an annual tradition that provides learners with direct access to industry experts, corporate leaders, higher education institutions and entrepreneurial opportunities.
The expo has seen significant growth. Last year, it welcomed 3 500 learners from across the country, hosted 30 exhibition stands, and featured 25 expert speakers who shared invaluable insights. This year, it is expected to have an even bigger reach.
Education, innovation, youth, sport, art & culture minister Sanet Steenkamp applauded the initiative, stating the ministry applauds the event for bridging the gap between education and career readiness.
“The Careers Expo serves as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration, illuminating the diverse career pathways available to our learners. It is initiatives like this that reaffirm the collective commitment to equipping the Namibian child with the necessary information, tools and guidance to make informed decisions about their futures,” she stated.
With the recent transformation of her ministry came a renewed mandate, one the leadership is determined to achieve in the next five years. As such, initiatives such as the Careers Expo play a crucial role in bringing key stakeholders closer to their goals.
“The mandate of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts & Culture focuses on enhancing education infrastructure, providing free higher education and vocational training, and creating youth apprenticeship and internship programmes to bridge the gap between learning and employment,” the minister added.