More than 4 500 learners have attended the City of Cape Town’s 13 library-based career expos so far this year – nearly doubling last year’s total – and confirming the growing demand for youth opportunity programmes.
The 2025 career expos have attracted 4 587 visitors, surpassing last year’s total figure of 2 440 across 13 events.
The expos have been facilitated by the Library and Information Services (LIS) and the Community, Arts and Culture Development Department (CACD).
‘These career expos reflect our ongoing commitment to building a safer, healthier city by investing in young people. By bringing opportunity into community spaces like libraries, we’re removing barriers and helping learners see what’s possible. More learners, educators and parents are realising the value of attending career expos. Not only have attendance numbers increased, but also the number of exhibitors. This provides a wider range of career choices and many more opportunities for learners to consider as they decide what their future will look like,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
The expos provided staggered sessions and focused time slots, and included a range of disciplines like creative arts, finance, technology, health sciences, public safety and entrepreneurship, giving learners broad career exposure. There were also engineering demos and creative arts showcases.
The most recent career expos took place in the last few weeks and attracted 1 801 learners.
The Kuyasa Library expo drew 860 Grade 9 learners from the Sizimisele, Harry Gwala and Uxolo high schools, while the Meadowridge Library expo was held at the South Peninsula High School and 800 learners attended, other libraries that held expos were Durbanville and Wesfleur.
‘I encourage learners to attend the expos and gather as much information as possible. Career choices are nearly unlimited, but expos also open the doors to tertiary institutions, companies and possible study bursaries. Your gateway to the career of your dreams starts here,’ added Councillor Higham.
The next career expos will take place from 10:00 at Woodstock Library on 28 May and at the Bellville Library on 26 June.
