Kouga Working World Careers Expo returns bigger and bolder

KOUGA – Building on the resounding success of last year’s inaugural event, the Kouga Working World Careers Expo will return to Mentors Country Estate in Jeffreys Bay from 23 to 24 April 2026, promising an even more dynamic and impactful experience for the region’s youth and job seekers.

The first-ever Kouga Careers Expo, held in April 2025, proved to be a landmark initiative for youth development and employment access in the Kouga region. Hosted at the same iconic venue, the event attracted 11 high schools, 53 exhibitors, and hundreds of additional walk-in visitors over two days. Learners, unemployed youth, and community members were given a unique opportunity to engage directly with institutions, businesses, and government departments – opening doors to future possibilities.

Building on this strong foundation, the 2026 expo aims to expand its reach and deepen its impact.

Spearheaded by Kouga Local Municipality’s Special Programmes Unit in the Office of the Executive Mayor, in partnership with Inkanyezi and Mentors Country Estate, the expo continues to serve as a vital bridge between young people and key stakeholders in academia, business, and government.

At its core, the initiative is about empowering individuals with knowledge, access, and opportunity – while contributing to a stronger, more sustainable local economy.

A Platform for Opportunity

The Kouga Working World Careers Expo is a platform that provides world-class career guidance resources to school-leavers, unemployed youth, and anyone interested in planning a career. The exhibition, in particular, exposes visitors to a wide range of study, training, skills development, and funding opportunities, while offering valuable inspiration and practical insight into the ever-evolving world of work.

This year’s two-day event will once again offer a range of interactive and informative experiences, all free of charge. Attendees can look forward to:

• Career Counselling and Assessments

Personalised guidance sessions, including online career assessments with instant, detailed reports to help individuals better understand their strengths and career pathways.

• Department of Education-Approved Guidance

A comprehensive tool aligned with the Grade 12 Life Orientation curriculum, providing step-by-step support for informed career planning.

• Exhibitions and Networking Opportunities

Direct engagement with employers, tertiary institutions, government agencies – including the Department of Labour and SETAs – as well as community-based organisations.

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, emphasised the importance of the initiative, saying the expo continues to unlock doors for many in the region.

“This event is about creating opportunities for everyone, whether you are a learner exploring career paths, a job seeker looking for employment prospects, or a business owner eager to connect with emerging talent,” he said. “By coming together, we can build a future where every individual in Kouga has the chance to thrive.”

An Open Invitation to Families

Learners from across the Kouga region are strongly encouraged to attend the expo – and importantly, to bring their parents or guardians along. The event offers a valuable opportunity for families to engage together in meaningful career conversations, explore study and employment options, and make informed decisions about the future.

Visitor entry is free, and all are welcome, making it accessible to anyone eager to explore opportunities and gain direction for their career journey.

Shaping Tomorrow, Today

As anticipation builds for the 2026 edition, schools, job seekers, parents, and exhibitors are encouraged to be part of this transformative journey – one that not only showcases opportunity but actively helps shape it.

More Information

For more information, visit
https://www.workingworldexpo.co.za/kouga-working-world-careers-expo/.