The Inaugural Soweto Skills Bridge Conference — School Industry Partnerships
Building Career Resource Centers for Every School
Learn MoreThe 15th Annual Soweto Career Day Expo
The Biggest Careers Expo in Soweto — Free for All Learners
Learn MoreThe Inaugural Soweto Entrepreneurship & Skills Summit
Empowering NEET Youth, Aspiring Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners
Learn MoreCountdown to the Expo
More Than an Event —
A Platform for Youth Empowerment
For 15 years, the SOWETO CAREERS & SKILLS SUMMIT EXPO has been South Africa's premier platform connecting youth with opportunity. From 22–24 July 2026, we bring together educators, industry, and youth at Orlando Community Hall, Soweto — during Mandela Month, reflecting our commitment to an inclusive society where young people shape their own futures.
Day 1: Skills Bridge Conference
School leaders, educators, higher education institutions, SETAs, and corporate partners collaborate on career guidance and learner readiness. Partnership Commitment Ceremony included. 30 Soweto high schools invited — FREE for principals and LO teachers.
Day 2: Career Convention
Grade 10–12 learners get direct access to career guidance sessions, industry speakers, panels, and educational pathways. A Disability Inclusion Pavilion ensures the event is welcoming and accessible to all. FREE attendance.
Day 3: Entrepreneurship Summit & Skills Expo
Career Expo continues alongside the Entrepreneurship & Skills Summit for NEET youth, entrepreneurs, and SMMEs. Features Mindset Sessions, Skills Workshops, NYDA & CIPC navigation, and an Enabler's Expo Zone with funders and support agencies.
Why SOWETO CAREERS & SKILLS SUMMIT EXPO Matters
South Africa faces critical skills shortages and youth unemployment. This expo bridges the gap between education and employment, connecting learners and youth directly with employers, training institutions, SETAs, and government departments. Hosting the event during Mandela Month makes this commitment even more meaningful.
- Engagement with over 5,500 young people across 3 days
- 30 Soweto high schools participating
- 50+ exhibitors from business, education & government
- Learnerships, bursaries, Second Chance Matric & graduate placements
- Disability Inclusion Pavilion across all three days
- Entrepreneurship support: NYDA, CIPC, SETAs & local incubators
Three Days. Three Audiences.
One Powerful Mission.
Each day of the SOWETO CAREERS & SKILLS SUMMIT EXPO 2026 is designed to serve a specific audience with targeted programming, exhibitors, and opportunities.
Skills Bridge Conference
Schools and Industry Partnerships for Career Guidance
School leaders, educators, higher education institutions, SETAs, and corporate partners collaborate to improve career guidance and learner readiness. Includes a Partnership Commitment Ceremony where stakeholders formalise support for teacher development.
Target Audience
Highlights
- Structured discussions & networking
- Partnership Commitment Ceremony
- Career guidance materials for educators
- 30 Soweto high schools — FREE for principals & LO teachers
Career Convention
23 July 2026 — Career Guidance Day for Grade 10–12 Learners & Students.
The Career Convention brings industry speakers, panels, and career guidance sessions for learners, FET/TVET students, and schools with disabilities. FREE attendance.
Target Audience
What You'll Experience
- 50+ Exhibitor Stands — Industry Zones
- Career Guidance Sessions & Bursary Zone
- Disability Inclusion Pavilion
- Live Skills Demonstrations
Entrepreneurship Summit & Skills Expo
Career Expo continues alongside the Entrepreneurship & Skills Summit — a practical journey from inspiration to action for NEET youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, and SMMEs. Features Mindset Sessions, Skills Workshops, and an Enabler's Expo Zone.
Target Audience
Summit Programme
- Mindset & Inspiration Sessions
- Foundational Skills Workshops
- Navigating NYDA, CIPC, SETAs & Incubators
- Enabler's Expo Zone — Funders & Support Agencies
How to Participate in
SOWETO CAREERS & SKILLS SUMMIT EXPO 2026
Whether you're a learner, graduate, employer, or sponsor — there's a place for you at Orlando Community Hall, Soweto, 22–24 July 2026.
Attend
Learners (Grade 10–12), FET students, NEET youth (17–25), graduates, and entrepreneurs — register for FREE attendance on Day 2 & 3.
Register NowExhibit
Business Sector, Training Institutions, SETAs, Government Departments — showcase your opportunities to 5,000+ youth across 2 days.
View PackagesSponsor
Support South Africa's youth by sponsoring the expo. Gain brand visibility while contributing to skills development and employment.
Become a SponsorConference
Government officials, corporate leaders, school principals, LO teachers — join Day 1 Leadership Dialogue on 22 July 2026.
Conference DetailsQuestions About Participating?
Our team is here to help you make the most of the SOWETO CAREERS & SKILLS SUMMIT EXPO 2026. Get in touch for registration support, exhibitor packages, or sponsorship opportunities.
15 Years of Transforming
Youth Futures in Soweto
Since its inception, the SOWETO CAREERS & SKILLS SUMMIT EXPO has connected thousands of young people with life-changing opportunities in education, training, and employment.
Bridging the Skills Gap
Connecting youth with SETAs, training institutions, and learnerships to address South Africa's critical skills shortages.
Face-to-Face Opportunities
Direct interaction between learners, graduates, and employers — from bursary applications to on-the-spot job interviews.
Inclusive & Accessible
Dedicated support for Schools with Disabilities and Youth with Disabilities, plus FREE attendance for learners and youth.
What You'll Find at the Expo
From career guidance to on-the-spot job interviews, the SOWETO CAREERS & SKILLS SUMMIT EXPO 2026 offers tangible pathways to education, training, and employment.
Bursary Applications
Apply for bursaries on the spot from universities, colleges, and training institutions. Bring your academic records and ID.
Learnerships & Apprenticeships
Explore learnership opportunities from SETAs and employers. Gain practical skills while earning a qualification.
On-the-Spot Job Interviews
Graduates and NEET youth can interview directly with employers. Bring multiple copies of your CV and dress professionally.
Skills Training Enrollment
Enroll in free or subsidized skills training programs from SETAs and training institutions. Address critical skills shortages.
Career Guidance Sessions
Get expert advice on subject choices, career pathways, and post-matric options from industry professionals and LO teachers.
SMME Support Zone
Entrepreneurs and small business owners can access business advice, funding information, and networking opportunities.
Graduate Placements
Recent graduates can explore graduate programs, internships, and entry-level positions from The Business Sector.
Disability Inclusion Pavilion
Dedicated support for youth with disabilities, including accessible exhibitor stands and specialized career guidance.
Live Skills Demonstrations
Watch live demonstrations of in-demand skills from trades to technology. See what different careers actually involve.
Who Will Be Exhibiting?
Over 50 exhibitors from across South Africa will be at Orlando Community Hall, Soweto, representing diverse sectors and opportunities.
- The Business SectorMajor companies recruiting for learnerships and graduate programs
- Training InstitutionsUniversities, colleges, TVETs, and private training providers
- SETAsSector Education and Training Authorities offering skills training
- Government DepartmentsNational, provincial, and local government programs
- NGOs & Youth DevelopmentOrganizations supporting youth empowerment and employment
Lives Changed Through
SOWETO CAREERS & SKILLS SUMMIT EXPO
Every year, learners, graduates, and employers walk away with opportunities that shape their futures. Join us in July 2026 and write your own story.
Learners & Graduates
Discover bursaries, learnerships and career opportunities on the spot.
Employers & Recruiters
Connect directly with motivated youth talent from across Soweto and beyond.
Schools & Educators
Bring your Grade 11–12 learners to an event that helps shape their futures.
Success Stories Coming Soon
Be among the first to experience the SOWETO CAREERS & SKILLS SUMMIT EXPO on 22–24 July 2026 at Orlando Community Hall, Soweto. Register today and your story could inspire thousands.
Your Success Story Starts Here
Join thousands of learners, graduates, and youth who are transforming their futures through the SOWETO CAREERS & SKILLS SUMMIT EXPO. Register now for 22–24 July 2026 at Orlando Community Hall, Soweto.
Register for FreeEverything You Need to Know
Download guides, view the programme, and get all the practical information for attending the SOWETO CAREERS & SKILLS SUMMIT EXPO 2026 at Orlando Community Hall, Soweto.
Event Programme
Full schedule for all three days including conference sessions, exhibitor hours, and special activities.
Exhibitor List
Complete list of 50+ exhibitors including Business Sector, Training Institutions, SETAs, and Government Departments.
Venue Map
Interactive map of Orlando Community Hall showing exhibitor stands, breakaway rooms, and facilities.
Attendee Guide
Tips for learners and youth: what to bring, how to prepare, and how to make the most of the expo.
Exhibitor Packages
Three exhibition packages from R5,560 to R17,560. View full pricing and inclusions for Day 2, Day 3, or Full 2-Day options.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about registration, attendance, exhibiting, sponsorship, and accessibility.
Practical Information
What to Bring
For Learners (Day 2)
- Valid ID or birth certificate
- Academic records (latest report)
- Notebook and pen
- Questions about careers and bursaries
For Graduates & Youth (Day 3)
- Multiple copies of your CV
- Valid ID
- Qualifications and certificates
- Professional attire for interviews
- Portfolio (if applicable)
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help with any questions about attending, exhibiting, or sponsoring the SOWETO CAREERS & SKILLS SUMMIT EXPO 2026.
Be Part of the Movement
Join South Africa's premier careers & skills platform connecting youth with opportunity. Whether you're an employer, sponsor, educator, or young person seeking your path – this is where futures are built.
"Impumelelo yinzame yethu sonke!" – Success is a collective effort!