The 15th Soweto Careers & Skills Summit Expo 2026 — 22 July Banner
Skills Bridge Conference — Day 1
Day 1 — 22 July 2026

From Information to Transformation

Building Career Resource Centers for Every School

Explore Conference
Career Convention & Expo — Day 2
Day 2 — 23 July 2026

Your Future Starts Here

The Biggest Careers Expo in Soweto — Free for All Learners

Explore Career Day
Entrepreneurship & Skills Summit — Day 3
Day 3 — 24 July 2026

The Inaugural Soweto Entrepreneurship Summit

Empowering NEET Youth, Aspiring Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners

Explore Skills Summit
Main Event
Countdown to Expo Day
83
Days
12
Hours
02
Min
48
Sec
22–24 July 2026 · Orlando Community Hall, Soweto
15
Years of Impact
5,500+
Youth Attending
50+
Exhibitors
30
Schools Invited
Mandela Month · July 2026

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.

2007
Founded
15th
Annual Edition
Soweto
Johannesburg
01
Day 01 · 22 July 2026

Skills Bridge Conference

School leaders, educators, higher education institutions, SETAs, and corporate partners collaborate on career guidance and learner readiness. Partnership Commitment Ceremony included.

02
Day 02 · 23 July 2026

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 to all.

03
Day 03 · 24 July 2026

Entrepreneurship & Skills Summit

Career Expo continues alongside the Entrepreneurship & Skills Summit for NEET youth, entrepreneurs, and SMMEs. Features Mindset Sessions, Skills Workshops, NYDA & CIPC navigation.

Why It Matters

Bridging the Gap Between Education & Employment

South Africa faces critical skills shortages and youth unemployment. This expo connects learners and youth directly with employers, training institutions, SETAs, and government departments — during Mandela Month, making this commitment even more meaningful.

  • 5,500+ young people engaged 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
Youth at career expo
22–24 July 2026 · Mandela Month

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
Day 1 · 22 July 2026
01
Schools and Industry Partnerships for Career Guidance

Skills Bridge Conference

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
School PrincipalsLO TeachersCorporate PartnersSETAsHigher EducationGovernment
Highlights
  • Structured discussions & networking
  • Partnership Commitment Ceremony
  • Career guidance materials for educators
  • 30 Soweto high schools — FREE for principals & LO teachers
Conference Details
Career Convention
Day 2 · 23 July 2026
02
Career Guidance Day for Grade 10–12 Learners & Students

Career Convention

The Career Convention brings industry speakers, panels, and career guidance sessions for learners, FET/TVET students, and schools with disabilities. Direct access to bursary applications, exhibitor stands, and live skills demonstrations. FREE attendance.

Target Audience
Grade 10–12 (Priority)FET / TVET StudentsYouth 15–18Schools with DisabilitiesParents & Educators
Highlights
  • 50+ Exhibitor Stands — Industry Zones
  • Career Guidance Sessions & Bursary Zone
  • Disability Inclusion Pavilion
  • Live Skills Demonstrations
Career Day Details
Entrepreneurship Summit & Skills Expo
Day 3 · 24 July 2026
03
From Inspiration to Action for NEET Youth & Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship Summit & Skills Expo

Career Expo continues alongside the Entrepreneurship & Skills Summit — a practical journey for NEET youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, and SMMEs. Features Mindset Sessions, Skills Workshops, NYDA & CIPC navigation, and an Enabler's Expo Zone with funders and support agencies.

Target Audience
NEET Youth (18–35)GraduatesAspiring EntrepreneursSMMEs & Start-upsYouth with Disabilities
Highlights
  • Mindset & Inspiration Sessions
  • Foundational Skills Workshops
  • Navigating NYDA, CIPC, SETAs & Incubators
  • Enabler's Expo Zone — Funders & Support Agencies
Skills Summit Details
Get Involved

How to Participate in
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.

01

Attend

Learners (Grade 10–12), FET students, NEET youth (17–25), graduates, and entrepreneurs — register for FREE attendance on 23 & 24 July 2026.

Register Now
02

Exhibit

Business Sector, Training Institutions, SETAs, Government Departments — showcase your opportunities to 5,000+ youth across 2 days.

View Packages
03

Sponsor

Support South Africa's youth by sponsoring the expo. Gain brand visibility while contributing to skills development and employment.

Become a Sponsor
04

Conference

Government officials, corporate leaders, school principals, LO teachers — join Day 1 Leadership Dialogue on 22 July 2026.

Conference Details

Questions About Participating?

Our team is here to help with registration support, exhibitor packages, or sponsorship opportunities.

OUR IMPACT

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.

15
Years of Impact
Consistently serving Soweto youth since inception
5,000+
Youth Attending
Learners, graduates, and NEET youth across 3 days
50+
Exhibitors
Business, Training Institutions, SETAs, Government
30
Schools Invited
Soweto schools participating in Career Day

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.

Opportunities Await

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

Day 2

Apply for bursaries on the spot from universities, colleges, and training institutions. Bring your academic records and ID.

Learnerships & Apprenticeships

Day 2 & 3

Explore learnership opportunities from SETAs and employers. Gain practical skills while earning a qualification.

On-the-Spot Job Interviews

Day 3

Graduates and NEET youth can interview directly with employers. Bring multiple copies of your CV and dress professionally.

Skills Training Enrollment

Day 3

Enroll in free or subsidized skills training programs from SETAs and training institutions. Address critical skills shortages.

Career Guidance Sessions

Day 2

Get expert advice on subject choices, career pathways, and post-matric options from industry professionals and LO teachers.

SMME Support Zone

Day 3

Entrepreneurs and small business owners can access business advice, funding information, and networking opportunities.

Graduate Placements

Day 3

Recent graduates can explore graduate programs, internships, and entry-level positions from The Business Sector.

Disability Inclusion Pavilion

Day 2 & 3

Dedicated support for youth with disabilities, including accessible exhibitor stands and specialized career guidance.

Live Skills Demonstrations

Day 2

Watch live demonstrations of in-demand skills from trades to technology. See what different careers actually involve.

Aerial view of Soweto
Exhibitor Profile

Who Will Be Exhibiting?

Over 50 exhibitors from across South Africa will be at Orlando Community Hall, Soweto, representing diverse sectors and opportunities.

  • 01
    The Business Sector
    Major companies recruiting for learnerships and graduate programs
  • 02
    Training Institutions
    Universities, colleges, TVETs, and private training providers
  • 03
    SETAs
    Sector Education and Training Authorities offering skills training
  • 04
    Government Departments
    National, provincial, and local government programs
  • 05
    NGOs & Youth Development
    Organizations supporting youth empowerment and employment
Success Stories

Lives Changed Through
Expo 2026

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.

Testimonials

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.

Youth celebrating

Your Success Story Starts Here

Join thousands of learners, graduates, and youth transforming their futures through the Soweto Careers & Skills Summit Expo. Register now for 22–24 July 2026.

Register for Free
Resources & Information

Everything 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.

Coming Soon

Event Programme

Full schedule for all three days including conference sessions, exhibitor hours, and special activities.

Coming Soon

Exhibitor List

Complete list of 50+ exhibitors including Business Sector, Training Institutions, SETAs, and Government Departments.

Coming Soon

Venue Map

Interactive map of Orlando Community Hall showing exhibitor stands, breakaway rooms, and facilities.

Coming Soon

Attendee Guide

Tips for learners and youth: what to bring, how to prepare, and how to make the most of the expo.

Coming Soon

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.

Coming Soon

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about registration, attendance, exhibiting, sponsorship, and accessibility.

Practical Information

Venue
Orlando Community Hall, Soweto, Johannesburg
Dates
22–24 July 2026 (3 Days)
Hours
Day 1 & 2: 08:00–17:00 | Day 3: 13:00–17:00
Admission
FREE for learners, youth, and graduates | Conference Day 1: Invitation only
Parking
Free parking available at Orlando Community Hall
Accessibility
Fully accessible venue with Disability Inclusion Pavilion

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.

Youth celebrating success
22–24 July 2026 · Mandela Month · Orlando Community Hall

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!

15
Years of Impact
5,500+
Youth Attending
50+
Exhibitors
30
Schools Invited
Talk with Us