The latest unemployment statistics released by StatsSA indicate that the official unemployment figure rose to 27,5 % in the third quarter, up from 27,2 % in the second quarter of this year.

With at least 6,2 million unemployed South Africans – mainly young people – the North-West University (NWU) is forging ahead with initiatives aimed at securing jobs for graduates.

An example of such an event is the work-readiness seminar that the subject group Transport Economics and Logistics Management at the NWU’s campus in Mahikeng recently hosted for their final-year students.

Programme manager Ms Karen Visser says the seminar took students through the process of how to find and apply for jobs in the industry. Students also learned how to prepare for the interview process and received tips about some important “do’s and don’ts”.

The subject group also gave100 honours and third-year exit-level students the opportunity to interact with key industry stakeholders. Students met with provincial and national transport department officials responsible for transport economics graduate placements, and officials from the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA). They also talked to representatives from private sector companies such as Loubser Bulk and the JS Group.

Transport Economics and Logistics Management has produced almost 100 graduates this year alone. “Government is absolutely committed and have placed more than 30 graduates per year in the past,” says Karen.

These figures show just how vital interventions such as this programme is in ensuring NWU students get the best possible start to their careers.