"The NWU Career Services continues to take centre stage in driving efforts concerning employability, and to be a convenor of engagements related to employability for NWU graduates," said Thoriso Maseng, senior manager for Career Services and Alumni Relations, during a breakfast engagement session hosted by the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Career Services.

The event provided an opportunity for academic staff to engage with the Career Services team and explore ways to better equip students for the job market.

Nombulelo Malunga, campus liaison officer on the Potchefstroom Campus, welcomed attendees and set the tone for the discussions. This was followed by an insightful presentation by Thoriso, titled “NWU Employability Framework”. His presentation addressed the role of teaching and learning in enhancing students’ career prospects and highlighted the responsibility of universities in ensuring graduates are prepared for the workforce.

During his presentation, Thoriso emphasised that individuals are most employable when they possess broad-based education and training, high-level skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, information and communications technology (ICT), and communication and language skills.

He also highlighted how higher education leaders recognise the opportunities presented by advanced technology and are prepared to integrate them strategically in curriculum design, teaching and learning delivery, and assessments.

Furthermore, he outlined the impact of the NWU’s digital business strategy, which influences various aspects of the university, including classroom environments, student academic support, and collaborations. He also explained the “T” model teaching and learning approach adopted by the NWU, which equips students with expert skills in their chosen fields while providing them with additional competencies that can be applied in other areas, including entrepreneurship.

The session sparked meaningful discussions among lecturers, who provided valuable feedback. One key suggestion was the need for a government-focused career fair in addition to the existing events that mainly feature private sector employers. Another lecturer emphasised the importance of equipping students with basic computer skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, to enhance their employability.

Additionally, lecturers raised concerns that many students were unsure of the career options available to them and often enrolled in qualifications simply because they had no other alternatives. This is a challenge in ensuring students make informed career choices that align with their interests and strengths.

Thoriso responded to the feedback effectively, engaging with lecturers constructively. Hloni Putsoane, employer engagement specialist, also addressed several questions from the audience, ensuring that concerns and suggestions were acknowledged.

In his closing remarks, Thoriso said: "The future requires us to work together in synergy to improve our value as an academic institution and to have a greater impact among students and in our surrounding communities. At the same time, as much is being done across the NWU, more needs to be done in working together and sharing expertise for the common cause of enhancing employability."

He also noted the broader economic challenges affecting employability. "We are certainly living in a time of interesting challenges. Every citizen of this country, in one way or another, experiences the impact of poverty, unemployment and the overall poor economy. These challenges demand a new perspective in driving efforts of employability to ensure that our NWU students can add value to society during and beyond their academic years."

The event highlighted the critical role of the NWU Career Services in preparing students for the job market. By facilitating dialogue between academic staff and career services, the centre continues to enhance graduate readiness and bridge the gap between education and employment. The session was a success, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in shaping students’ career prospects.

Hloni Putsoane, Nombulelo Malunga, Avis Erens and Thoriso Maseng

The session sparked meaningful discussions among lecturers

During his presentation, Thoriso emphasised that individuals are most employable when they possess specific skills.