Since 2007

About Careers Inc. & The Summit

About Us & A Legacy Reborn

Architects of Opportunity
for 19 Years

Since 2007, Careers Inc. — a 100% black owned career development organisation — has been committed to creating meaningful opportunities for young people across South Africa. We are not just an organisation; we are a movement committed to bridging the gap between education and employment.

Bridging Education & Employment

We connect aspiration with tangible opportunity by forging deep connections between schools, employers, and young people across South Africa.

Building Community Trust

Over a decade of building trust within communities — we are not just an organisation, we are a movement rooted in the belief every young person deserves to thrive.

Redressing the Past

Dedicated to dismantling barriers that prevent young people from accessing meaningful careers and contributing to our economy regardless of background.

Our Journey

2007

Founded

Careers Inc. established as a 100% black owned career development organisation.

2015

Growth

First large-scale career expo connecting 1,000+ youth with opportunities.

2021

Expansion

Extended reach across the Eastern Cape, partnering with 30+ schools.

2026

Summit

Launch of the Gqeberha Careers & Skills Youth Empowerment Summit — a new landmark event.

A Gathering in the Spirit of the 50th Commemoration of 1976

We are honoured to host this event during the 50th commemoration of the 16 June 1976 uprising. It is our way of honouring the courage of the youth who shaped our nation's destiny — and contributing to the vision of a country where every young person has the chance to build a life of their choosing.

By bringing together educators, employers, and aspiring professionals, we aim to play a practical role in reducing inequality and creating meaningful avenues for the next generation, paying tribute to the spirit of '76.

The Event

The Gqeberha Careers & Skills
Youth Empowerment Summit

An Evolution

This expanded programme is a direct response to the evolving needs of our youth and the economy — transforming a single-day event into a two-day, high-impact ecosystem of opportunity. It offers a unique space where public and private sector delegates can connect, share ideas, and form working relationships that assist young South Africans in accessing meaningful work and training.

Reskilling. Upskilling. Future-Readiness.

The evolving landscape of work in South Africa has created a critical need for reskilling, upskilling, and ensuring our youth remain relevant through hands-on learning, internships, apprenticeships, and mentoring. Future skills, diversity, and inclusion are crucial to thriving in the modern economy. It is time to come together and design actionable solutions to tackle unemployment and drive inclusive growth.

Day 1 — Wednesday | Conference & Career Expo

23 June 2026

Two Parallel Tracks

Track 1: Main Career Expo & Skills Hub

Career Day for Learners & Students

The main expo opens in full force, welcoming Grade 10–12 learners. Young people have direct access to exhibitors across dedicated industry zones, guided career guidance sessions, and a Disability Inclusion zone — ensuring the event is welcoming and accessible to all.

Grade 10–12FET StudentsCareer GuidanceDisability Inclusion

Track 2: Schools & Industry Conference

Skills Bridge Conference

Bringing together school principals, LO teachers, SETAs, HEIs and corporate partners to strengthen career guidance and learner readiness. Includes a Partnership Commitment Ceremony where stakeholders formalise support for teacher development and classroom resources.

School PrincipalsLO TeachersSETAs & HEIsCorporate Partners
Day 2 — Thursday | SMME Forum & Entrepreneurship Skills Expo

24 June 2026

Two Parallel Tracks

Track 1: Open Career Expo & Public Day

Skills Expo: Building Capacity for the Future

The Skills Expo showcases practical pathways for youth to gain technical and vocational training — including artisanal skills, digital literacy, and green technology. Attendees discover SETA-accredited courses, learnerships, internships, YES Programme opportunities, reskilling and upskilling pathways, the Second Chance Matric Programme, and National Youth Service opportunities for NEET youth and the unemployed.

NEET YouthSETA-AccreditedYES ProgrammeReskilling & Upskilling

Track 2: SMME Forum & Entrepreneurship Skills Expo

SMME Forum & Entrepreneurship Skills Expo

A practical journey from inspiration to action for NEET youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Features Mindset & Inspiration Sessions, Foundational Skills Workshops, Navigating the System (NYDA, CIPC, SETAs), and an Enabler's Expo Zone.

NEET YouthEntrepreneursNYDA & CIPCEnabler's Expo

Why the Gqeberha Careers & Skills Youth Empowerment Summit Matters

South Africa faces critical skills shortages and youth unemployment. This summit bridges the gap between education and employment — connecting learners and youth directly with employers, training institutions, SETAs, and government departments in the Eastern Cape.

  • Engagement with over 3,000 young people across 2 days
  • 30+ Eastern Cape schools participating
  • 40+ exhibitors from business, education & government
  • Learnerships, bursaries & graduate placements on the spot
  • Disability Pavilion ensuring inclusive participation
  • Entrepreneurship support: NYDA, CIPC, SETAs & local incubators
Youth at career expo in Gqeberha South Africa