Schools & Industry Partnerships
Skills Bridge Conference
One Summit. Four Events.
All Running Concurrently.
The Gqeberha Careers & Skills Youth Empowerment Summit 2026 brings together a Teacher Conference, Career Guidance sessions, an Entrepreneurship Summit, and a Skills Expo — all running simultaneously over both days as a collaborative ecosystem of opportunity.
Day 1 — Conference & Career Expo
Wednesday, 23 June 2026
Day 2 — SMME Forum & Entrepreneurship Skills Expo
Thursday, 24 June 2026
Skills Bridge Conference
The Gqeberha High Schools & Industry Partnerships For Career Guidance Event
This day focuses on strengthening collaboration between schools and industry. It brings together school leaders, educators, higher education institutions, SETAs, and corporate partners to explore practical ways to improve career guidance and learner readiness. Thirty high schools from Gqeberha have been invited to attend, each represented by a principal and a Life Orientation teacher at no cost.
Who Should Attend
Key Highlights
Partnership Commitment Ceremony
Stakeholders formalise support for teacher development and classroom resources.
Educator Resource Packs
Career guidance materials, subject choice support, bursary information and guidance on facilitating industry exposure for learners.
Structured Discussions & Networking
Focused sessions on improving career guidance and building sustainable learner readiness.
Talent Pipeline Building
Corporate partners & SETAs engage directly with schools to build sustainable talent pipelines.
Event Details
| Event Type | Conference & Networking Forum |
| Day | Day 1 — Wednesday, 23 June 2026 |
| Schools Invited | 30 high schools from Gqeberha & Eastern Cape |
| School Representatives | Principal + Life Orientation Teacher (per school) |
| Admission for Schools | No cost — fully covered |
| Commitment Ceremony | Partnership Commitment Ceremony included |
| Educator Resources | Career guidance materials, subject choice support, bursary information |
| Industry Engagement | Corporate partners, SETAs & HEIs engage directly with schools |
| Networking | Structured discussions and networking sessions included |
Skills Expo: Building Capacity for the Future
Across both days, 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, YES Programme opportunities, learnerships, internships, reskilling & upskilling programmes, the Second Chance Matric Programme, and National Youth Service — all designed to support NEET youth and the unemployed into meaningful work and training.
Artisanal & Technical Skills
Vocational training pathways and hands-on technical skills across trades and crafts.
Digital Literacy & 4IR
AI, FinTech, and digital skills programmes equipping youth for the future economy.
Green Technology
Sustainable skills and green economy opportunities for a new generation.
SETA-Accredited Courses
Accredited skills programmes from SETAs covering a wide range of sectors and occupations.
YES Programme
Youth Employment Service opportunities connecting unemployed youth with paid work experience.
Reskilling & Upskilling
Targeted programmes helping NEET youth and the unemployed gain new, in-demand skills.
Learnerships & Internships
Government and private sector structured work experience and learnership opportunities.
Second Chance Matric
Pathways for those who need to complete their school qualification and open new doors.
National Youth Service
NYS opportunities building work experience, community impact and confidence.
Discover. Learn. Connect. Build.
Whether you're recruiting talent, building your brand, or investing in community development — there is a place for you at Nogoza Jebe Hall, Gqeberha.
Join the Conference —
Choose Your Level of Engagement
The Gqeberha Careers & Skills Youth Empowerment Summit conference is designed for school leaders, educators, corporate partners, government officials, and SETAs. Select the registration type that matches your objectives.
Per Person
Attendee
- Full-day access to all conference sessions
- Structured networking opportunities
- Refreshments throughout the day
- Lunch included
Ideal for: School principals, LO educators, corporate delegates, and government officials.
Per Person
Attend and Present
- Full-day access to all conference sessions
- 15-minute presentation slot on the main stage
- Showcase your organisation's work, insights, or research
- Networking opportunities
- Refreshments & lunch included
Ideal for: Organisations wanting to share expertise, position as thought leaders, and engage with educators and corporate delegates.
2 People
Speak, Present & Exhibit
- Two full delegate passes for conference access
- 15-minute presentation slot on the main stage
- 3m × 2m exhibition space in the conference area
- Direct engagement with all delegates
- Refreshments & lunch for both delegates
Ideal for: Organisations wanting to present, recruit, and network — all in one package.
Conference Day — 23 June 2026 (Day 1)
The conference runs on Day 1 alongside the Main Career Expo. School leaders and corporate delegates are invited to a focused leadership dialogue on career guidance and learner readiness. Includes a Partnership Commitment Ceremony.