On Friday, 14 February 2025, the Boland College, Paarl Campus, proudly hosted the Department of Human Settlements for a career exhibition aimed at school learners and students pursuing Civil and Building Construction. Under the theme “Exposing Youth to Career and Economic Opportunities in the Sector,” the event provided valuable insights into the built environment and its vast career possibilities.

The morning began with an air of excitement as Boland College Council Chairperson, Mr. Neil Jansen, College Principal, Mr. Charles Goodwin, and SRC President, Ms. Chantell Vraagom, extended a warm welcome to two distinguished guests—Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Hon. Tandi Mahambehlala, and Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Steve Letsike. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to empowering youth through education and career development.

The exhibition featured various stakeholders from the built environment sector, showcasing career opportunities and pathways available to young people. In addition to the exhibits, panel discussions explored critical industry topics, giving attendees a deeper understanding of the future of construction, urban development, and sustainability.

Boland College was well-represented on the panel, with two of its own making an impact. Ms. Rene Phillips, a Level 3 student in Civil and Building Construction, shared her experiences in the field, offering an authentic perspective on studying and working in the industry. Following her, Ms. Sandrine Ngombond-Chetty, Programme Manager: I.T. and Robotics presented on “Smart & Sustainable Cities: How Youth Can Shape the Future.” She explored questions such as:

• What makes a city “smart” and “sustainable”?
• How can students contribute to making their communities greener?
• The role of technology, AI, and the future of urban planning.

Learners from Desmond Tutu High School as well as our own Civil and Building Construction students gained valuable insights from these discussions, leaving with a broader understanding of the career paths available in the built environment. Their principal, Mr. Tsewu, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, noting that without exposure to critical career information, young people might miss out on life-changing opportunities.

Hosting this event was a great honour for Boland College, reaffirming its commitment to equipping youth with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the ever-evolving construction and urban development sectors. The day was not just about learning—it was about shaping the future leaders of the built environment.