September 2025.

In a region where access to career guidance and post-school opportunities is often limited, a newly launched initiative is paving the way for community learners. The recent Career Expo hosted at Loeriesfontein High School has opened doors to future possibilities and helped reshape how young people in these communities view their potential.

Funded by Loeriesfontein and Khobab Wind Farms, the expo was the first of its kind in Loeriesfontein, reaching 120 learners from across five local schools in the Hantam and Karoo Hoogland regions. The event provided learners with the opportunity to interact with representatives from two universities, two TVET colleges, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and two representatives from the Maintenance and Operations Department of the Wind Farms, empowering learners with the tools and knowledge they need to take ownership of their futures.

“In areas like ours, learners don’t always have the resources or exposure to make informed decisions about life after matric. This expo gave them clarity, motivation, and a real sense that there are options beyond what they see around them,” said Jacques Klaaste, Principal of Loeriesfontein High School.

By addressing critical gaps in career awareness and tertiary education access, the initiative aligns closely with the wind farms’ broader goals of supporting education, socio-economic upliftment, and long-term community development.

“We believe that exposing young people at this stage of their journey, to career options, has long-term benefits not only for the individual learners and their families, but also for their communities. It’s about laying the foundation for a more skilled, hopeful, and economically active generation. As more young people are exposed to the available post-matric options available in terms of skills and qualifications, many are likely to undertake these and possibly return and contribute to local economic growth,” said Vanessa Fredericks, Economic Development Manager for Loeriesfontein and Khobab Wind Farms.

By bringing learners together from two regions, the Career Expo not only strengthens community ties but also fosters a shared commitment to youth development. Over time, the expo is expected to create a pipeline of motivated learners who plan their futures early, inspired by the success stories of peers who have gone on to pursue tertiary studies or build successful careers.