Engen, a long-time supporter of education and youth development in South Africa, recently hosted a career guidance workshop to help learners explore exciting career options open to matriculants who excel in STEM subjects.

Staged in association with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), the workshop was held at Austerville Community Hall in Wenworth on 6 August 2022.

Two hundred Grade 12 leaners from Wentworth, Ganges, Hillview and Umlazi, all of whom are enrolled on the Engen Maths and Science School (EMSS) programme, were in attendance.  

The EMSS programme has run for over 30 years and offers grade 10-12 learners from underprivileged backgrounds free supplementary Maths, Science, Technology and English tuition on Saturdays at ten locations across South Africa, including four in Durban.

The programme focuses on extra tuition in mathematics and science; subjects which are considered critical in addressing South Africa’s technical and engineering skills shortage as well as spurring economic growth and development. 

Explains Engen’s Manager of Transformation and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr James Xolani Nyawera: “EMSS seeks to harness the potential of talented young people in difficult circumstances and to contribute to the pool of scarce skills in the country.

“The programme is central to Engen’s efforts to contribute to the growth and transformation of South Africa, and it works tirelessly to help transform young underprivileged people’s lives, with a focus of creating a diverse and vibrant workforce,” he adds.

Supplementary tuition is provided to approximately 1 800 under-privileged Grade 10-12 learners across South Africa through the EMSS programme every year.

In addition, to continue attracting and growing talented young minds, Engen also offers a bursary programme, which aims to develop future experts and business leaders.  

In 2021, Engen invested R11.9 million in Learnerships and Bursaries. 

Furthermore, as a company that is passionate about progress and who seeks to provide opportunities for talented young adults to explore new horizons, Engen’s Graduate Development Programme offers recent graduates valuable work experience across a broad range of business functions.  

“It is Engen’s reward to help set talented people up to pursue stimulating careers that won’t only benefit them personally, but also their families and the broader economy of South Africa,” continues Nyawera.

“As a company, we also want to ensure that the youth of tomorrow have the right mix of skills to prepare them for a rapidly changing world.”

Engen Maths and Science Schools are based in Cape Town (with classes held at Belgravia and Manzombotho High), and in Port Elizabeth, East London, Cala and Johannesburg. In KwaZulu-Natal classes sit at four locations, namely: Fairvale High School, Ganges High School, Howard College, and Mangosuthu University of Technology.