Ahead of Youth Month, long-time supporter of education and youth development, Engen recently hosted career guidance workshops to help learners explore exciting career options open to matriculants who excel in STEM subjects. 

In association with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), the workshop sessions were held at Manzomthombo Secondary School on 21 May and Belgravia Secondary School on 28 May and were open to all Grade 10-12 leaners enrolled on the Engen Maths and Science School (EMSS) programme. 

Engen Maths and Science Schools have run for over 30 years and offer grade 10-12 learners from underprivileged backgrounds free supplementary Maths, Science, Technology and English tuition on Saturdays at ten locations across South Africa. 

The EMSS programme focuses specifically on providing extra tuition in ‘gateway’ subjects such as mathematics and science; subjects which are considered critical in addressing the country’s technical and engineering skills shortage as well as spurring economic growth and development.  

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

“Kicking off 34 years ago, EMSS remains central to Engen’s efforts to contribute to the growth and transformation of South Africa, with the programme working 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. 

To continue attracting and growing talented young minds, Engen also offers a bursary programme, which aims to develop our countries future experts and leaders.   

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

Furthermore, as a company that is passionate about progress and 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.   

Ivershini Reddy, Engen’s General Manager: Human Resources, explains: “It is Engen’s ultimate 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. 

“Engen remains committed to building tomorrow’s leaders and if we want to ensure that the youth of tomorrow are prepared for a rapidly changing world, we need to ensure that they have the right mix of skills for them to reach their full potential,” adds Reddy. 

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.