University Kick Start Roadshow Prepares Higher Education Students with Job Market Skills

With unemployment rates in South Africa still on the rise as the job market continues to become increasingly more competitive, having a grasp of basic practical skills can help propel job seekers forward in their quests for employment.

The University Kick Start Roadshow is leading the charge to bridge the gap between education and employment with their nationwide initiative equipping students with the practical skills they need to confidently transition into the workspace.

The roadshow is stopping by over 15 universities and colleges across South Africa during August and September 2026, reaching over 10 000 students through engaging, practical and interactive career readiness sessions.

University Kick Start Roadshow | What's on in Joburg

Learn practical skills with the University Kick Start Roadshow

Founded by co-founder of Motsepe Advertising Boitumelo Motsepe, the University Kick Start Roadshow was created in response to a challenge experienced by many graduates: leaving university academically qualified, but without the practical knowledge needed to secure employment and build successful careers.

Unlike traditional career talks, the University Kick Start Roadshow is designed as an interactive experience, combining practical learning, live demonstrations, competitions, giveaways and direct engagement with industry professionals and leading brands.

Rather than focusing solely on qualifications, the initiative helps students develop basic skills that a variety of employers tend to look for, such as:

Professional CV development
Building a compelling portfolio
Personal branding and professional presence
Networking strategies
Job application guidance
AI-powered career tools and workplace readiness
Professional communication and email etiquette

Bringing organisations directly to students

The initiative also provides organisations with a meaningful platform to invest in youth development while building authentic connections with South Africa’s future workforce.

Corporate partners have the opportunity to participate through campus activations, product sampling, career-focused brand engagement, skills development initiatives and graduate recruitment visibility.

The campaign welcomes strategic partners from a range of industries including financial services, automotive, telecommunications, FMCG, retail, technology, education and professional services that share a commitment to empowering South Africa’s next generation of professionals.

By bringing together universities, businesses and students, the campaign aims not only to prepare graduates for employment, but to inspire confidence, unlock opportunity and contribute towards building a more work-ready generation.