DURBAN Academy was buzzing with excitement as it welcomed the Rocking Future career expo recently. The unique expo is aimed at inspiring and educating high school learners, specifically matric learners, to make informed decisions regarding their future.

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The Rocking Future career expo is the brainchild of Kay Cheytanov, the rockstar turned entrepreneur. Cheytanov said the expo is more than a career fair, but rather an interactive experience that engages young people on a direct level using music, multimedia and real-life storytelling.

“In 2001 I’d had enough of singing all over the country in pubs and clubs. I needed a new audience, and the inspiration struck one day while driving in my car. I heard an advert on 5FM for The Zone Computer College. The puzzle pieces fell together, and I realised that if I offered schools a motivational show where I would sing and tell my story and combine it with future study options, that I would be able to keep singing and help learners discover different options,” said Cheytanov.

From humble beginnings, the expo has grown tremendously. What once was just 25 schools and four colleges, now spans 240 schools and over 35 000 matric learners before the end of May. The expo features 46 private tertiary institutions and takes on as many as 28 exhibitors in one school.

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At the recent Durban Academy show, learners were entertained with interactive video presentations from colleges and were kept entertained by the jovial MCs. Institutions in the showpiece ranged from arts colleges and IT academies to agricultural and law faculties, showing just how diverse post-school opportunities are.

One of the teachers at Durban Academy praised the event and said the highlights were how well the MCs interact with the learners as well as the presentations by the various institutions.

Cheytanov described the objective as providing learners from each background with access to opportunities that align with their own distinct skills, passions, and aspirations. “We want learners to see that success isn’t a straight line. Life will take you on a journey of discovery and as long as you’re an ever-continuing learner, you’ll always be a winner,” said Cheytanov.

Now in its 24th year, the Rocking Future Career Expo continues to be an important guide for many South African matric learners.

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