The ICES exhibition and outreach showcased research activities and community energy projects conducted under the Waste-to-Energy Engaged Scholarship. The programme highlighted technical displays, demonstrations, and teaching sessions, as well as career pathways and the social impact of our work. Day 1 focused on high school learners, while Day 2 targeted post high school students and graduates.

The event convened employers, higher education institutions, training providers, government departments, private sector organisations, and community stakeholders to offer career guidance, employment opportunities, skills‑development information, and networking. Over three days, the event attracted 1,684 public attendees, 278 exhibitors, and 33 staff and service providers, for a total of 1,995 participants. Schools attending were primarily from northern Pretoria and parts of the North West province.

Interacting with matric learners during the first day of the exhibition

21 July - Career Exhibition

The target audience on the day was high scholars with majority of them being in matric. The team focused on real life application of the research conducted at ICES and real-world application through the Waste-to-Energy Engaged Scholarship. The team brought a biodigester display, that show how biogas can be integrated in a community and help society. Another display was a lemon battery experiment, where 3 lemons, zinc nails as anode and copper wire as the cathode with the citric acid of the lemon juice acting as electrolyte and attached to a light bulb. The learners were expose to science in action and how it can be applied in their world. The exhibition was a chance to encourage young people that are in the process of selecting qualifications to pursue to take on sciences and tell them what opportunities are available at UNISA. The learners were also taken through the admission requirements for qualifications offered at CSET and what the expectations and career paths for people with the background.

23 July – Job fair

Day 2 focused specifically on graduates—particularly those with science, engineering, and technical backgrounds—highlighting how they can advance their careers within CSET. The team presented detailed information on career opportunities, learnerships, internships, graduate programmes, and short-course training available through CSET, and explained application routes and selection criteria. Attendees engaged directly with staff, asked targeted questions about role expectations and technical career progression, and collected guidance on upskilling options and professional development pathways.

We also provided comprehensive information on postgraduate study options at UNISA, including programme requirements, entry routes, and how specific master's and advanced diploma programmes can build on graduates’ existing qualifications to improve employability and research prospects. Overall, the session aimed to equip recent science graduates with clear, actionable steps to advance academically and professionally within the energy and research sectors.