The Faculty of Engineering is equipping students with a valuable head start in the world of work through its innovative Virtual Industry Tour initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry insight.

Developed to strengthen the quality and competitiveness of graduates, the initiative exposes students early in their academic journey to how industries operate, how engineers contribute and what skills are required to succeed. With many graduates entering complex, globally connected sectors, this kind of practical understanding is increasingly essential.

A key feature of the initiative is the opportunity for students to engage directly with alumni and industry experts. Through conversations, shared resources and feedback, students gain first-hand insight into a range of sectors, including renewable energy, e-mobility, manufacturing, civil and mechanical design, as well as South Africa’s commercial satellite and unmanned aerial vehicle industry, and the biomedical device lifecycle. This interaction not only deepens their understanding of a chosen field but also helps them build confidence and professional networks.

Following a successful pilot in mid-2025, the Engineering Faculty launched a competition from December 2025 to January 2026, challenging students to create a 45 to 60 minute Virtual Industry Tour. These tours required students to explore an industry in depth, covering its structure, the role of engineers, key insights from their research and reflections on their learning process, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The competition attracted strong participation and showcased impressive creativity and depth of engagement. Some of the top entries, including winning presentations, can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL44jVuK9YYJ2Aa9GAdjkn5GssxyiJL1MC. 

The top performers were:

• First place: Taahir Govender
• Second place: Elizabeth Montgomery
• Third place: Daisy Ndebele

Prizes, sponsored jointly by the Engineering Faculty and Advisory Board member Dr Andy Calitz, were awarded as follows: R20 000 for first place, R10 000 for second place and R5 000 for third place.

Beyond recognising excellence, the initiative plays a significant role in developing critical workplace skills. Students were required to present their work on video, strengthening their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and professionally.

According to Dr Calitz, the initiative helps students stand out even before entering the job market. “A student who can demonstrate that they already understand an industry shows up so much stronger in an interview,” he says. “Even if they later move into a different field, the way of thinking about industries can be applied again and again.”

Second-place winner Elizabeth Montgomery echoed this sentiment, highlighting both the professional and personal growth she experienced. “It encouraged me to reach out to industry professionals and gave me valuable insight into the world waiting for me beyond university,” she says. “The experience taught me patience, communication and how to coordinate multiple tasks at once. Preparing the final presentation also challenged me to think carefully about how to balance and communicate information clearly.”

The Virtual Industry Tour initiative not only strengthens ties between the Engineering Faculty and industry but also equips students with a structured way of analysing industries, to prepare graduates who are not only technically strong, but also industry ready.

The Engineering Faculty aims to expand the initiative further in future, increasing industry participation and student reach.