When industry meets youth

On October 14, the conference hall of Université des Mascareignes buzzed with a special kind of energy. Company logos, laughter, and firm handshakes filled the air - industry had a date with youth. For the second consecutive year, Eclosia, through its Horizon Industrie initiative, brought together seven of its companies for a Job Fair held in collaboration with the university. The goal: to bridge the gap between technical professions and the talents of tomorrow.

From the very first words of Dr. Radhakrishna Somanah, Director General of the university, the tone was set. “This project is unique in Mauritius. There is genuine trust between Université des Mascareignes and Eclosia - and without trust, nothing can move forward,” he emphasized, while saluting the Group’s vision and consistency. A strong alliance, built on the conviction that the country’s industrial future depends on training, hands-on experience, and human connection.

For her part, Belinda Rault, Group Talent Manager at Eclosia, reminded the audience of the event’s true purpose. “We believe in Mauritian youth - in your passion, curiosity, and energy. We’d rather see you grow alongside us than have to look elsewhere.” Behind this statement lies a clear ambition: to restore pride to technical careers and create genuine pathways to employment.

Around the booths, seven of the Group’s worlds were represented: Avipro Farming, Livestock Feed, Maurilait Productions, New Maurifoods, Panagora Marketing, PPI Packaging, and Reneworld - all driven by the same spark of innovation and Mauritian know-how.

Students were quick to seize the opportunity. Andraina Rabenjalinoro, a second-year electromechanical engineering student, observed attentively: “I’m gathering information and will see which company best matches my ambitions. I’ve already done an internship at LFL - it was very instructive.” For first-year students Alsira Louise and Wafaa Emanuck, the timing couldn’t be better. “It’s a real advantage to talk directly with company representatives. It helps us picture our future.”

On the company side, the enthusiasm was mutual. “The students ask a lot of questions - it’s great to see their curiosity,” said Umresh Ramyead of Avipro, with a smile. “Last year, we hired two young people from this event. This year, we’re again looking for technicians and installers,” added Preshant Varjangbhay, Operations Manager at Reneworld. Nicolas Nayna from New Maurifoods noted amusingly, “They know our products, but today they’re discovering that we’re the ones who make them!”

As the conversations unfolded, one truth became clear: industry needs talent, and talent seeks meaning. Horizon Industrie succeeds in creating that simple yet vital connection between the academic world and real-world experience.