The Somerset West Public library recently hosted a Career Expo to inform pupils on a variety of career options available in job industries, and the field of studies required at tertiary institutions to be equipped and trained for these professions.
Pupils walked through the expo area and collected valuable information such as course leaflets and prospectus from the tertiary institutions present, and could speak to and ask questions to representatives of institutions stationed at the information tables.
At the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) information stand, pupils could gain information on study courses available at the institution from Grant Barends, from the CPUT marketing and communications department.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) exhibitor stand had the expertise of NSRI volunteer Lezhae Snyders and Technical Officer from NSRI Head Office, Grizelda Cupido present to assist with information and answer any questions.
In addition to providing pupils with information on career opportunities within the organisation, Ms Snyders said pupils were briefed on water and beach safety programmes presented by the NSRI.
Information booklets, and NSRI educational items containing the NSRI emergency contact numbers were distributed to pupils visiting the stand.
At the Education Library and Information Service (EduLis) of the Western Cape Education Department stand, EduLis official Ntombozuko Makana said it’s essential for pupils to be provided with career information and for them as EduLis employees to go out to schools and talk to pupils about career options.
“Students showed interested in engineering and Artificial Intelligence careers, so from our department we know exactly what info to share with them and to advise them,” she said, in answer to which career fields students present showed the most interest in.
She expressed a desire to reach more schools, shifting the focus more to those in the lower high school grades.
“The problem is we tend to target career expos at Grade 11 and 12 learners, but our focus should be on the Grade 9’s as they are the ones who need to make their subject choices in Grade 10 and this information is vital in order for them to select the correct subjects wisely,” she added.
Her colleague, education specialist, Mkhumbuzi Mabodoko, added one of the more exciting and evolving additions to their career presentations is the use of AI in the various professions.
“We also showed them how AI is incorporated into careers and how to use it ethically.”
Grade 9 pupils from Gordon High School browsing through the stands shared their career aspirations. Bianca Fortuin, from Zola, Strand said: “I love children and helping to ensure that they are kept safe, so I want to study to become a social worker or a psychologist.”
Another student, Jasmine Skippers from Chris Nissen Park, Strand, shared her aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur and to start her own business in the construction industry.
Other exhibitors included Boston College, Boland College, Helderberg Stroke Support, Community Arts and Culture Department, Library and Information Services and Oasis Training Centre.
