As STG Consulting Enterprise we have a programme in secondary schools which address Career Guidance and Life Orientation. The aim of the programme is to bring positive change and shaping learners to make informed decisions about their careers.
The learners had a chance to choose two careers of their choice by filling in a form provided to them by STG Consulting Enterprise, they listed two different careers one becoming their first choice and also the other one their second choice. After we have gathered all that information from leaners, as STG Consulting Enterprise we facilitated a Career Day on the 13th of April at Phumelela Secondary School for grade 10, 11 and 12’s
We requested professionals from different careers to come on the day and address learners according to their profession, explaining to the leaners what it takes to be in that field, the requirements they should obtain from high school and also the importance of the career choice to be in accordance to one’s personality and character. The following are the 7 professionals which were available on the day and shared their practical knowledge of the career, this is what the professionals had to say after their session:
- Engineering – Zanele Dumane, She indicated that most of the leaners think that Engineering is all about earning a high salary. Some were not aware of how broad Engineering is, and that you can actually study for it and have your own company instead of working for a certain company. She also encouraged them to study hard from grade 10, and do well in all their subjects.
- Architecture – Phethego Sibeko, The sessions with the learners were divided into 2 (Pictures and Theory). They were unaware of how broad this field is, the learners asked questions and some were open minded.
- Traffic Officer – Mr Nkosi, He alluded that the field is not too intellectual. You must not have a criminal record, you must have a driver’s license, you must have a matric certificate then you will be taken to a college for a year. The learners were very interested, and he is grateful that the programme had taken place.
- Chef – Noxolo Ncube, The learners were not aware of the theory part they thought it is about the practical’sq only. She was asked very interesting questions by the learners, some of the questions were about the Chef’s uniform and she mentioned that their uniform does have a meaning. Another interesting part she mentioned it is that, the industry is full of male chefs. She also advised them to be careful of the colleges because some are not registered.
- Social Work – Nontokozo Shakwane and Nonhlanhla Nhlapo, They had an interesting session with the learners, they interacted very well. However they couldn’t give the learners the exact percentage for the University entrance because they change every year, and they differ from the Universities.
- Law – Trisha Latchminarain, the attendees were seriously interested in what was said to them. They asked about the university entrance and how much it will cost them to study for this field.
- Doctor – Dr Mashifane, He explained everything in relation to any Medical field and also the importance of studying hard when wanting to pursue this career. Everything went well and the learners engaged with him.
- Nkangala FET College – The learners were open minded to an extent that they asked information for their siblings sitting at homes. Most of them were interested in accounting studies. She suggested that we shift the learners from the mind-set of the 8am to 5pm careers, but draw their minds to business plans instead of Cv’s.
The principal, Mr Daniel Makuse and the teachers were very happy with the feedback from
the stakeholders and also for availing themselves for such a programme without expecting
any money from the school. The school requested that we make this event an annual event,
make it a culture because it is really beneficial.
As the STG team we are very much humbled by the response from the teachers, the learners
and also from the professionals. This was our very first Career Day that we hosted, but it was
a success and future leaders were empowered.
Career Guidance is very much essential for learners as it encourages them to have focus and
motivated, it also help them to know and understand the importance of studying.
“Education is a powerful weapon that you can use to change the world” by the late Dr.
Nelson Mandela
“It Begins With A Single Step”
