As you end your school career, you might feel a little overwhelmed about planning your future. What career field should you enter? Where should you study? How long will it be before you qualify? How much will it cost to get your qualifications?
The St. Mark Anglican Church North Riding and Beyond Matric Career Conversations non-profit organisation want to help schoolchildren find the answers. On 14 April, they will be hosting a public Careers Day at Sharonlea Primary School from 10am until 2pm.
“This day plays a very big role in provoking thoughts around career choices for young people,” explained Unathi Mhlope of Beyond Matric Career Conversations. “We want to start these conversations early and empower them with information that will bring some clarity in terms of what is available out there versus what young people’s passions and strengths are.”
The day is open to the public and is aimed mostly at Grade 11s and 12s. Mhlope says that the organisation wants young people to start doing research and figure out what their aspirations are, in order to start planning for their future.
About 200 schoolchildren are expected on the day from neighbouring parts of Johannesburg. A number of universities, technical and vocational education and training colleges and private tertiary institutions will be present as well to answer questions and provide more information.
“Beyond Matric Career Conversations is an initiative that seeks to create alignment between the job sector, the higher education and the schools in order for the learners to be guided properly in terms of future career paths,” added Mhlope.
“If we expose them to a variety of institutions, this will assist in changing the perception that every child must go to university which put pressure on universities and results in a lot of learners taking courses they never wanted to do.”
The event is free to schoolchildren and there will also be prizes given away during the event to encourage interaction between the learners and the institutions.
The organisers are also still looking for more institutions of higher learning to take part on the day, and those willing to participate are welcome to contact Beyond Matric Career Conversations using the details below.
Details: careersexpoprojects@gmail.com; 083 592 5098 or the Beyond Matric Career Conversations Facebook page.
