Cultivating fertile ground for a blooming career
The process of choosing a career is detailed and complex – and possibly the most important decision of a young person’s life.
The process of choosing a career is detailed and complex – and possibly the most important decision of a young person’s life.
It starts with self-knowledge of interests, values, likes, knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses and understanding the economy.
Most young people leave school with only a vague knowledge of career opportunities, which leads to a high incidence of drop-outs, a high failure rate, negative attitudes and ultimately a ruined future – both for the individual and the economy of the country.
To help address this need, the My Future, My Career programme helps learners to proactively explore and take full advantage of the career opportunities that exist for them.
More importantly, the sessions enable the learners to discover the academic as well as personality requirements for each career while giving them a better understanding of what to expect in the world of work.
This impactful intervention encourages learners to take charge of their destiny, cultivate their interests and work hard at ensuring they reach their desired goals.
“AECI operates in multi-disciplinary sectors such as mining, water treatment, agriculture, food and beverage, infrastructure and general industry.
“The AECI Group Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Fund is a proud partner to the My Future, My Career, which continues to make a positive impact on the lives of young learners and enables them to make informed career decisions. This in line with the AECI CSI Fund’s objective to improve educational outcomes through learner development,” said Nicole Solomon, AECI Group Community Development Programmes specialist.
Millicent Maroga, the head of the Old Mutual Foundation, comments: “Old Mutual is proud to support the Primestar’s My Future, My Career programme. We are supporting the programme for the second year in a row as we believe that through good advice, one can make informed decisions about their careers, finances and general life choices.
“Through our involvement in this programme, we hope to expose many young people to professions such as actuarial science and fund management, which are in demand in our sector and not well known among the youth.
“The world of work is changing and it’s important that when young people think of their careers think not only of being employed but they think of being employers themselves and be open to changing their careers throughout their lives.”
WDBIH’S CEO, Faith Khanyile, said: “The Women’s Development Bank Investment Holdings is once again honoured to be associated with the My Future, My Career programme. If South Africa is going to move forward economically, we need to invest in our young people. The development of the youth is at the very heart of WDB’s values, and this programme gives learners the support and knowledge to choose a brighter future and transform their lives in a meaningful way.”
The My Future, My Career programme is rolling out from May 6 until June 10 at selected SterKinekor cinemas across the country to over 15 000 learners in Grades Nine to 12.
The screenings comprise of more than 115 career choices available across 14 industries such as health services, banking and finance, tourism and hospitality, construction, law, education, transport, logistics and distribution, accounting, environment, communications, mining and engineering.
Establishing and maintaining new partnerships to increase the programme’s footprint throughout South Africa remains the partners’ main priority.
The My Future, My Career programme is supported by AECI, AVI, Old Mutual, Tsogo Sun, Women’s Development Bank Investment Holdings, Regenesys Business School, Kulula.com, Gearhouse, Proudly South African and the government.
