AgriSETA Career Summit in Bushbuckridge stresses importance of agriculture and civil engineering
The 500 Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners who attended the summit were also informed about the available funding opportunities.
At the AgriSETA Career Summit, almost 500 learners from Grades 10 to 12 of various schools were advised about careers in agriculture and civil engineering, as well as the available funding opportunities.
The event took place at the Ehlanzeni TVET College’s Mapulaneng Campus on February 25. It was a collaboration between the college, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, and the Office of the Premier.
Speaking at the event, the MEC for education, Cathy Dlamini, expressed her concern over the shortage of learners who pursue careers in the above-mentioned fields.
“Our province is primarily rural and known for its agricultural strength, scenic beauty and tourism potential. It has more than five million citizens, of whom most are the youth. In our schooling system there are about 1.3 million learners enrolled this year.
“It is, therefore, concerning to learn there is a decline in the number of learners pursuing careers in agriculture and civil engineering. This is particularly disturbing considering the positive impact these fields of study offers in addressing the pressing challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.”
According to Dlamini, civil engineering and agriculture play a pivotal role in the advancement of the province’s economy and growth. “Agriculture not only ensures food security, but also creates jobs and sustains livelihoods. Civil engineering, with its focus on infrastructure development, is pivotal for building a sustainable and thriving economy.”
Dlamini said the education sector is faced with the challenge of having to clear the notion that to be successful, one must fit into a certain mould.
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“The outdated notion that success in education and career is only for those who wear a white shirt and a tie, often associated with the so-called ‘white collar’ jobs, must be challenged. In today’s digital age, we also have an unprecedented opportunity to use current communication tools, especially social media, to engage with the youth and evoke interest in agriculture and engineering,” she said.
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In line with the National Skills Development Plan 2030, the summit stressed the importance of accessible career development services for learners in rural areas.
Ehlanzeni TVET College’s principal, Elias Mbuyane, reiterated the institution’s dedication to promoting careers in agriculture by working closely with Setas to ensure learners receive relevant and high-quality education.
“Two of our campuses offer primary agriculture and farming management programmes, which remain open to community members seeking to acquire essential skills in the agricultural sector,” Mbuyane said.
The Career Summit was also attended by Seta authorities, industry employers, higher education institutions, agricultural colleges and TVET institutions.
