The Eastern Cape Department of Education recently held a Career Exhibition at Willowvale Stadium as part of motivating and encouraging learners on career pathing.

The two day career expo saw learners from 16 local secondary schools within the Willowvale area, fully attended by industry specialists who advised and equipped them with information on their career pathing. According to the study conducted by the Education department, ‘the lack of information to learners, as to which subjects to choose when they start grade 10 is the result on why they fail subjects, and it also has a direct effect on the career their path to follow’.

Primarily, the focus of this career exhibition was to bring accessible resources to learners and get more information. Amongst the attending learners was a 15 year old boy, Eyona Toto from Nqabarha Senior Secondary school. This grade 10 learner appreciated the initiative by the department to bring opportunity closer of this nature, even to rural learners.

“I am pleased by the effort of the department to help us to choose our careers wisely. Life Orientation is not in depth in teaching us about these things, being here is more practical than the theory we are thought at school”, said Toto.

While Xolisizwe Senior Secondary school Life Orientation educator, Mbeleki Nangamso welcomed this career exhibition and hopes it will inspire attending learners. “I’m sure this will have a positive impact on their studies and help them choose subjects that are in line with the choice of career pathing. Events like this give learners courage to go back to their schools and study harder so they can pass with high marks”, added Mbeleki.

While this event had exhibitors from various organizations like the South African Defence Force (SANDF), Fort Hare University, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) including the Education, Training and Development Practices (ETDP-SETA).  ETDP-SETA Skills Advisor, Sandiswa Pantshwa explained that their programs on offer include bursaries and learnerships that are beneficial to the learners. “Learners get bursaries for their performance academically that are available in their districts. These are available for those who apply at the beginning of the year when they are accepted at the universities”, said Pantshwa.

Cluster Chief Co-ordinator, Thembani Mtyida who represented the MEC Mandla Makupula in this event encouraged all attending learners to utilize this opportunity for their development. “One of the main purposes of choosing this area for a career expo, is that villages hardly get an opportunity to have events like these as they are normally held in urban arears. Career choice plays a big role in our schools, learners will benefit a lot here and the department will continue to do this,” concluded Mtyida.