Grade 9 marks an incredible milestone for South African learners, during this school year the young learners are tasked with picking the academic subjects that they will adopt for the remainder of their secondary school journey (Grades 10-12). These subjects have a great bearing on the courses that they are eligible for in their tertiary studies and the potential careers that they will pursue.
The current offerings that broadly exist for career guidance in South African schools, generally target higher grades, such as Grade 11 and 12, and neglect this crucial opportunity to assist Grade nine learners with making this life-changing decision.
So, it is with this prospect in mind that the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Community Engagement recently partnered with the Faculty of Health Sciences and Student Counselling: Career Resource Office to host Career Guidance Workshops for the Grade 9 learners in the community of Cato Manor.
The workshop sought to equip the Grade 9 learners with the tools to start engaging with the thoughts of choosing a career, allowing them to select their subjects confidently.
These events were the first of their kind for the team, as they generally cater career guidance workshops for older learners. However the workshops were well received and highlighted the importance of having career guidance and career exposure for learners below Grades 11 and 12.
Close to 500 learners were part of these exciting workshops which were hosted at Mayville Secondary and Chesterville Secondary respectively.
The workshops started with introductions and welcome from the DUT Team and local social partner, the Umkhumbane Schools Project (USP). Thereafter, Ms Sindisiwe Dlamini and Ms Phumzile Monageng from the Career Resource Office provided guidance on how learners can choose the right career given their personalities, aptitudes and interests. Mr Zamani Mayeza of the Faculty of Health Sciences expanded on the qualifications and offerings that exist for learners at DUT, whilst also providing motivation and encouragement to the young learners.
These workshops were a pilot initiative in the Community Engagement Career Guidance Programme and the plan is to extend to more schools in the coming years, also with plans to include an aptitude assessment for learners.
The teachers at both schools were incredibly receptive and shared their heartfelt gratitude for being included in the programme. “We are so grateful to DUT for this experience. This year, our Grade 9s will be selecting their subjects for Grade 10. It is important for them to start thinking about their careers and their futures,” explained Mrs Dlamini, Grade 9 Head of Department (HoD) at Chesterville Secondary.
Pictured: Staff from the Umkhumbane Schools Project, DUT Team pictured with teachers from Chesterville Secondary School
Tracy Khuzwayo