TO ensure pupils make the right career choices, the Department of Education in the North West partnered with various partners to give 43 schools a platform to learn more about career opportunities.
More than 40 000 pupils in the Moses Kotane areas attended the four-day career exhibition held at Sun City Resort from 19-22 September.
The partnership with the department, Moses Kotane Local Municipality, local mines and Sun City Resort allows them to interact with institutions of higher learning and potential employers.
Reatlegile Koloi from Tlhatlhaganyene said the day was insightful as they learnt more about the pressures of higher learning and facing the real world.
She said there were so many career paths they were not exposed to in rural areas.
Another pupil, Goitseone Mosia from Tshuduku High School, said the knowledge they gained will prevent them from making wrong choices.
“It starts by choosing the right subjects. I learnt that when choosing a career, you need to consider your interests and passion,” she said.
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Subject specialist from Moses Kotane sub-district, Ntleleng Ramasodi, said the Department of Education wants to enhance teaching and learning and ensure that learners make the right career choices.
Ramasodi said the main objective was to establish a science centre in the area.
"We are already in the process of implementing the plan
“Learners make wrong career choices. They end up not securing jobs. The exhibition aims to ensure they know which careers are in demand and what requirements will be needed," Ramasodi said.
Tebogo Mokgejane, Sun City Resort socio-economic development and stakeholder engagement manager, said they want to encourage pupils to take advantage of the careers they have.
“To fight the high unemployment rate, learners must be made aware of careers that are in demand. They should also know that performing well is a key factor to qualifying for their desired fields of study," Mokgejane said.