Learners in Grade 9 need to consider carefully the subjects they study at school, and the post-school options they intend to pursue.
Services SETA is participating in a weeklong career exhibition at two of Nkangala District’s secondary schools in Mpumalanga, giving Grade 9 learners the opportunity to ask questions about the different career options available to them.
The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) visited Alex Benjamin Secondary School and Kwazamokuhle Secondary School on the second day of the career exhibition, to engage with Grade 9 learners on the topic of career planning.
They should be aware that the choices they make at the end of Grade 9 can influence the study and career opportunities available to them.
Here are the main things learners should know about career guidance for Grade 9 learners.
Why career guidance matters at the end of Grade 9
Phindile Sibeko of Services SETA spoke to learners during the career exhibition, explaining the importance of providing career guidance to Grade 9 learners.
During this period, learners are beginning to make decisions which can determine which senior secondary subjects they will study and, subsequently, the post-school options which will be open to them.
It is important to provide learners with career guidance at this stage, so that they understand how their school subjects relate to different fields of study and work.
Learners who are still unsure of what they would like to do after matric can benefit from receiving career guidance at this stage, because once they leave school they may not have time to carefully research all the options.
Learners see there are many pathways post-school
One of the most important messages at the career exhibition was that university study is not the only option for post-school study and work.
Learners were given the opportunity to explore the different education and skills development options available to them, including the opportunities which exist in TVET colleges and skills development.
This is vital information for learners who may have assumed that university education is the only way to achieve a successful career.
Nonkululeko Hlatshwayo from Alex Benjamin Secondary School explained that one of the biggest insights she gained from the career exhibition is that there are alternative post-school paths besides going to university.
The Grade 9 learner explained that TVET colleges are a good place where young people can also achieve their dreams.
“TVET colleges are also institutions where dreams can be achieved.”
Her comments are an example of the practical benefit which career exhibitions can have for learners who are considering their options for the future.
Learner subject choices should be informed by career guidance
When it comes to choosing which school subjects to continue with in senior secondary, the options may seem far-removed from the job market.
However, learners should bear in mind that the subjects they choose to study in Grades 10 and 11 will have a bearing on the type of qualifications they gain, and consequently the types of work they will be able to do.
Learners do not have to decide which career they want to pursue in Grade 9.
In fact, this is a good opportunity for learners to discover what they are interested in, and investigate the requirements for that particular career.
Where particular qualifications require certain subjects to have been done at school, learners can use this information to determine how they should plan their school subjects.
Learners can use this stage to determine what interests them and then consult teachers, parents, career advisers or other reliable sources of information about how to achieve their goals.
TVET colleges are part of South Africa’s post-school system
TVET colleges are a major player in South Africa’s post-school system, offering programmes which develop practical and occupational skills.
For learners whose career goals are more suited to a hands-on approach, a TVET college may offer the best pathway.
However, learners should carefully investigate the requirements for the TVET programme they are interested in, and find out whether it will give them the qualification they need to pursue their chosen career.
TVET colleges are part of South Africa’s post-school education and training system, which offers learners a wide range of options.
Skills development is central to future jobs
Skills developments is a factor which young people should be considering more and more, as the South African labour market places increasing emphasis on skills.
However, this means that learners need to understand what skills are needed in a particular field of work in order to ensure that they are able to acquire them.
One effective way to approach this is to ask these key questions:
- What career am I interested in?
- What school subjects can help me to pursue this career?
- What qualification do I need to do this career?
- Can I study at a university, TVET or other type of institution?
- What skills will I need to do this career?
- Are there opportunities for workplace-based learning in this field?
- What funding options are available to help me to study?
Using this approach, learners can develop a realistic view of the education and training requirements for the careers which interest them.
Career guidance helps learners avoid assumptions when choosing schools
When young people make decisions without the right information, it can have an impact on their future.
It is important for learners to ask questions and receive reliable information about the options they are considering.
One of the advantages of a career exhibition is that learners can ask questions and learn about the different options without having to worry about application deadlines or the subject choices for the following year.
This is particularly important for Grade 9 learners, because it is still early in their schooling careers.
No one is expecting them to have a firm idea of where they want to go after matric, but they do need to understand that they need to be planning ahead.
Career exhibitions can play a very important role in this process.
Benefits of school career exhibitions
The career exhibition recently held in Nkangala District demonstrates how post-school education and skills development information can be brought to learners.
For schools, career exhibitions can be an important addition to the career guidance which they provide to their learners.
For learners, they are a valuable opportunity to learn more about institutions, occupations and skills development which may be new to them.
Essentially, career exhibitions can help to ensure that learners make informed decisions about their options while there is still time for them to plan.
Next steps for Grade 9 learners
If you are still deciding which career to pursue, here are some things you can do to help you make an informed decision.
Research careers: Find out what different occupations are available and what qualifications they require.
Check subject requirements: Find out whether the careers which interest you require particular school subjects.
Explore your options: Investigate the different fields of study and work which are available.
Speak to people: Ask teachers, career advisers and professionals about the occupations which interest you.
Keep your options open: You do not need to decide on a permanent career at this stage. Explore your options and find out what they require.
Focus on your school work: A good academic record will give you more options as you move into Grade 12.
Final thoughts
The recent career exhibition in Nkangala District gives Grade 9 learners an insight into the many different occupations they could pursue after they finish school.
For learners like Nonkululeko Hlatshwayo, the message that there are many post-school options other than university is very empowering.
The next stage is for learners to carry this interest forward and do their own research into the different occupations and post-school study options which are available.
Career guidance cannot make choices for learners, but it can give them the information they need to make those choices.
Source and reporting note
This article is based on information supplied about Day 2 of the Services SETA-supported career exhibition in Mpumalanga’s Nkangala District, including the engagement at Alex Benjamin Secondary School and Kwazamokuhle Secondary School.
The comments attributed to Phindile Sibeko and Grade 9 learner Nonkululeko Hlatshwayo are reproduced from the information supplied for this report.
Editorial policy
Our reporting is designed to provide South African learners and families with useful, factual and independently written information.
We distinguish between reported statements, verified information and general educational guidance. We do not guarantee admission, funding, employment or any other outcome from participation in a career exhibition.
Where information concerns education programmes or career opportunities, readers should verify current requirements directly with the relevant institution.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information and public awareness. It is not an official publication of Services SETA or either of the schools mentioned.
Career requirements, subject prerequisites, admission criteria and funding arrangements can change. Learners and parents should consult official institutional sources before making education decisions.
Reader awareness: A career exhibition can provide guidance, but learners should continue researching their preferred careers and qualifications before selecting subjects or applying for post-school programmes.
