The Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted an exciting Career Guidance Day for Grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 learners from Bechet Secondary School and Centenary Secondary School in Sydenham, Durban.
This initiative was part of DUT’s School Engagement Project, which resulted in a partnership between DUT’s Advancement and Alumni Relations unit and various other internal stakeholders, as well as external partners. The project was launched in 2018 to promote the academic programmes offered at DUT and to assist high school students in making the right career choices.
The facilitators were from the DUT School Engagement team, Tomorrow’s Leaders in Training (TLT), Bridge and DUT Student Recruitment. The learners were divided into four groups and each group participated in four interactive workshops throughout the day: Personal Career Assessment, Vision Building and Personal Leadership; The World Of Work and Applying to Tertiary Institutions; and Entrepreneurship As a Career Option.
Alex Mdletshe, Student Recruitment Manager at DUT, facilitated a workshop encouraging the learners to do in-depth research in their career choices. Mdletshe hoped that the learners will apply on time and choose DUT, so that they become part of a community that is Creative. Distinctive. Impactful. He also advised the learners to ask for the necessary help to make relevant and responsible career choices. Mdletshe warned that these choices are going to be a part of the students’ lives forever.
“We expect the learners to provide solutions to societal challenges and to also take advantage of opportunities available in our university. Our role as the Student Recruitment unit is to ensure that learners become aware of the opportunities offered by higher education and DUT in particular, the application process and funding opportunities. This is done to ensure that the transition from basic to higher education becomes an easy process for learners. We also covered the world of work in clarifying different careers and their importance to the South African economy,” explained Mdletshe.
Berenice de La Croix, Project Manager of the School Engagement Project, shared that the DUT CareerDay enables learners to develop a personal vision for their lives as well as the personal leadership skills to make that vision a reality.
“The goal of the Career Day programme was to inspire our learners to become architects of their future. In completing the four modules of Career Day, our learners are equipped to map their career in alignment with their skills, passions, and interests,” said de La Croix.
The Principal at Bechet Secondary School, Abbie Young, extended her gratitude to DUT. “Well done and thank you all for a phenomenal programme. God bless you all,” she said.
A Grade 12 learner from Bechet Secondary School, Thandeka Mbuyisa, gave a shout out to DUT for the well planned and informative Career Day. She shared that come 2024, she will be joining DUT without a doubt.
Pictured: Learners from Centenary Secondary School and Bechet Secondary School during the DUT Career Day.
Nikiwe Sukazi
