As part of practising the ENVISION2030 strategy through empowering the community, the Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct (IEIP) in collaboration with the Durban University of Technology (DUT): Department of Student Administration, DUT Career Resources Centre and Umgungundlovu TVET College (UTVET): Skills Development Academy recently held its second annual Career Guidance Campaign themed “Making wise and informed career choices” where they visited two schools that form part of IEIP. The first session was held at Zibukezulu Secondary School and then the team proceeded to Sukuma Comprehensive High school.
The aim of the campaign was to ensure that Grade 9 and 12 learners are well-informed about a variety of careers and the Central Application Office (CAO) application process. DUT and UTVET staff members shared invaluable information through presentations that covered the various programmes and qualifications that are offered within their institutions which learners can pursue.
Dr Mfanozelwe Shozi: Project Manager- Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct welcomed everyone and unpacked the purpose of the day. He also emphasised that it is important for learners to listen attentively so they can be able to ask questions after the presentations.
Ms Sindisiwe Dlamini.
DUT Career Resource Officer: Sindisiwe Dlamini encouraged the learners to apply before closing dates because universities are unlikely to accept walk-ins.
“The CAO has made the application process easy for students therefore you should make it your responsibility to apply before the closing date, this will also benefit you financially because late applications cost more. It is also important for you to create a professional Email username, use your working cell phone numbers to be updated about thee application status”, she said.
Moreover, Ms Dlamini requested the learners to Google “100 scarce skills” so that they can see which skills are needed by the industry as this will help them to make informed decisions and choose careers based on their personalities.
DUT Head of Department (HOD) for Student Administration: Ms Nelly Ndlovu outlined the different campuses within DUT and also highlighted the programs and qualifications offered at DUT in Durban and Midlands Campuses.
UMgungundlovu TVET College (UTVET) Placement Officer, Mr Dumisani Morajane also presented the different qualifications that are offered at UTVET and encouraged learners to not sit at home if they have not passed their matric well because they also offer skills development programs.
Zibukezulu Grade 12 learner, Asanda Ndwandwe expressed that the career expose is a great initiative and assisted them as learners with a lot of information. He was also motivated to take the application process seriously.
Sukuma Comprehensive High School President: Siyamthanda Lombo, shared words of gratitude on behalf of the grade 12 learners.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone from the various institutions for coming to share this educational information. We have definitely learnt a lot and promise to pass with good marks in order to be accepted to study in the institution and we hope that this will be done every year to assist the future grade 12 leaners”, he elaborated.
The presentations in each school concluded with a questions and answers session and some of the learners were awarded with gifts as a thank you gesture for participating.
Pictured: DUT Midlands, uMgungundlovu TVET College (UTVET) staff members and Zibukezulu Secondary School learners
Pictured: Ms Sindiwe Dlamini presenting at Sukuma Comprehensive High School.
Photographer: Vusi Dlamini
Zanele Mashaba
