By Busisiwe Fobose & Denira Gounden
Learners from across Ga-Sekhukhune District in Limpopo got one-on-one guidance on course choices, applications and career pathways on 22 July when the Bakgopa Bakopa Traditional Authority hosted a university and career fair at Matsepe Primary School. For many of the learners who attended, it was the first time they could speak directly to institutions and ask questions about what comes after Grade 12.
The National Skills Fund (NSF) participated in the Sekhukhune Career Fair to equip young people with information on funding opportunities for skills development training and how those programmes connect to jobs. NSF officials spent the day interacting and sharing valuable information with learners and teachers about artisan development programmes, technical and vocational pathways. The career fair also reminded learners to apply for study opportunities in the institutions of higher learning on time to avoid lack of space in the next academic year. One of the grade 12 learners stated that “the exhibition provided clarity on what academic prospects are available” she continued by saying “before I was just guessing which course to pick, now I know what I qualify for and what I can do with it.”
Another learner said the biggest challenge had been not knowing where to start with applications, which NSF representatives remedied by walking learners through the process and explaining what support is available for skills development initiatives. The Bakgopa Bakopa Traditional Authority alongside industry stakeholders convened to ensure awareness of funding, job and academic opportunities are within the community’s reach and to address the gap in career information. The NSF participated in the exhibition as part of its mandate to expand access to skills development and strengthen pathways into employment. By engaging with learners directly, the NSF is supporting national efforts to improve youth employability and grow the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system.
The focus was not just on handing out brochures, but on helping young people understand how training can lead to work and economic participation. The National Skills Fund continues to work with traditional leaders, communities and training partners to ensure that young people, especially those outside major cities, know about the opportunities available to them and how they can be accessed.
