By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA – “Although this exercise is important and will equip these learners with enough information to decide on their career path, I wish they had had these opportunities while still in grade 10 as they could have chosen subjects that align with their preferred career path.”
These are the words of information and technology lecturer Cebisile Lebuso of Maluti Tvet College’s Lere La Tshepe campus when grade 12 learners from Nthabiseng Secondary School toured the institute.
Lebuso said some of the courses there require specific subjects so it would have been helpful if the learners had this information earlier.
“For instance in the IT only learners with pure Maths pass are admitted. If we have less learners admitted, we will prefer those who have scored high marks in mathematics literacy.”
Highlighting some of the opportunities that come with information technology, Lebuso said:
“These days everything is going digital – banks are now using ATMs that are the work of a person who has done IT. You can also be a website developer; many companies want to market their businesses digitally; that’s where website developers come in. You can be a programmer or data analyst.”
Senior hospitality lecturer Kala Kgosi encouraged the learners to use their time wisely so that they can have a better future. She also outlined the requirements to study hospitality and its opportunities.
“We take a learner that has passed grade 9 and will start for National Certificate Vocational (NCV); you will start with level two to level four. The advantage of level four is that it is equivalent to matric. After completion you can start your own companies in areas such as catering, or even being employed in hotels and fights.”
A learner from Nthabiseng secondary school who took part in the tour, Thato Mokonenyane described the tour as exciting and an eye opener.
“I am so excited that as I prepare for my matric exams, I already have enough information about the opportunities and which career paths I can take. This means even if I do not qualify for university, I can still do even better if I enroll with TVET colleges.”
According to the spokesperson of Maluti TVET College, Makhala Labase, the event was in line with the department of higher education’s celebration of the month of August by introducing learners from various schools to different programmes that the college offers.
“Our government realized a shortage of skills during the 2010 World Cup when more stadiums needed to be built and there was a shortage of artisans. It was against this background that the department of higher education intensified its skills development to attract and show learners the benefits of vocational training.
“After completing your studies, you do not need to wait to be employed. In fact, vocational training shapes you to be your own boss and a job creator.”
