Medical practice and teaching appear to be many a Ihobe Primary School learner’s first choice of career, despite a wide range of fields that include engineering and information technology (IT). Evidence thereof was the high interest illustrated among learners who participated in the school’s career and entrepreneurship day on 21 September.
Held annually, this helps learners make an informed decision in pursuing their passions, gauging their aptitude and abilities.
Priority was given to Gr. R and Gr. 7 learners, who arrived dressed up for the careers of their choice. The content of the work; employment opportunities, both local and abroad; demand within the professions; and recognition thereof were discussed.
The school invited people working in various professions to explain what is required of the learners to qualify.
Career development is widely acknowledged as being central to economic growth, with schools deemed key in aiding learners to make a decision based on their individual strengths, measured with marks they obtain in subjects required for their career path.
Data from both the South African government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) reveal a critical shortage of qualified specialist nurses and doctors.
Also, according to the Department of Education, about 45% of teachers in South Africa will reach a pensionable age within the next ten years and will retire. The challenge for these teachers is that the teacher-learner ratio is one teacher to a class of 40 learners.
