Learners at two southern suburbs schools received career guidance and study information during recent visits by the Rocking Future programme, a national initiative aimed at preparing school leavers for life after matric.
Rocking Future visited Norman Henshilwood High School in Wynberg on Thursday 12 February and Sans Souci Girls’ High School in Newlands on Monday 16 February, connecting learners with tertiary institutions, training providers and career resources.
Addressing uncertainty about career choices
Organised by 3RC, a programme within Rocking Future that has been running for 26 years, focuses on helping South African learners make informed decisions about their future studies and employment options.
According to organisers, many learners feel uncertain about career choices due to limited exposure to opportunities and the country’s high youth unemployment rate.
The career expos aim to address this by providing direct access to information, guidance and support.
Expo provides guidance and practical information
Rocking Future founder Kay Cheytanov said the initiative continues to have a strong impact in schools.
“This journey has been nothing short of spectacular. The level of engagement from learners and teachers exceeds our expectations year after year,” she said.
“The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, affirming the expo’s role in shaping future careers.”
Cheytanov said learners often arrive at the expos unsure about their options.
“Choosing a career path can be daunting, especially for those who do not know what opportunities exist. We aim to give them clarity, confidence and practical information so they can make informed choices.”
Learners explore study and career pathways
At the expos, learners engaged with representatives from universities, colleges and skills training organisations, and received the Future Guide magazine, which contains information on courses, bursaries, career pathways and job-readiness advice.
Grade 11 learner Saeed Natherson said the expo helped him understand available study options.
“It opened my eyes to careers I did not know about before. Now I feel more confident about planning what I want to do after school.”
Another learner, Alyssa Geland, said speaking directly to institutions made a difference.
“It helped me see what subjects I need and what steps to take next.”
Expanding access through virtual platforms
Teachers said the initiative provides valuable exposure, particularly for learners who may not otherwise have access to career guidance resources.
In addition to in-person events, the programme also offers a three-dimensional online career expo platform, allowing participants to explore institutions and career information virtually if they cannot attend physically.
The Rocking Future tour is currently visiting schools across Cape Town, with organisers aiming to reach thousands of matric learners before the end of this year.
