- Navigating the journey from high school to a fulfilling career can be challenging, prompting Future Pathways Consultant.
- Founders Phelo Sifile and Dean Mazhawidza emphasise early intervention and the involvement of parents, educators, and consultants in a “Golden Triangle Model” to support learners in making informed career decisions.
- Through psychometric assessments, evaluations, and comprehensive information on self-assessment, career options, and educational pathways, Future Pathways Consultants aim to equip learners with the tools and knowledge needed for successful career planning.
Navigating the journey from high school to a fulfilling career can be challenging for many young learners. TygerBurger spoke to Future Pathways Consultants, an NGO dedicated to making this journey smoother and more informed for high school learners in South Africa, particularly those in Grades 9-12.
Recognising the critical need for structured and informed career guidance in South African schools, our founders Phelo Sifile and Dean Mazhawidza, both registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the shape of future employers, employees, entrepreneurs, and business owners of South Africa.
Hence, Future Pathways Consultants was established out of a deep-seated passion for helping young people navigate the often complex and daunting process of career planning.
“The inspiration to start this initiative stemmed from witnessing many young people struggle with career decisions due to a lack of resources and early support in their schooling journey. Our aim is to bridge this gap and equip learners with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in their individual chosen paths based on guidance from psychometric assessments and evaluation,” explains Sifile.
Importance of career guidance
“Effective career guidance reduces the likelihood of learners making misguided educational and career choices, thereby enhancing their chances of success and satisfaction in their professional lives. Additionally, it fosters career maturity, personal agency, and self-efficacy, essential qualities for navigating the modern job market,” says Sifile.
Early intervention, support
Career guidance should ideally start as early as Grade 9, with evaluations conducted in Grade 8 already to ensure that consultants have a baseline of the students they will be facilitating in the following schooling year. This is a pivotal time when learners begin making subject choices that can influence their future career options. Early guidance helps learners explore different career paths, understand the relevance of their subject choices, and set realistic goals.
The role of parents
The Golden Triangle model
“At Future Pathways Consultants, we believe in the ‘Golden Triangle Model,’ where the learner is at the core,” says Sifile. Parents, educators, and consultants at FPC each play a vital role as responsible contributors to the learner’s future success. This collaborative approach ensures that every learner receives a well-rounded support system that fosters their personal and professional growth.
“Career guidance is not just about choosing a job,” says Sifile. “It’s about building a future.”
- Self-assessment: Understanding their own strengths, interests and values through assessments and counselling.
- Career options: Exploring a wide range of career fields and understanding the requirements and opportunities within each.
- Educational pathways: Learning about the different educational routes, including university degrees, vocational training, and apprenticeships.
- Job market trends: Staying updated on current and future job market trends to identify growing industries and in-demand skills.
- Subject relevance: Understanding how their subject choices in high school can impact their future career options.
- Higher education institutions: Researching universities and colleges, comparing courses, and understanding the application processes.
- Financial planning: gaining information on scholarships, bursaries, and other financial aid options to support their education.
- Work experience: Opportunities for internships, job shadowing, and networking to gain practical experience and insights into different careers.
By providing learners with comprehensive and relevant information in these areas, one empowers them to make choices that are well-informed and aligned with their personal and professional goals.
Learners can get in touch with Future Pathway Consultants through various channels.
