CAPTION: Learners at the Boston City Campus exhibition at the Carnival City Career Expo last week
More than 660 learners from eleven schools in Ekurhuleni gathered insight into prospective career options at Carnival City Casino and Gauteng Gambling Board Career Expo 2023 in June.
Held in collaboration with Sun International, the event introduced Grade 9 to 12 learners from disadvantaged backgrounds to various career options and potential sponsors and allowed them to connect with employers, educational institutions, career counsellors, and professionals from different industries.
“Sun International wants to educate and support youth as they start their career paths, and at the same time help them to become aware of job possibilities that exist within the hospitality sector. Opportunities are further than simply chefs and front of house staff – our operations extend to HR, legal and financial management,” said Annemie Turk, Carnival City’s General Manager.
Motivational speaker Jabulani Thingo from Tsakane advised the learners to “be honest with yourself, be aware of your strengths and weaknesses academically and note what subjects you love in high school”. “Remain open to constructive criticism and speak to people who are in the careers you are interested in.”
Sci Com Foundation in collaboration with Carnival City is offering extra lessons in English, Math, and Physical Science, to help students from Brakpan, Tsakane, Kwa Thema and Wattville to achieve better academic results. They are also part of the Sci-Com Foundation’s Career Planning Programme, which assists them in making informed decisions about suitable career paths based on their abilities, interests, and personalities.
Learners in Grade 9 are faced with the daunting task of choosing subjects for Grades 10 to 12 which influence what they will be able to study at tertiary level.
Povan Chetty, Director CSI AND Partnerships Department of Education, advised learners to be authentic when choosing a career path and William Maphutha, Chief of Staff Gauteng Department of Economic Development, who represented the MEC for Gauteng spoke to the learners about being responsible citizens and put their studies first, “the country needs skilled individuals”.
Carnival City and Gauteng Gambling Board share a common vision of making a positive social and economic impact through effective motivation and career planning programmes. “We hope the event equipped Grade 9 to 12 learners with the necessary skills to make more informed decisions about their education and future – or put them in touch with career planning expert for further guidance,” said Buhle Simelane, Acting Chief of Operations, Gauteng Gambling Board.