Alex youth exposed to career opportunities
ALEXANDRA - Alex youth and schoolchildren receive life-changing advice at the career expo.
The Joburg City Council’s Region E hosted a three-day career expo for secondary school pupils and the youth of Alex and surrounding areas for the second time.
The event held at the East Bank Hall from 8 to 11 May assisted grade 9 schoolchildren in choosing matric subjects that will be linked to their career interests. The event also exposed pupils in higher grades and school leavers to potential careers and work opportunities in order to reduce unemployment.
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Organiser of the event Lorraine Mapela said they targeted 5 600 youths. “It’s a public-private partnership initiative with the department of education, non-profit organisations and private companies to uplift and improve the way knowledge, career opportunities and information is shared and presented to township youth.We aim to positively influence, direct and shape their career decisions,” Mapela said.
Mapela explained that the information was presented professionally through direct one on one interaction including, knowledge sharing by exhibitors on bursaries, learnerships, scholarships and internships.
One exhibitor, Cabin Crew Academy informed the participants about accredited career courses including travel and tourism as well as courses for cabin crews. Paballo Molapo of the academy said township children should be more exposed to these once unfamiliar opportunities as many of them would qualify through a good matric pass in English. “The profession will equip them with knowledge on tourism, world geography, flight safety measures, dangerous goods, first aid and required one to have a valid passport,” she said.
While the course fees maybe be hefty R90 000 for the tourism course, those who qualified would receive financial aid Paballo said. Her colleague, Dierdre Fouche said the courses were accredited with the South African Civil Aviation and the International Air Travel Association and more information could be accessed through www.cabincrewacademy.co.za.
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Others exhibitors were Khuphulanani Training Institute, Culinary School, Transnet, Damelin, University of Johannesburg, Media Mark, Urban Brew Studios, South African National Defence Force, South African Police Services, Brand Laiki, Nedbank, ENS Africa, Alex FM, Forex Nation SA, Imbalie Beauty School, National Youth Development Agency, School of Arts, Luju Inc, Services Seta, Department of Agriculture, Alexandra Chess Club, Central Johannesburg College, departments of thr City of Johannesburg, national libraries, South African National Blood Services and the Road Accident Fund.
Details: Ephraim Pooe 011 582 1482 071 850 0350
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