In efforts to assist learners to make sound decisions in terms of careers, the //Kharas regional executive committee of the Namibia National Students’ Organisation (Nanso) recently hosted a first-of-its-kind career fair in the town.
In his keynote address, //Kharas regional education director /Awebahe //Hoeseb said learners in the senior secondary phase of their education do not know which subject package to select when enrolling at institutions of higher learning or vocational training centres.
“Regrettably, many of them do not even apply for consideration of admission at such entities,” he said with concern.
Quoting education minister Ester Nghipondoka, //Hoeseb informed learners who failed to meet the admission requirements of the new Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level it is not the end of the road, as they can still enrol for certificates and/or diploma courses at universities or vocational training centres. “Career education and guidance play an important role in the efficient and effective implementation of a curriculum that supports learners’ interests, strengths and aspirations for future academic and/or vocational career options or choices,” said the education director.
Tisiltah Brandt, a grade 11 learner at P.K. de Villiers secondary school, described the event as helpful and highly-informative.
“This will now motivate us to study harder in order to conform to the enrolment requirements for our careers of choice at institutions of higher learning and vocational training centres in the country,” she said.
The learner also said she has now received first-hand information on how to pursue a career in human resource management.
Another Suiderlig senior secondary school learner Laurence van der Byl said the career fair provided them with the needed exposure to institutions of higher learning and vocational training centres to make their informed career choices.
“I am now equipped with all the relevant information in terms of entrance requirements in order to become an electrical engineer,” he added. - sklukowski@nepc.com.na