At Hawston Secondary School, Neo Life, a non-profit organisation, annually organises a two-day career expo to inform learners about career options which they may not have known about and are available to them. They were also advised about internship programmes and bursary options.

René Müller and Portia Kleinsmidt extend their appreciation to all contributors for their positive influence on the aspirations of Hawston Secondary students.

Stressing the significance of students approaching their lives and decisions with seriousness, they convey: “Though we offer support, the journey ahead may pose challenges. It demands self-reflection, commitment, and unwavering dedication to your objectives. Keep in mind, your surroundings do not determine your identity; instead, it is crafted by the choices you make.”

The first day was dedicated to a diverse array of organisations and businesses based in Hermanus, who shared their personal stories and gave the matrics practical tips to get a foot in the door that could aid them in their job search or even starting their own business.

The ‘a-ha’ moment was to hear that businesses are always on the lookout for passionate future employees for their companies.

New employees can be taught anything if they go to work with the right attitude, if they are keen to work and are willing to work with others.

This was the first time Lieutenant Koopman and the Air Force Base Overberg team, were part of the event to tell the learners about the wide range of career fields available to them within the Air Force.

Other representatives of participating businesses and training facilities included Jacques du Toit of Guthrie & Theron Attorneys, Theo Krynauw of Overstrand Learning Hub, HR Manager Stephan Groenewald of Openserve, Nobuhle Mtyobile of Thoza Tours, World Wildlife Fund  (WWF) Kleinmond Marine Team, Standard Bank, Social Worker of Provincial Government Western Cape (PGWC) Nicolette van Graan, Jeffrey Sodladla of Helderstroom Correctional Services, SAPS’s Captain Fadila September, officials of Overstrand Municipality’s Fire Department, Law Enforcement, Traffic and Chrysalis, West Coast College, Human Resources Consultant, Arina Fyfer, Director at Rupert Education Foundation, Priscilla Booysen,  Paramedic Zah-rah Adams of CMC (Critical Medical Care) and Pierre de Villiers, the Operations Manager of Cape Nature.

Tips for matriculants

• Filling out an application is an essential part of the hiring process. Avoid being unnecessarily disqualified because of a ‘silly’ mistake. Your application form is the first thing they see about you. Therefore, it is very important to complete your application form fully, with the correct reference number for each particular post you have applied for and without mistakes
• Apply to as many universities/colleges and bursaries as possible; don’t just rely on one
• Prepare your CV for submission and keep it up-to-date
• Apply as early as possible. University applications start closing from as early as July and Colleges from end of September
• A positive and enthusiastic attitude willget you much further
• Internship programmes are a great way to work your way up and study through a company
• Consider taking short courses; obtain a motor and skipper licence and do a diving course should that be your interest
• Specialise in something when studying; do not just choose a BCom or BA just for the sake of a degree.
• Do your homework diligently and take responsibility for yourself: be sure to use your resources and google certain jobs as it will help you to learn a great deal about the professional industry you want to pursue
• Know your options: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges accept students who have passed Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 with an averageof 40% in all subjects and an opportunity to prepare students for further study
• The bigger the company grows, the more complex it becomes, but also the bigger range of people they employ, so regularly visit websites to look for jobs; do not only do it once a year

Day two was for a walkabout as grade 11 and 12 learners engaged and interacted with the exhibitors, asking information pertaining to applications and different courses and job opportunities.c