Libraries host career exhibition for Grade 9s

Grade 9 pupils were able to learn about various career opportunities when libraries in Sub-council 10 hosted a career exhibition last week.

About 850 pupils from Sizimisele, Uxolo and Harry Gwala high schools got insight into various jobs including those in police services, traffic, statistics, information techonology, forensic services, public order policing, dog handling, and the bomb squad.

Harare, Kulani, Masakhane, Nazeema Isaac and Kuyasa libraries were involved in the career exhibition, which was held at Kuyasa library last Thursday, May 8.

Principal librarian Vuyo Njambatwa-Rani said they wanted to give pupils a better understanding of the day-to-day duties of staff in each unit.

She said these exhibitions help pupils decide what to study after school.

“We are preparing them for the long road they still have to take. The purpose of the event is to educate learners to make informed decisions when choosing subjects on their next level of learning as our focus was mainly on Grade 9 students. Also to increase their employability and help them develop critical skills that are valued in the workplace, like punctuality, problem-solving and collaboration skills,” she said.

She said planning a good career day takes a village and all librarians were on board. “We managed to invite different institutions and companies. City of Cape Town departments set up booths where they could present about their departments, job openings and the application process.” 

With the assistance of their teachers, pupils had a chance to network and speak directly to company representatives. They gained insight into companys' cultures and job expectations.

Teachers said their pupils learned a lot about the various types of careers. Pupils enjoyed the programme, especially the demonstration by the K9 dog unit.