MBOMBELA- The Department of Trade and Industry’s (the dti) Group Chief Operating Officer, Ms Jodi Scholtz advised girl learners to surround themselves with people who have a different outlook in life so they can equip themselves with informed decision-making skills when making their career decisions.
Ms Scholtz was addressing 16 girl learners from various schools in Pretoria. The learners were hosted by the dti in celebration of the national ”Take a Girl Child to Work Day”, held at the dti campus on May 26.
“You are at the exciting stage in your lives because of the vast opportunities that are available for you. Some of these opportunities were not as easily accessible during my time of study,” said Scholtz.
She told the learners that the green industries and agro-processing were some of the key areas of economic potential that girl learners could identify for their career paths, as they formed part of government’s economic development strategy and guaranteed to present many opportunities in future.
One of the learners from Mamelodi High School, Ms Surprise Nchabeleng said being part of the dti’s “Take a Girl Child to Work Day” programme has taught her that choosing a career requires passion, dedication and an informed attitude.
“Being part of this programme has orientated me into what the dti aims to achieve for South Africa. It also exposed me to the multiple services that the department renders. My expectations were met and I am taking in the fact that there will be a place for me within the dti’s Legal Service Division when I complete my law degree,” said Nchabeleng.
The day’s programme comprised of a presentation on the dti’s mandate, internship and bursary opportunities on offer by department. There was also a health talk by the dti resident medical health practitioner. Learners were also allocated the dti professionals whom they shadowed for the remainder of the day to get on-the job exposure.
The girl learners who formed part of the dti‘s “Take a Girl Child to Work Day” programme hailed from Hoerskool Hendrik Verwoerd, Pretoria Technical High School, J Kekana High School, Tsogo Secondary School, Mamelodi High School, Trinity House High School, Lyttelton Manor High School, Willowridge High School, Clapham High School, Dr W F Nkomo High School and Wonderboom High School.
