Your choice in subject may influence your future

MALALANE – TSB, in association with the National Youth Development Agency (Nyda) and the Department of Education, is organising a career expo from March 12 to 14 with the hope of shaping the minds of thousands of grade nines.
Nyda knows many young people, especially those in rural areas, who struggle to access reliable and up-to-date information to make informed choices about their lives and futures. Many battle to decide what to do after school and whether or not to study, which subjects or courses to continue with and then ultimately, where to find the money to one day continue with their studies. These decisions are some of the most important ones young people will make in their lifetime. It will have a long-lasting influence on their lives, their future and self-esteem.
According to Mr Johan van Tonder, bureau of market research at Unisa, South Africa has among the highest unemployment rates in the world, with a rate of 49,9 per cent for people aged 15
to 64 according to the most recent figures
of the third quarter in 2013. There are
10 425 000 residents in the country aged 15 to 24 (regarded as youth), and 24,7 per cent of them are unemployed.
A total of 1 327 000 is currently employed, 1 335 000 are in fact employed and 7 762 000 are not economically active, which includes schoolchildren and university students.
Pupils who do not finish high school, have an unemployment rate of 32,5 per cent. Those who decide not to go and study after school, have an unemployment rate of 25,8 per cent while those who have a tertiary qualification, an unemployment rate of 10 per cent.
According to educational psychologist, Ms Rita McFadden, they want to make the youth aware of the options and encourage them to make the right decisions, especially in rural areas where information is difficult to obtain. A good idea is to start by doing aptitude tests, to determine what your interests are and which subjects to choose.
According to Van Tonder, school curricula do not meet the requirements for youth to be assisted in making the right choices in subjects.
This is why a career expo such as
the TSB Selati Expo is perfect for
those who have doubts.
He urges youngsters to be serious in the choices they make, and to listen to those who have greater knowledge in this regard.