Lolo Madonsela
Many learners fall into a trap, pursuing careers incompatible with their abilities or working where they have no passion.
Career Guidance Practitioner, Zakhele Xulu from Hlobane that this could be changed if learners were assessed and given direction in as early as in Grade 9, before choosing their field of study.
“We focus on Grade 9 because it is when they are getting ready to choose their subjects of study the following year. Giving them guidance as early as possible will assist them in choosing the correct careers according to their abilities,” said Xulu.
He said there were many factors influencing learners when choosing their careers, such as poverty, family values, expertise, religion, peer pressure and lack of information on career options, counselling, financial aid, technology, fee structures and more.
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“Children from poor families do not normally see themselves continuing to higher learning institutions, hence they end up choosing careers you study for a short period. Families also dictate to children which career paths to take, without taking into consideration the qualities and abilities of a child. This becomes detrimental to a child’s performance in the particular career they have been forced to take up.
“Peer pressure is another major contributor to children choosing the wrong career; just because a friend is doing it or because it is trending. Some religions do not allow a woman to wear pants, therefore a child ends up taking a career away from an industry which would force her to wear pants such as engineering,” explained Xulu.
Another factor is a lack of understanding the difference between recommended and compulsory subjects. Using an example, Xulu said children wanted to study electrical engineering yet chose subjects more geared to tourism and mathematical literacy.
“You find some of them teaching not because it’s what they love, but because people claim there are always vacant positions. This is very misleading and it shows lack of career counselling and flexibility.
“Lack of financial assistance affects majority of learners as does the lack of knowledge on how to access government funding through NSFAS. Even lack of access to technology affects learners from rural areas especially, who have no idea they can actually do their applications online”, added Xulu.
When conducting career guidance, Xulu said learners were given about 200 questions testing their abilities, interests, values and career resilience. Tests generally take one hour – the tests are then evaluated over two or three days after which results were compiled.
“We then continue to work with parents, as well to support their children and help them understand their children academically going forward.”
Xulu is an academic mentor and a professional teacher at KwaNotshelwa High School, and is currently teaching Grade 10 Economics.
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