In South Africa, lifelong career decisions are made at the tender age of 15 when schoolchildren select their school subjects.
According to Kay Vittee, CEO of Quest Staffing Solutions, one may think that major career choices and commitments are made in our 20s, but the most fundamental decision in determining a career is made at 15 – with lifelong consequences.
“Choosing the right subjects in high school is likely to be the most important decision you can make for your future career path and professional success,” Vittee said.
“This is a disconcerting thought, as the majority of teens do not really know what they want to do for the rest of their lives yet, and guidance in this regard is limited for many.”
She added that in today’s evolving world, with innovation and developments in technology there are a number of aptitude testing career guidance options, but the same evolving technology also means that a number of jobs today could be obsolete in the near future.
Read Asking pressing questions through art
“Another vital consideration for youth should be selecting a career that is not only sustainable but also available. With an unemployment rate of 27.1 per cent, a Stats SA announcement shows that the youth remain in a compromising position in the labour market, with an unemployment rate of 38.2 per cent, so scholars need to look at the skills and occupations required by the market.”
Vitee added that this would increase their chances of finding employment in an increasingly limited and competitive environment.
She suggests checking out the South African Scarce Skills List available on the Department of Higher Education and Training’s website. “These documents outline occupations and skills in high demand in South Africa and include jobs in medicine, architecture, construction, finance, engineering as well as mechanics and other trades.
“When considering your subject choices, remember that when exam time comes, it is important to achieve good results to increase your odds of standing out when applying for a job or to study further.
“So, rather than going for subjects or a career just because they look good on paper, try to find a happy medium encompassing what you love to do, the skills you have and how these factors can be made into a career.”
