Helping Young People Navigate Careers and Skills Development

Choosing a career is one of the biggest decisions young people face, yet many leave school without enough guidance about the different career paths, skills and opportunities available to them. This was the focus in Sakhisizwe discussion on Bush Radio 89.5 FM, which explored how young people can make informed career choices and gain the skills needed to enter the world of work.

 

The discussion brought together Jerimia Thuynsma - Mitchells Plain Community Advice & Development Project, Career Coach Candice Black, Natasha McEwan Marriott and Lithemba Cetywayo from the SOZO foundation, and Gabriel Hamuy from the Salesian Institute. The guests shared their experiences and highlighted the different ways organisations are helping young people overcome the gap between education and employment.

 

Jerimia explained that the Mitchell’s Plain Advice Office became involved in career development after seeing many young people struggling with unemployment and being outside education or training. The organisation now works with younger learners through career programmes, including psychometric assessments and career exhibitions. These initiatives introduce learners to careers they may not have known about and help them make better decisions about subjects and future studies.

 

Career coach Candice emphasised the importance of self-awareness when choosing a career. She encouraged young people to ask themselves what they enjoy, what they are naturally good at, what problems they want to help solve and what they want from their future. She also encouraged young people to explore opportunities through volunteering, internships, job shadowing, part-time work and speaking to people already working in fields that interest them.

 

The Sozo Foundation, represented by Natasha and Lethemba, shared how its programmes support young people through education, vocational training and entrepreneurship. Their programmes include academic support, second-chance opportunities for matric learners, vocational courses such as baking, hairdressing, beauty and barista training, as well as entrepreneurship development. They also assist young people with job readiness, CV preparation, interview skills, mentorship and employment placements.

 

Gabriel from the Salesian Institute spoke about the organisation’s focus on skills development, particularly in areas such as renewable energy and entrepreneurship. He explained that many young people enter programmes without knowing exactly what they want to do. Salesians therefore uses life-skills programmes, psychometric testing, wellness support, mentorship, workplace exposure and internships to help participants discover their strengths and find suitable career paths. A major point raised during the discussion was the importance of matching young people with the right opportunities.

The guests noted that financial pressure can sometimes push young people into courses or jobs simply because an opportunity is available. However, when a person’s interests, strengths and skills are aligned with an opportunity, they are more likely to stay committed and succeed.

 

The panel also stressed that career development should not only begin when young people are about to leave school. Early exposure to different careers, access to career guidance and psychometric assessments can help learners make informed decisions before choosing subjects or further education.

 

The discussion ended with an important message for young people that you do not need to have your entire career mapped out today. Take the time to understand yourself, explore different opportunities, develop useful skills and learn from every experience. With the right guidance, mentorship and determination, young people can take meaningful steps towards building careers and futures that match their potential.

Written by Oyisa Ntlombe