Pupils motivated at career expo

Close to 600 pupils attended a career exhibition at the Indoor Sport and Recreation Centre, in Portland last Thursday, May 15.

They, along with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Legal Aid and the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) were hosted by the Mitchell’s Plain Community Advice and Development Project (MPCADP).

Golden Arrow hosted a recruitment drive and encouraged unemployed youth to submit their CVs.

Other presenters included Sea Harvest, ABSA, the City of Cape Town, the Department of Higher Education and Training's World Skills unit and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). 

Coordinator Jerimia Thuynsma said the event was well attended and that he was grateful for the opportunity to share the information with the youth. 

He mentioned former participant Suhail King, 23, from Beacon Valley, who attended a similar programme at his community hall in 2022, also hosted by the advice office and his now a qualified chef.

Speaking to the Plainsman while completing his internship at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) as a chef yesterday, Tuesday May 20, Suhail encouraged the youth to “never give up on their dreams”.

He matriculated in 2020 and did not see himself completing online courses because of the national Covid lockdown. 

“I applied to various colleges but no one got back to me. I went to the expo and filled out an application for False Bay College,” he said. 

Mr King said his application was successful and he is due to graduate with a national diploma next year. 

“Just never give up. Apply for something you love, according to your passion. Keep on trying,” he said. 

He said that “depression is real” in the work environment “so make sure you do what you love”.

Mr King had wanted to be a chef since the age of 13. 

“Never give up. Look after two years they got back to me,” he said. 

Pupils from Lentegeur, Darul Arqam, Tafelsig, Princeton, Sinethemba, Lower Crossroads and Zisukhanyo High Schools attended the expo.

The advice office is planning another career exhibition on Saturday September 20. The venue still needs to be confirmed.  

For more information visit the advice office based at Room 3, First Floor, Foschini Building, Minuet Lane, in Town Centre ( Fourth Avenue Eastridge), call 021 392 2000 or email mitchellsplainadv@telkomsa.net