Paramount High launches career club to guide pupils' futures
Paramount High School has officially launched its career club programme, marking a step in helping pupils make informed decisions about their futures.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Paramount High School has officially launched its career club programme, marking a step in helping pupils make informed decisions about their futures.
The initiative is aimed at offering pupils access to career guidance, resources, and monthly engagements with institutions that can open doors to a variety of professions.
The launch took place on Friday May 30, bringing together a range of organizations and institutions. The goal is to expose pupils to different career paths and give them the tools they need to make informed subject and study choices.
Each month, the club will meet to provide consistent guidance and new opportunities for pupils to interact with professionals across industries.
Pupil Siyolise Awu, Amandla Development staff, Kelly Erasmus, Nabeelah Lakey, Tulisa Ngxukuma, Esihle Mtsewu, and pupil Sharon Mayo.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Principal Keenan Herbert expressed pride in the launch, calling it a first for the school.
“This is especially important for pupils who cannot afford to study further,” he said, adding that they wanted both parents and pupils to understand how choosing the right subjects and having access to information can help them pursue their dreams.
Pupils were able to interact with representatives from a variety of fields, including tertiary institutions, music schools and more.
Pupils were able to interact with representatives from a variety of fields, including tertiary institutions, music schools and more. Pictured is owner of K2K Motor Workshop, Keenan Kiewiet speaking to the pupils.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Law Enforcement officers and SAPS engaged with pupils on what they do and how they can get in to the profession.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Tadiwa Bhixa, who serves as a peer educator on the school’s representative council of learners (RCL) and is also a career club member, highlighted the importance of the club.
“Sometimes we don’t know what career we can do,” he said. “But through this club, we can find our way.”
Melissa Swartz, the school's life orientation department head, added that the programme offers more than just career exposure.
“It’s also a platform for pupils to explore funding opportunities and gain access to support systems they might not otherwise have,” she said.
The programme is supported by the Western Cape Education Department.
Career advisor Nicole America from iStudent Academy shared bursary information, noting that eligible pupils could receive up to 50% funding for IT-related courses such as computer technician training and IT engineering to name a few.
“Through a process of selection, pupils need to submit a research paper, complete an interview, and provide a school reference,” she explained to access the bursary opportunity. Bursary applications open on June 30.
Pictured from left are Victory Youth Group mentor, Fauzio Muamdula, Northlink College marketing officer Damian September, exhibitions officer for False Bay College, Zulema Beda, Social worker for MOSAIC Training, Service & Healing Centre for Women, Thantaswa Qayi, Social Worker for Amandla Development, Esihle Mtsewu, iStudent Academy career advisor Nicole America, instructor from Mitchell’s Plain Music Academy, Sherri Adams and Life Orientation department head at Paramount High School, Melissa Swartz. At the back is owner of K2K Motor workshop, Keenan Kiewiet.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Institutions present at the launch included False Bay College, Mitchell’s Plain Music Academy, iStudent Academy, Northlink College, MOSAIC Training, Service & Healing Centre for Women, and Amandla Development, among others. Their involvement underscored the importance of collaboration in creating real opportunities for pupils.