Career Fair promotes vocational education
Now that the 2023 BGCSE results are out, the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) will roll out the red carpet to students seeking guidance on which career courses to pursue at tertiary institutions.
This year, the Council will introduce new programmes including promotion of indigenous skills in the 13th edition of their Skills Fair and Career Clinics.
HRDC CEO, Professor Alinah Segobye told the media on Tuesday that the Botswana Human Resource Development Skills (BHRDS) Fair and Career Clinics 2024 is a platform where young people will also learn from practitioners from the creative industry, including manufacturing of creative products like basketry.
The Fair and Career Clinics kick off in Francistown this week until Friday and in Gaborone from next week Tuesday to Friday March 22 at Fairgrounds. The plan is to reach other areas across the country including Ghanzi and Maun. Professor Segobye said this is critical because they want to ensure that young people see an opportunity in the creative industry, especially to support emerging and established tourism businesses.
HRDC, which has been running the Fair for the last 19 years, has also included a Makeathon this year for young people to bring out their talents in robotics, engineering, and 4IR technology-driven skills. “These are skills that are critical for our economy as Botswana aspires to become a highincome economy, as well as a knowledge-driven society,” she said. Prof Segobye said they are also encouraging young people to explore the multiple pathways through which tertiary education can be accessed. The Fair, will therefore offer young people an opportunity to receive career counselling to enable them to make informed choices regarding Technical Vocational Educational and Technical (TVET) Skills and Indigenous knowledge.
“During these platforms we do not only focus on those going to universities but also those seeking technical vocational education so that they can be assisted to ensure that they can find skills that they might want to go into,” Professor Segobye said. She added that there is need to create a balance between theoretical training and vocational, practical training, as these go a long way in ensuring employability. She added that the initiative serves as a multifaceted platform aimed at bridging the gap between Botswana’s education and training sector and its dynamic labour market.
The BHRDS provides one of the avenues through which the HRDC assists in addressing the challenges of skills development by providing a platform for learners and education service providers to meet and interact. The event is designed to achieve several specific objectives; first to provide learners with comprehensive information about various occupations across different sectors of Botswana’s economy.
Secondly, to offer personalised career guidance counselling services to help learners explore their aspirations, capabilities, and interests concerning the world of work. Thirdly, to furnish learners with detailed insights into the diverse study programmes available at local and international tertiary institutions. Lastly, to facilitate on-site application processes for programmes and institutions wherever feasible, streamlining the transition from academic aspirations to practical enrolment.
Prof Segobye added that the platform would help young people explore various occupations about the different sectors of the economy of Botswana. “As you know the NDP 12 is now being finalised, and it highlighted the critical sectors of Agriculture, mining, and the diverse sectors of financial services that remain career opportunities for young people.” This year’s Fair has attracted higher education institutions from South Africa, Russia, Mauritius, and other countries.