Well-informed career advice only a phone call away

Manana urged pupils to ‘take charge and be proactive’ in choosing their working futures

DURBAN: Career advice from the Higher Education Department is only a “please call me” away, Deputy Minister Mduduzi Manana reminded pupils in KwaZulu-Natal yesterday.

Manana urged pupils to be proactive and stressed the importance of making wellinformed subject choices in Grade 10 to enhance career paths.

If in doubt, Manana said, pupils were to phone, SMS or send a “please call me” to the national career advisory centre. The deputy minister was speaking at the opening of the Nelson Mandela Career Development Festival in Esikhawini, near Richards Bay.

Manana emphasised how critical it was for pupils to not make choices that would limit their study options.

He spoke to high school pupils and youths not in education, employment or training (referred to as “Neets”) at the Esikhawini campus of the Umfolozi training college.

There are more than 3 million South Africans between 15 and 24 who are currently not in employment, education or training.

The national career advisory centre has 30 career development specialists, who are based at the department’s Pretoria offices, and can be reached via “please call me”, SMS or a phone call.

The specialists can also be consulted in person.

The centre receives an average of 150 phone calls and messages a day.

The centre takes calls at 086 999 0123, or an SMS or “please call me” may be sent to 072 204 5056. The time taken to respond to a “please call me” is three days.

“Making a career choice is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life,” Manana said.

“It is vital you have the necessary information and get proper advice before making such a major decision. What I want to emphasise today is that the subjects that you will soon be choosing before entering the Further Education and Training phase (grades 10 to 12), will to a large extent determine future career options.

“You need to get accurate and useful information on occupations, careers, qualifications and subjects required to pursue your chosen career paths. Internships, apprenticeships and learnerships will help equip you with skills you will need as you transition into the working environment.”