Ports authority wraps up maritime sector roadshows at schools
The Transnet National Ports Authority concluded the Maritime Career Awareness Roadshows yesterday which targeted more than 5,000 grade 9 pupils from the Nelson Mandela Bay region.
The initiative, which formed part of Maritime Month in September, saw scores of pupils attending the sessions which included career guidance and information about opportunities in the sector.
The pupils heard from professionals, including tug masters, marine pilots, marine shore hands and general-purpose ratings.
National ports authority spokesperson Ayanda Mantshongo said the objective had been to target pupils who would be making their subject choices for grade 10 next year.
“Key to the pupils qualifying for opportunities in the maritime space is equipping them with important information on the subject choices required.
“The sessions stressed the importance of STEM subjects such as maths and science as enablers for job creation and opportunities,” Mantshongo said.
The roadshows, which started on September 1, visited schools in a number of areas, including Motherwell, Zwide, KwaMagxaki, KwaDwesi, Walmer Township, Gelvandale, Kirkwood and Addo.
“While the initiative has been a great success, our interest is to build long-lasting relationships with the various schools over a period,” Mantshongo said.
“As a result, we will be hosting more than 700 of the pupils from the various schools at our commercial ports on September 29 and 30 to expose them to the real-time operations of a port.”