By Nape Masemola and Matsobane Manaka
Learners engaging with various stakeholders exhibiting during the Tompi Seleka career summit
The national skill development plan 2030 underpins the importance of career development services and the accessibility of it all to all South Africans and especially those in rural areas. It is against this background that the department, Tompi Seleka College of Agriculture, and Agri-Seta hosted a career summit were all Setas, Institutions of higher learning, and Industry employers were invited to ensure a cohesive approach in providing career guidance options to learners.
The event was held at the Tompi Seleka College of Agriculture. The summit saw over 500 learners from Tsimanyane, Lepelle Circuits and Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality converging to the college to get first hand information from key industry role players.
Delivering the message of support and purpose, Head of Tompi Seleka College of Agriculture, Majela Mashiloane indicated that the aim of the summit is to expose learners to various career opportunities that are available not only in the agricultural sector but also in the construction, health service and manufacturing. Mashiloane also highlighted the importance of the summit as it gives learners particularly those from previously disadvantaged area access to information and the chance to engage directly with all sectors to choose correct career pathway at the right time of their careers.
Head of institution went further that the summit will go a long way in cementing the relationship between the institution and the local community at large as this is one of the roles that the college is entrusted with.
Keynote speaker Dr Bertha Letsoalo Chief Executive Officer Agri-Seta, indicated that the summit is no ordinary career guidance day but opportunity to give learners an opportunity to investigate career paths in a different way considering what learners are exposed to, citing agriculture as an example.
Dr. Letsoalo told learners that gone are the days when agriculture was viewed as dirty and not classy but today due to innovations such as smart agriculture, there is a need for Drone Pilots, Researchers, Engineers and others who will be able to contribute and participate actively in the Sector. Dr Letsoalo highlighted the fact that Agri-Seta does not only invest in training and skills development but also in transformation and they are partnering with various institution to meet the country developmental goals. Learners were given an opportunity to engage with various stakeholders to get more information that will enable them to make better career choices that will benefit the country
