Deciding which career you want to tackle can be difficult.
Job shadowing and internships are a good way of testing the waters about a job before deciding to study in that direction.
Here are a few programmes were you can get hands-on experience while deciding on your future career.
The Techno Girl
A large majority of secondary school learners fail to reach proficiency in maths and science. Techno Girl aims to help more girls into the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (Stem) careers.
Girls in Grade 9 at public schools are eligible and will have to obtain at least 50% (level 4), in maths/maths literacy. Learners must apply in Grade 9, continue throughout Grade 10 and 11 and exit it on completion of Grade 12.
In the case of Transnet, a partner of the programme, the girl is placed within a company for three consecutive holiday periods annually over the four-year period. Call 011 781 9951 for more information or visit the Techno Girl ZA Facebook page.
Vredenburg Provincial Hospital
The West Coast office of the Department of Health hosts an annual open day in conjunction with the University of the Western Cape.
Five Grade 11 and 12 learners from each of the surrounding schools visit the hospital, where all the different branches of the medical field will provide information about the profession as well as requirements for studies in these fields.
The group will also visit the hospital’s laboratory and “renal” unit, which is managed by National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) and National Renal Care (independent of the hospital).
Afterwards, the learners can turn their attention to Metro Emergency Medical Service again and see how their vehicles and equipment work.
SA Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town runs two job shadow programmes per year – one during the June/July school holidays and the other in the September/October holidays. The programme run over two days and accommodates 15 learners.
Careers covered in the programme include Astronomy, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics, Software Engineering, Finance/Accounting and Information Technology. SAAO also covers a session on Human Resources as well as bursaries.
Interested learners should be in Grade 11 and take pure mathematics and physical science as subjects. Visit the SAAO website or send an email to natalie@saao.ac.za for more information.
Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town
The Aquarium’s Education Centre runs a job-shadow initiative for Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners. The programme runs over two days and involves observing and helping out behind the scenes and assisting in the Environmental Education Centre. Learners with marine life studies may apply.
Space in the programme per week is limited, which makes booking essential to get time off school at the beginning of, or mid-term. Candidates can only be accommodated between Tuesday and Thursday – no weekends, school holidays, Mondays or Fridays. Visit the Two Ocean Aquarium’s website to find out how to apply. . Some companies and businesses may not have structured programmes, but may be open to job shadowing. Call the manager and ask if it’s possible to get experience for a few days.
