Original Research - Special Collection: Life Orientation or Life Disorientation

High school learners views on benefits derived from attending career talks: Need for sound career guidance

Zamandlovu S. Makola, Pumeza Saliwe, Itumeleng Dube, Ramodungoane Tabane, Awelani V. Mudau
The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa | Vol 17, No 1 | a1082 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/td.v17i1.1082 | © 2021 Zamandlovu S. Makola, Pumeza Saliwe, Itumeleng Dube, Ramodungoane Tabane, Awelani V. Mudau | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 17 May 2021 | Published: 28 September 2021

About the author(s)

Zamandlovu S. Makola, Department of Human Resource Management, Economic and Management Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Pumeza Saliwe, Department of Human Resource Management, Economic and Management Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Itumeleng Dube, Department of Public Administration and Management, Economic and Management Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Ramodungoane Tabane, Department of Psychology of Education, College of Education, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Awelani V. Mudau, Department of Science and Technology, College of Education, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Tertiary institutions in South Africa are experiencing alarming undergraduate drop-out rates. This has partly been attributed to students’ inadequate preparation, and failure to gather information on, and planning for, their careers. The need for sound career guidance at the high school level is key, making the role of Life Orientation (LO) increasingly prominent. The aim of this study was to determine what benefits high school learners derive from attending career talks. To this end, a qualitative study was conducted with Grade 10 learners studying STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) at a township high school in Mamelodi, Tshwane. Data were collected using a qualitative questionnaire and analysed thematically. The findings demonstrated the importance of role models sharing information on their careers and work experiences. Another finding pertained to the importance of information on diverse careers, for the development of learners’ career self-efficacy as students of STEM in a township high school context. The findings highlight the importance of LO teachers organising career workshops. The study will benefit the Department of Basic Education, businesses, and employers as key stakeholders, by helping to enhance the career development of future employees and entrepreneurs.

Keywords

career-related information; career talks; high school; life skills education; STEM education.

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Crossref Citations

1. High school learners’ perceptions of careers in the built environment sector
Itumeleng Dube, Sizile Makola, Pumeza Saliwe, Ramodungoane Tabane
African Journal of Career Development  vol: 5  issue: 1  year: 2023  
doi: 10.4102/ajcd.v5i1.77