Helping Hand – Pathway to Success

August the 14th saw 20 eager students from Paterson High School visit Varsity College Port Elizabeth for the 3rd Career Guidance Workshop. The career guidance workshops are designed to provide a platform for these young learners to gain skills and use the knowledge they acquired along their journey towards success.

Jaci Howell, Career Centre Coordinator at Varsity College Port Elizabeth ran the three career guidance workshops over three months. The workshop sessions were three hours and a number of topics were discussed. “Through the Career Guidance Workshops, Varsity College is working towards educating disadvantaged Grade 12 learners on how to improve their employability through Work Readiness Skills”, says Jaci Howell.

The 3rd workshop involved educating students on topics such as: interview skills, business etiquette and job shadowing.

The 1st and 2nd workshops were held on 23 June and 24 July respectively, with topics consisting of: self-reflection, self-awareness, self-directed search (computer activity), personal branding, CV writing and cover letter tips were discussed as well as career guidance advice given.

“The workshop series was immensely valuable to the learners because it gave them practical skills as well as inspiration for further education. As the workshops went on, the learners anticipated going to Varsity College again. They enjoyed the excitement of being on campus and interacting with varsity students. The skills, such as, writing CVs and interview tips, will give them confidence as they enter the workforce”, says Jacqueline Allegra, English Teacher Assistant at Paterson High School.

Author: A’neil Philander