Career expo aims to ignite aspirations for Grade 7 pupils in Bonteheuwel
Teachers and exhibitors during the career expo for the Grade 7s at Bergsig Primary School.
Image: Phiri Cawe
The MCED’s subject advisor Kim Thompson said she was elated to have empowered young people of Bonteheuwil and surrounds.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Host school Bergsig was among the beneficiaries of the career Expo by the Metro Central Education District.
Image: Phiri Cawe
A first-of-its-kind career expo gave Grade 7 pupils from Bonteheuwel and surrounding areas a chance to explore career opportunities and hear messages of hope on Tuesday, August 26.
The Metro Central Education District (MCED), in partnership with local primary schools, hosted the event at Bergsig Primary School. The expo formed part of the district’s Life Orientation programme and aimed to broaden pupils’ horizons long before they reach high school.
MCED subject advisor Kim Thompson, who led the initiative, said the goal was to expose pupils to future possibilities at an earlier stage. “Too often, our learners only begin thinking seriously about careers much later in their schooling. By introducing them to different industries and professions now, we give them the chance to dream earlier, plan better, and see the possibilities that lie ahead,” she said.
Guest speakers included Anslin Gysman, Dr Mervyn Coetzee, and Dr Chezlyn Baatjies, who delivered motivational talks that encouraged pupils to think boldly about their futures.
Exhibitors from a wide range of professions – from engineers, teachers, and lawyers to sound engineers, law enforcement, and community organisations – engaged with pupils throughout the day. Representatives from the Centre for Early Childhood Development, Swift Academy, Callas Foundation, and the South African Police Services also took part.
To allow more focused engagement, the pilot project involved four schools, with Bergsig, Mimosa, and Cedar primary schools attending. Specialist Leaders of Education and Safe Schools, including Yvahn Gerwel and Devin Adams, also supported the programme.
“This was about more than just an event, it was about building bridges to opportunity,” said Ms Thompson. “The teachers and partners embraced the vision wholeheartedly, and it showed what can happen when schools, districts, and support services work hand-in-hand,” Ms Thompson said.
The expo was part of the district’s broader Building the Bonteheuwel Brand vision and aligned with the Growth 4 Jobs strategy, which highlights the importance of preparing young people with the skills they need to thrive.
Pupils left the event with new questions, ideas, and ambitions, and MCED said it hoped that this would be the start of an annual tradition that helps inspire Bonteheuwel’s next generation.
Life Orientation teachers working closely with Ms Thompson to put the event together were Senami Syce and Graham Hector from Bergsig Primary School, Ammarah Ford-Pieters and George Snyders from Cedar Primary School, and Nadia Fisher from Mimosa Primary School.