Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) has introduced Tertiary Education Career Clinics as part of this year’s tertiary fair. The clinics are aimed at preparing students for the world of work by sharing information with them so that they are attuned to what is going on in the global economy. Scheduled for two days before the actual fair starts this week, Career Clinics are expected to help students realize their true aspiration and full potential before they choose what to study at the tertiary fair this week.
HRDC Policy Planning Director, Margaret Baiketsi, said this development came after a realization that many students have no idea what they want to study after completing secondary education. She said it was evident that a significant number of secondary school leavers always made hasty career decisions without any research or informed decisions on education and career pathways. She said different sectors will get a chance to present about requirements for different careers to help inform students of what is happening in the global village so that they can make relevant choices for today’s market.
“This will also prevent congestion and idling from one stall to another during the fair as students would already know what they want after attending the career clinics. It will also help learners to choose subjects relevant to their future careers and labour market needs. It is important for social mobility because it helps open students eyes to careers they may not have considered,” she said, adding that videos from the career clinics will be uploaded on Youtube for those who will not be able to attend so that they can watch them before the fair. She stated that the career clinics will be held only in Gaborone this year.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer at HRDC, Dr Patrick Molutsi, said they realized the importance of career clinics as it is essential for students to be up to international standards as the world is now a global village. He said there will also be a conference before the fair that will address challenges and come up with strategies to address them at the national level. He said they are expecting more than 20 000 prospective students at the Tertiary Education Fair this year.