“Career awareness amongst our learners is very important to us. We want our learners to be aware of the various opportunities that are available out there. The presence of the University of Pretoria was well received as most of the learners here at Hoërskool Pietersburg go there to pursue their studies. Apart from its proximity, it is an academic institution of exceptional quality,” says Freek Schutte, Vice-Principle of Hoërskool Pietersburg.

According to Schutte, who happens to be a former “Tukkie” (along with his wife), the career expo attracted members of both public and private sectors. The emphasis was placed on Grade 11-12 learners as well as Grade 9 learners as they needed to make informed subject choices.

“We care for our community; that’s why we invited other schools and members of our community. We know that we don’t all have access to the information. As for the University of Pretoria, it was very well represented. In fact I think it’s safe to say that they had the most representatives there. We thank them for their support and hope that next year all of their faculties will be there,” continues Angeline Poole-Erasmus, Life Orientation educator and event organiser.

Kotie Odendaal of the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Humanities reinforced the positive sentiments. “The attendance, quality and diversity of learners who supported this initiative was impressive. The learners actively interacted with the exhibitors and asked informed questions. All in all, applicants of a very high standard attended,” concludes Odendaal.