More than 2 000 Grade 8 to 11 learners from Phuthaditjhaba and surrounding schools attended a career fair at the Multipurpose Centre on 11 September 2026, learning about study, training and career options available after school.
The career fair provided learners at different levels in the schooling system with the opportunity to interact with organisations and institutions that could help them with the transition from school into further education, skills development or the workplace.
The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) participated in the career fair as part of the wider SASSETA Career Fair, assisting learners to understand that there are multiple pathways to further education, training and employment opportunities.
Learners urged not to limit their career options
One of the messages that learners received was that they should actively pursue the opportunities available to them, instead of limiting themselves to the assumption that there are only a few career paths open to them after school.
Services SETA representative Lucky Radebe encourages learners to take advantage of the opportunities available, like learnerships, bursaries and internships.
His words were important for learners who may not have easy access to university at present and for learners who are still considering their options after leaving school.
Careers fairs can help learners to identify alternative education and training opportunities that they have not considered.
University is not the only option
At the same time, the career fair challenged Grade 10 to 12 learners and their parents to recognise that university is not the only path to a successful career.
Charlenne Dlamini, a Grade 10 learner from Rantsane Secondary School, says the career fair helped her to understand the many options available after school.
“I have learned that university is not the only pathway to success.”
Learners who are still several years away from leaving school benefit from being introduced to the different career options.
South Africa’s post-school education and training system is diverse, and the most appropriate option for a learner depends on their interests, academic achievements, career aspirations and circumstances.
What learners can explore after Matric
The career fair included several categories of opportunity that learners can explore as they near the end of their schooling.
Learnerships
Learnerships combine workplace experience with learning. Depending on the specific learnership, they can be used to achieve occupational qualifications and qualify for a professional designation.
Carefully research specific learnerships, as entry requirements, duration, funding and stipends will vary.
Bursaries
Bursaries can assist eligible students to finance further education. Specific academic, financial and occupational requirements apply for each bursary.
Learners should complete their bursary research before finalising Matric registration, rather than leaving the application process until the last minute.
Internships
Internships may provide work experience, but they tend to target people who have received or are receiving specific qualifications.
The requirements and availability of internships will vary, depending on the employer and the organisation.
Career planning should start early
The attendance of learners from Grade 8 to 11 is a sign that learners do not have to limit their options during or immediately after Matric.
The earlier learners receive information about the opportunities available, the more time they have to research their options.
For a Grade 8 or Grade 9 learner, the emphasis may be on identifying different occupations that interest them. A Grade 10 or 11 learner may already have to consider the subjects, institutions and financial support that would assist them in a specific career path.
This means that the information needs of learners will vary depending on where they are in the schooling system.
Mental health was also part of the programme
In addition to providing information about further education and employment opportunities, the career fair included a mental health therapy session that allowed learners to explore their wellbeing needs.
Including information about mental health in a youth-focused career fair is important, since career planning can be a cause of concern for learners.
By addressing mental health, educators acknowledge that career choices are not the only consideration when preparing for life after school.
A broader perspective on success
The Phuthaditjhaba career fair gave learners the opportunity to consider a range of different perspectives regarding their success.
For some learners, university may be the ideal choice. Others may pursue technical, occupational or workplace-based training, or another form of post-school education.
The key requirement is that a learner should have an accurate understanding of the options available and should assess their suitability based on their individual circumstances.
For learners who attended the career fair, the greatest value may be in leaving with the information and motivation to take their research into the next phase of their careers.
Practical steps for learners after the career fair
Learners who attended the event, and those who could not, can make the following steps to plan their careers:
- Identify three to five careers of interest to you.
- Research the qualifications required for the careers.
- Identify the subjects relevant to your chosen careers.
- Research universities, TVET colleges and other training institutions.
- Find bursaries relevant to the fields of study that interest you.
- Identify learnerships and internships that you are eligible for.
- Talk to teachers, career advisers and parents or guardians.
- Speak directly to the organisation offering an opportunity.
Most importantly, learners should always confirm the requirements and cut-off dates from official sources before submitting any personal information.
Source
Source: Information supplied regarding the SASSETA Career Fair held at the Multipurpose Centre in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State, on 11 September 2026, including Services SETA’s participation and learner experiences.
Editorial policy
This article was independently written from the supplied event information. The aim is to provide useful context for South African learners and families rather than reproducing promotional material.
We differentiate reported facts from general educational guidance and do not include unsupported statistics, programme requirements, funding amounts or employment claims.
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If an error is identified, the relevant information will be reviewed against the available source. Confirmed factual inaccuracies will be corrected to ensure that readers have access to reliable information.
Disclaimer
Post-school career and education opportunities change regularly. Learners should confirm current admission requirements, funding conditions, application deadlines and programme details directly with the relevant institution or organisation before making decisions.
