For Grade 7 learners at Reamohetsoe Primary School, thinking about a future career can feel far removed from everyday classroom life. The school is trying to close that gap by bringing working professionals directly to learners and giving them an opportunity to ask questions about the careers they may one day pursue.
Reamohetsoe Primary hosted its 2026 Career Day on 2 September as part of the Grade 7 Life Orientation programme, exposing learners to professions ranging from healthcare and policing to engineering, finance, journalism and the creative industries.
Held under the theme “Explore today, inspire tomorrow, achieve your dreams,” the programme aimed to move career guidance beyond textbooks by allowing learners to hear directly from people already working in different fields.
Life Orientation educator Ms Mbatha said exposing learners to professionals at this stage can help them make more informed choices as they prepare for high school.
“We want our learners to understand that career choices begin with exposure. When they meet professionals, ask questions and hear how they built their careers, it helps them see what is possible and what they need to work towards,” Mbatha said.
She said bringing different professions into the school also gives learners a broader understanding of the opportunities available to them before they begin making important subject and career decisions.
The programme featured Metro Police Officer Lesedi Mogweng, financial adviser Letia Modise, professional nurse Samukelisiwe Zwane, X-ray department representative Jabusile Mthembu, SAPS representative Andries Macheli and civil engineer Kenny Khutsoane.
Learners also heard from ABSA Bank representative Thando Chebase, radio presenter Thobiya De MC, journalist Mpho Motaung, author Nkosinathi Moroeng, photographer Ongama Zazayokwe and Health Department representative Thabang Mafatle.
Enrique Reed, listed in the programme as a Metro World Child representative, was also among the speakers.
Turning career guidance into real-life exposure
Instead of simply telling learners what different jobs involve, the Career Day gave them access to people who could explain their work, career journeys and the realities of their professions.
The school’s approach responds to a common challenge for young learners: knowing the name of a career does not necessarily mean understanding how to enter it, what qualifications are needed or what the work looks like in practice.
Allowing learners to engage with professionals gives them an opportunity to ask those questions before they reach the stage of making more consequential education and subject choices.
One event is a starting point, not the full solution
While a Career Day can introduce learners to possibilities and provide inspiration, meaningful career guidance requires continued support.
Learners will still need opportunities throughout high school to explore their interests, understand subject requirements and learn about university, college, vocational training and other pathways into employment.
The Reamohetsoe initiative therefore provides an early intervention rather than a complete solution. Its value lies in making career information accessible and personal at an age when learners are beginning to think more seriously about their futures.
The programme concluded with a photoshoot, a vote of thanks and closing proceedings.
By connecting Grade 7 learners with professionals from several sectors, Reamohetsoe Primary is attempting to make career education more practical – giving learners not only something to aspire to, but people they can question and learn from as they begin planning what comes next.
