Recently, the School of Engineering hosted two Engineering Career Days aimed at top Mathematics and Physics Grade 12 pupils drawn from UKZN’s feeder schools. In addition, they participated in an outreach visit to disadvantaged schools in the Howick district in conjunction with the College of Health Sciences.
Some 180 learners attended the Engineering career days at Howard College’s Unite building. Pupils from Kingsway High School, Westville Boys High, Westville Girls High, Fairvale High, St Marys, Eshowe High, Pinetown Girls High, Centenary Secondary, Vukuzakhe High School, Northwood and the Umkhumbane Schools’ Project were in attendance.
The school visit targeted 100 matric learners from two different schools in the Howick area, namely, Sbanesihle High School and Mconjwana High School.
Both outreach initiatives proved to be a success as the learners were enlightened on the different fields of Engineering available at UKZN. They also received a talk by the members of the College Office who further enlightened them on the point system and subject requirements as well as the Central Applications Office (CAO) requirements to enter Engineering at UKZN.
Telkom, Eskom and the eThekwini Municipality were the industry companies that participated and held a mini-expo for the learners, and also shared some insights about the world or work.
Learners said attending the career days helped them gain a better understanding of Engineering as well as gain clarity on the differences between the various Engineering disciplines.
‘I thank UKZN for inviting our school to become part of this informative event and allowing us to get answers to all the questions we had. It was truly a productive day,’ said Kingsway pupil Nombuso Dlamini.
‘I found the information very informative and interesting. I am going to work really hard as I have a great passion for mechanical engineering.’
Words: Manqoba Hadebe
Photographs: Asanda Dzelwa
