Matric pupils gain insight to working world rigours

NELSON Mandela Bay matrics have been given a glimpse into the working world at a workshop organised by the Businesswomen's Association.

Aimed at inspiring, empowering and preparing pupils for the working world, the workshop saw more than 100 matrics from the city's schools receive guidance from industry leaders.

About 100 matriculants gathered at Linkside High School last week for the sixth annual Port Elizabeth Business Women's Association (BWA) matric workshop.

Pupils from Cillie, Linkside, Walmer, Booysen Park, Ethembeni Enrichment Centre, Alexander Road, Otto du Plessis, Andrew Rabie, David Livingstone and Lawson Brown high schools attended the workshop.Focused on empowering and inspiring pupils while preparing them for life after school, pupils were made aware of the various opportunities as well as pitfalls that come with the working world.

Professional image consultant Solette Rhodes and Julie Oates from Pixel Shoes covered topics from entrepreneurial spirit, while Lana Field from Epic Work and Travel and Bernadette Nel-Naude addressed the pupils on gap-year opportunities and practical safety tips for women.

Other top speakers included former radio personality and now Coca-Cola Sabco Group public affairs manager Buli G Ngomane, who encouraged the girls to "be themselves for a living".

Price Waterhouse Coopers, Axalta Plascon, Trade Lane, Liberty Life, PostNet Moffet on Main and GDL Photography were among the event sponsors.

BWA chairwoman Michelle Brown encouraged all pupils to follow the example of the women who have given back by sharing their knowledge with the next generation of pupils. - Chanice Koopman