The Faculty of Humanities hosted the 4^th annual World of Work (WoW) Day for final-year teacher education students on 1 November 2022. The seminar was hosted at both Bloemfontein and Welkom Campuses.

Among the experts who shared their wealth of knowledge and experience with future teachers at both campuses are Mr B.M Tshabalala, Deputy Director: HR Motheo Education District, Dr T. Taso from the Department of Education, Mr M.A Khobe, Deputy Chief Education Specialist from the office of the director: Motheo District, Mrs Phaello Zonke, District Director: Lejweleputswa Education District, Mr Nhlapho, Lejweleputswa HR department, Ms Jessica Mothelesi, SACE Provincial Coordinator, Dr  R Ralile, Goldfields TVET College and CUT alumnus, teachers and academics.

WOW Day seminar is an information-sharing platform hosted annually for fourth-year education students to prepare them for the world of work in their noble career. The future teachers are afforded an opportunity to engage with industry experts and learn more about what to expect, skills and qualities they should uphold when they get to the field.

For this year’s WOW Day, topics such as Why Take Teaching as a Career, Educator’s Conditions of Service, Registration of Educators and Continuous Teacher Professional Development, issues of safety at schools, code of conduct, abuse of sick leave, the reason behind supply and demand of the department, unemployed teachers, how to tackle societal issues within the school context, the importance of good standing and registering with SACE in their careers as well as becoming lifelong learners and change agents were discussed by different industry experts.

Dean of the faculty, Professor Wendy Setlalentoa, said that starting a career is overwhelming and exciting at the same time and hosting WoW Day for their future teachers assists in lifting that burden. She further highlighted that exposure to such programs aims to ease the transition from being a student to being a full-time staff member next year. “The main aim of hosting this day is to prepare you on what to expect in real life of teaching. We want you to take advice from experts today and use this information to succeed in your teaching career.”

Caption

Industry experts, academics and fourth-year teacher education students at the Welkom Campus.

Back row: CUT final-year teacher education students.

Front row from left to right: Dr C. Mphojane, Departmental Manager and Teaching Practice Coordinator, Ms M. Dikgwatle, Part-Time Lecturer, Dr. R.S Ralile, CUT Alumnus from Goldfields TVET college, Ms S J. Mothelesi; SACE Provincial Coordinator, Mr L. Mkabane, Educator, Mr Nhlapo, H.R Lejweleputswa Education District, Ms N. Mvubu, CUT Sign Language Interpreter, Dr R. Bhagwandeen, Departmental Manager and Ms Keitumetse Motaung, Faculty Administrator.