INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FINANCE CAREERS WEEK: 23 – 27 MARCH 2009
The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, in collaboration with the Insurance SETA (INSETA) invites your organisation to participate in the Finance Careers Focus Week. The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is an initiative of the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) whose aim is to promote scientific literacy to support the GDE’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths strategy through curriculum focused learning and teaching, educator training and support.
PURPOSE OF THE FINANCE CAREERS FOCUS WEEK
In September 2006, the Gauteng Provincial Government launched the Gauteng Human
Resource Development Strategy (GHRDS) to drive human resource development in Gauteng with a focus on developing and managing the skills pipeline in the ICT,Engineering and Finance sectors. The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre was subsequently mandated by theGauteng Department of Education, the GautengCityRegionAcademy and the Office of thePremier to implement a GHRDS awareness raising campaign through activities and eventsthat will promote career awareness in the three key priority clusters targeting learnersin the FET band, out-of-school learners and the general public.
The Finance Careers Weektargets Grade 10- 12 learners as well as out-of-school
youth and forms part of the many career and skills development focused events and
activities that will be undertaken by Sci-Bono to promote the GHRDS.
WHY HOLD THE EVENT?
The world and especially South Africa is experiencing critical skills shortages in the Financial services sector. Added to that is the level of integrity and discernment needed in this industry, values which are underpinned by sound moral principles and character. The aim of the Finance Week is to facilitate learner and industry inter-phase and provide a catchment opportunity for the industry as well as the learners. It is hoped that the interaction will not only highlight to learners the centrality of Maths in Finance and the extent of Mathematical prowess employed in the day to day financial business, but also to highlight the core ethics in Finance in a manner that will help learners to gradually assimilate these for effective organizational functioning in the future.
PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR EACH DAY
Motivational and industry insight talks –talks by role models, preferably young and recently qualified professionals in the critical skills categories to motivate learners to pursue careers in insurance, how they succeeded in their studies and training, emphasise the centrality of Maths and Science, skills required for successful workplace integration;
Mini workshops or talks - which provide in-depth insurance, banking and investmentindustry information, what is insurance, including reinsurance, short/long term insurance;banking including retail/commercial, central banking, the role of development banks; what are exchanges and how they work; why are all these sectors important in the South African economy, real life applications of insurance, banking and investment services and products, using “in the face” examplessuch as reinsurance for the 2010 World Cup, Gautrain, the global financial meltdown, etc
Information stands and materials by companies – A range of companies are
invited to provide information and advice on career opportunities, recruitment and bursaries, learnerships and internship opportunities available in their respective companies, as well as take-away information brochures and pamphletsfor learners;
Field trips for learners/educators to industries in the Finance sector – companies to host site visits for learners or educators which are intended to give insights to the visitors (educators & learners) about the inner workings of the workplace and how the various careers, especially the critical skills, play out in the world of work.
SUPPORT NEEDED FROM YOUR ORGANISATION
The following commitment is requested from your organization in order to make a success
of the Finance Careers Focus Week:
1. An exhibition through an information stand that provides information about your
organization including career streams, entry requirements, operations and bursary
information if available.
2. Company representatives to provide company specific information by interacting
with learners in breakaway sessions.
3. Role models from your company to give presentations/workshops to learners and teachers onthe Finance industry and its opportunities.
4. Your company to host a group of learners/educators to provide insights into the inner workings of the industry and your company as well as the ethos and competencies required for successful functioning in the workplace.
We look forward to your company participating in the event. Please find attached a form for confirmation of participation. Otherwise please feel free to contact:
Phelelia Sekele
Voice: 011 639 8400
Fax: 011 832 3360
Mobile: 082 442 5233
1