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Career guidance

Learners encouraged to consider careers in transport

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:05

By Gabi Khumalo

In an effort to inspire learners to consider a career in transport, the City of Cape Town has made learners aware of the various career opportunities in the transport industry.

In his presentation to 160 Grade nine learners from eight Cape Town schools, City's Manager for Transport Planning Donald Cupido told learners that the city was in need of visionaries, dreamers, doers and those that keep things working.

"There are direct careers such as planners, economists, engineers, environmental scientists and project managers but also indirect ones such as designers, architects and facilitators,” Mr Cupido told learners.

He added that the industry also relies heavily on support professions such as draughtspersons, technicians, administrators and communication specialists.

The presentation was part of the transport’s programme, “Our heritage, our future schools” organised by the City's Transport Department and the Hosken Consolidated Investment (HCI) Foundation in celebration of Transport Month.

In his address, Executive Deputy Mayor Grant Haskin encouraged learners to access the career opportunities in transportation via the city’s bursary scheme.

He said that transportation was diverse and can offer an interesting future for the ambitious candidate, adding that it is this very sector that forms the backbone of the economy within Cape Town.

"An important transport legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is the Integrated Transport Plan, which will facilitate social integration for all Capetonians and provide access to Cape Town’s economy and the jobs created by the private sector," Mr Haskin said.

Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater Councillor Elizabeth Thompson said she believed that people must have access to a dignified, safe, clean, reliable, accessible and affordable public transport system.

"The City has embarked on an ambitious and comprehensive project to provide a world class public transport system and in addition, we are committed to spending substantial funds on creating pavements and dedicated bicycle lanes,” Ms Thompson said.

She added that residents should be provided with reliable alternative forms of getting around including the opportunity to walk, cycle and use other forms of non-motorised transport.

“We need to reclaim our roads and create safe spaces for the enjoyment of all,” she said.

The city caters for the transport needs of an estimated 3 percent annual increase in residents.

– BuaNews