Young women get support from Saab Grintek Defense

© Hasan Shaheed – 123RF.com

"It is for this reason that SGD conducts ongoing programmes and interventions to introduce the country's young women, and men, to careers in science, technology and engineering, whether it's through career days, bursary programmes, learnerships, or by supporting women-owned enterprises," said Motsatsing.

In just one of its initiatives, SGD recently hosted 50 Grade 9 to 12 predominantly female learners from Bokgoni Technical High School and Modiri Technical High School in Pretoria to its interactive career day. The learners were introduced to what it takes to achieve great things in a globally innovative company.

"Studying an engineering discipline is more accessible than ever before and it's important that we expose these 'non-traditional' careers to the learners," said Motsatsing.

Bursary opportunities

"SGD places an emphasis on empowering women, and we have a number of entrepreneurship and bursary programmes which give South African women in particular the opportunity to take control and launch new careers or businesses. We invited previous graduates, Mpho Koali and Lesego Moeletsi, who have changed their lives through our programmes to share their experiences and wisdom with the learners, hoping to inspire them," said Motsatsing.

Tips shared on the day are relevant to all learners, whether they are contemplating entering the engineering field, or looking into other careers. Sonika Nieuwoudt, senior human resources business partner at SGD advised the learners to take full responsibility for their lives, reminding them that they possibly can't change their circumstances, but they certainly can change themselves and work towards the goals that they set their minds to.

Koali reminded the learners to work hard and believe in themselves, because education is the key to a successful career, while Moeletsi cautioned the learners to be teachable, and to never procrastinate. She emphasised the importance of reading up on items of interest, and most importantly, suggested that they read newspapers.