A Learning Journey is an expedition into the world of work for grade 10 and 11 learners. We use psychometric feedback to match motivated youngsters with progressive businesses for a fun day of experiential learning. Hopping aboard a Learning Journey means more than exposure to career options — we encourage students to ask loads of questions, practise their networking skills, and reflect on their experiences.
On Tuesday 12 March, we teamed up with our long-standing supporter, SPAR, for a journey into the world of retail.
Part 1: Exploring SPAR’s Philippi DC
Part 1: Exploring SPAR’s Philippi DC
11 enterprising Christel House learners arrived bright and early for a briefing session with hosts, Larry and Claudia. SPAR provided tea and snacks to boost energy levels, Claudia kitted the kids out in lumo pink safety vests, and Larry rewarded attentive learners with prizes to ensure everyone was paying attention to his itinerary!
For the uninitiated, it’s difficult to overestimate the mind-boggling size and variety of operations in a distribution centre. Our learners were wide-eyed by the time Larry’s guided tour came to an end! From Reception and Design to Marketing, Logistics, and Accounting, not to mention the warehouse itself, we learned about more careers than you can count.
Enthusiastic managers and representatives from each department not only explained their roles and answered questions but also inspired our learners by sharing their personal career journeys —whether they studied at university, why they decided to pursue a career in the fast-moving consumer goods industry, and what it means to be part of the SPAR family.
On a hot summer’s day, the highlight of the morning was a detour into the freezer! Despite some serious jogging on the spot, our group didn’t last a minute at -18 ⁰C! Back in the relative warmth of the DC floor, students expressed concern for employees who brave sub-zero temperatures every day. Larry explained that SPAR goes above and beyond to take care of staff members, even if that means equipping them with jackets fit for a polar expedition!
For a bunch of youngsters who were under the impression that working in retail meant packing aisles or manning a till, exploring SPAR’s Philippi DC was a breath of fresh air. Sincere thanks to everyone who shared their time with us — you get 10 out of 10 for effort from FutureMe!
Part 2: Sonstraal Store Visit
With insight into the hive of activity happens behind the scenes, it was time to follow a truck bound for a SPAR store. As the FutureMe bus cruised to Durbanville, learners occupied themselves by writing about their experiences in our quirky Learning Journals.
Upon arrival, Manager Donovan greeted us with a big grin and welcomed learners into SPAR Sonstraal. Pressed for time, we jumped right into a guided tour of the store’s various departments, including the bakery, butchery, deli, and marketing and finance departments. Once more, students were fascinated to learn about the variety of careers on offer at SPAR!
While traffic forced us to leave SPAR Sonstraal sooner than expected, Donovan enjoyed hosting our learners so much that he proposed we return for another visit to bake bread, make sandwiches, and serve customers … watch this space!
Thanks SPAR!
A big thank you to the SPAR team for going over and above to engage with our learners! Special thanks to Larry, Claudia, and Donovan, who went out of their way to showcase SPAR people and demonstrate SPAR values.
