Class of 2017 urged to consider options carefully

TRADE union Uasa has congratulated the 2017 matric class and says the focus must be on further study.

“For those looking to further their education, now is the time to focus. For these pupils a new world is opening up; one that may prove to be full of stumbling blocks for those who are unprepared.

“Matric provides young adults with a broad theoretical background and does not prepare them to perform specific tasks in the workplace. This is one of the reasons only about 25% of school leavers are expected to find employment,” Uasa said.

“In South Africa and elsewhere there is a trend to only consider university studies.

“This is an option for matrics who received university exemption marks and who are informed about the course they want to apply for and where this course will take them in life. Others might miss the mark and become part of the estimated 40% of students dropping out of university in their first year.

“The Department of Higher Education released a report in 2015 highlighting that 47.9% of university students did not complete their degrees. Black students had the highest dropout rate, with 32.1% leaving in their first year,” it said in a statement.

“Every year tertiary institutions battle with too many applicants and insufficient space. The past few years have shown the ratio of young South Africans opting for university studies as opposed to those who decide on further education and training (FET) or are willing to consider an artisanship is distorted compared to international benchmarks.

“Yet these alternatives can lead to better results in terms of employment and income potential.”

The Cornerstone Institute said it would help matriculants reach their full potential.

“As many learners are contemplating their next journey, Cornerstone will help students with the career choices they now have to make. Our Student advisers are on standby to help students who have passed their matric. What’s more we have various scholarship and financial aid for selected students.

“Congratulation to all who have passed. One of the most dangerous side effects of the narrow national preoccupation with matric is the way in which it is painted as a guaranteed gateway to success.

“While there are real benefits to completing matric, the class of 2017 will face a divided and unequal employment and education environment.

“Their post-school opportunities will be shaped by the quality of their pass and access to funding. Sadly, there are not many opportunities for most students who have a university pass.

“We urge students to come and discuss their future choices with us,” said the institute’s chief executive Noel Daniels.

To accommodate students it has extended the application deadline till the end of this month. Student advisers will be available next week to discuss career plans.

ALTERNATIVES TO UNIVERSITY CAN LEAD TO BETTER RESULTS IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, INCOME POTENTIAL