Postgraduate studies: More than just another qualification
Determine what skills are most needed when you choose your postgraduate degree
The skills needed in the country and the economy should guide prospective postgraduate students in their study and career choices, according to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Ishmael Mnisi. He says while most students are preparing for a career in the labour market, education and training should also benefit those who might not find jobs in the formal labour market as they seek alternative ways of earning sustainable livelihoods.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has also been working closely with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to ensure the integration of skills development planning with economic planning. “That means that, as part of developing growth strategies of priority sectors, the short, medium and long-term skills needs are taken into account and inform the types of qualifications offered through our institutions,” Mnisi explains.
“For example, the automotive Master Plan is implementing an integrated initiative that covers all aspects of the learning value chain, including career development, curriculum development, lecturer upgrading and workplace-based learning,” he emphasises.
He says through its Labour Market Intelligence Partnership, the DHET has also undertaken research that led to the identification of scarce skills aligned
to the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. “The full list identifies 103 priority occupations, and highlights some of the key areas of acute shortage in the South African labour market,” he says.
These include Agricultural Production Management, Engineering (including civil, electrical,
mechanical, energy, and mechatronics), Business Process Outsourcing, Computer Networking Professionals, Database Managers, Software Development, Cybersecurity Specialists and ICT System Analysts.
“The DHET has also developed the list of occupations in demand that was released in November 2020 and currently is working with the Department of Home Affairs to finalise [the] critical skills list.”
He acknowledges that unemployment is at an all-time high and urges anyone considering a postgraduate qualification to take this into consideration and think carefully about their future employability. “These lists should serve as signposts and guidelines when pursuing post-school opportunities.”
Students should also consider, not waiting for, but creating employment opportunities — for themselves and for others. An entrepreneurial mindset should be fostered as part of every curriculum, enabling and empowering students who graduate to start their own businesses and employ others.
The Post-school education and training system, which comprises universities, technical and vocational education and training colleges, sectoral education and training authorities and community colleges, as led by the DHET, has also designed a differentiated system of provision across the various institutional types that cater for different skills needs in the economy as well for individuals and society.
“While not all of these subsystems are at the required level of maturity in provision as yet, plans are afoot to ensure that they are supported to grow and be strengthened.”