TAKING YOUR STUDIES FURTHER
INVESTIGATES THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A TERTIARY EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA, AND OFFERS TIPS ON HOW TO GO ABOUT IT.
Many people in South Africa feel that passing matric is enough to prepare them for the big, working world out there. It’s a very rude awakening when they discover that it’s actually much harder to find a job than they thought.
Most parents place high importance on primary and secondary education for their children. But, without a certified tertiary education, their chances of employment are fairly dismal.
WHERE TO NOW?
The truth is that when we leave school, most of us have no idea what career we would like to follow. There are so many options to choose from.
Once you’ve decided what you’re interested in, pursue it with a clear goal in mind. Opportunities for finding a higher-paid job are so much greater with a certificate of study backing you up. It will ensure that you are qualified, and have the knowledge and skills to do the job that you want to.
Studies show that only one in five students take tertiary education studies in the country. “The school curriculum doesn’t prepare a student for a career. The unemployment rate is very high and a person needs to stand out,” explains Elbie Liebenberg, principal of Oxbridge Academy.
According to Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, 67.2% of South African matriculants passed their examinations at the end of 2010. Of these, only 23% qualified for a university entrance. Over and above that, only 15% of these university entrants will actually graduate from university.
South Africa’s graduation rate is one of the lowest in the world. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), only one in four South African matriculants will find employment after school. “Sources show that more than 60% of adults under the age of 24 are unemployed in South Africa. This makes getting a tertiary education that much more crucial,” affirms Liebenberg.
WHY IS A TERTIARY EDUCATION IMPORTANT?
According to Unesco, skills for the economy are built at tertiary level. Countries with better-educated citizens are inarguably better equipped to deal with new challenges and technological advances.
Apartheid and selective education have left a legacy of damage and educational inequality. The unavailability of adequate skills severely hampers South Africa’s growth rate. Tertiary education is the backbone of society and a major force behind personal financial freedom and economic growth.
South Africa’s Treasury Report shows, without a doubt, that further education is the key to employability. So, the chances of getting the job you want are increased dramatically by the level of skills that you have.
“You need to develop yourself, and gain skills and knowledge that are needed, to be successful in your job,” says Liebenberg.
LATE LEARNERS
Do you perhaps feel stuck in your job? Perhaps you fell into something because you needed to find work quickly? That doesn’t mean that you can’t study further and find a new career for yourself.
The truth is, no matter how old you are, obtaining that piece of paper – a diploma or degree – will make all the difference. Choosing from the range of exciting options of courses is easy; sticking with the course may be difficult. But, it’s essential to see it through.
As Africa’s biggest economy, it is in South Africa’s best interests, as well as your own, to encourage students to pursue tertiary education, or to do so yourself. The monetary benefits of that mean that your living standard will increase. You may be able to afford housing and health costs, and invest for the future.
MONEY ISSUES
What if you want to study further and, as is of- ten the case, can’t afford to pay for the tuition? Tertiary education at colleges, universities and technikons around the country offer a variety of different options in terms of courses, parttime study, payment plans and distance learning. Also, parents are encouraged to save for their children’s further education, for the best chance of long-term employment. It’s never too early to start saving for this.
Find out more about the government’s Fundisa fund, which was established to assist people for this particular purpose. Also, research possible scholarships and bursaries. Encourage your children to contribute to their education with money from part-time and holiday jobs.
HAVE PASSION AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK
When there’s passion, it motivates you to work hard at it – it could be anything from fashion design and retail to accounting and engineering.
“Would-be tertiary learners should try to focus on scarce skills in the country. That will increase their chances of getting a job, and help South Africa to develop and grow without importing skills from other counties,” asserts Liebenberg. The Scarce Skills pamphlet can be downloaded from the website of the Department of Labour.
Choosing the right institution to achieve your aim is very important. Check its reputation. Some places may not be internationally recognised.
The demand for highly skilled workers is high in many developed countries. Do your research. Find out everything about the career you want to follow. If you intend to start your own business afterwards, how will you do it? Do you have a network of contacts in your chosen field? If not, begin to build one.