IF MZANSI’s degreed graduates are finding it difficult to get jobs, matriculants need to think differently.
The figure for jobless graduates is 33,5% of those aged 15-24 years.
It is 10,2% for those between 25 and 34, and 4,7% for those between 35 and 64.
Just over 30% of the youth have jobs, but about half are part of the labour market.
Statistics South Africa said youths are mostly employed in trade, agriculture and finance as well as in other business service industries.
Low and semi-skilled youth employment is concentrated in the trade industry, while highly skilled youth employment is in community and social services as well as finance and other business service industries.
Winnie Moses, lecturer and senior shareholder at the College for Business and Maritime Studies, said pragmatic qualifications such as in entrepreneurship, business, web development and supply chain management do not appear to be as sexy as a degree, but they are viable career opportunities that need to be explored by the youth.
“There are hundreds of thousands of graduates in South Africa who have beautiful degrees, yet they are still unemployed.
“To the youth and parents of these young people, I ask you to think hard about your future and career possibilities.
“Do research and check the job opportunities before you settle on your desired degree.
“Speak to career counsellors who specialise in offering students practical knowledge and ask them to advise you on what the best course for you would be.”
Winnie said in most cases 70% of degree students changed their qualification after the first year, because they never expected how their interests could be hooked by available education. This, of course, has a huge effect on the money spent on education.
She advised young people leaving school soon to consult them for information on pragmatic courses, or for free career guidance, by contacting them on 011 339 1301 or emailing [email protected]
