DESPITE its importance, a matric certificate offers very few prospects these days for those who do not follow it up with a degree or diploma.
Job-hunting matrics face a bleak future, according to a number of economy experts and a recruitment specialist. They went on to urge matrics to seek further study if at all possible.
Independent Development Corporation chief economist Lumkile Mondi said the South African economy was growing by about 2% a year, which meant the job market was very tight.
“The economy is stagnant,” he explained. “It would assist if companies would employ the youth, particularly those who have just left school without equipping themselves with any other skills, but that is not always the case.”
Mondi said other options to consider, especially for those struggling financially, would be to enrol at an FET college, seek some kind of a bursary or to start a business.
“But for pupils thinking they can complete only their matric and automatically get a job, I would say that’s not realistic,” Mondi said.
This was echoed by Rhodes University Professor Hugo Nel, who said the sluggish economic growth had resulted in limited employment opportunities. According to Nel, a 6% economic growth would be necessary to boost the job market for the youth, but they would still need to study further in order to secure those jobs.
“Popular courses in universities these days include specialist industries such as information technology (IT), the financial sector and engineering,” Nel said.
“But for those who cannot study further, the public sector might be a good place to look as it is a huge employer.”
Sheldon Recruitment temp consultant Glynis Bentley said employers generally seek staff with some sort of a skill, work experience or a further qualification.
University of Fort Hare Professor Ronnie Ncwadi said not studying further would trap the youth in a cycle of seeking low-end jobs in order to make a living.
“Matric is just to give you information.
“It’s not a qualification.
“It’s just a basis for the youth which enables them to go on to university to study further so they can get their foot in the job market door to secure proper employment,” Ncwadi said.
“And given the country's job market right now, I would say those who don’t seek a further qualification face the possibility of a very bleak future indeed,” he concluded. — zisandan@dispatch.co.za
Further study a must for school leavers
Job-hunting matrics face a bleak future, according to a number of economy experts and a recruitment specialist. They went on to urge matrics to seek further study if at all possible.
Independent Development Corporation chief economist Lumkile Mondi said the South African economy was growing by about 2% a year, which meant the job market was very tight.
“The economy is stagnant,” he explained. “It would assist if companies would employ the youth, particularly those who have just left school without equipping themselves with any other skills, but that is not always the case.”
Mondi said other options to consider, especially for those struggling financially, would be to enrol at an FET college, seek some kind of a bursary or to start a business.
“But for pupils thinking they can complete only their matric and automatically get a job, I would say that’s not realistic,” Mondi said.
This was echoed by Rhodes University Professor Hugo Nel, who said the sluggish economic growth had resulted in limited employment opportunities. According to Nel, a 6% economic growth would be necessary to boost the job market for the youth, but they would still need to study further in order to secure those jobs.
“Popular courses in universities these days include specialist industries such as information technology (IT), the financial sector and engineering,” Nel said.
“But for those who cannot study further, the public sector might be a good place to look as it is a huge employer.”
Sheldon Recruitment temp consultant Glynis Bentley said employers generally seek staff with some sort of a skill, work experience or a further qualification.
University of Fort Hare Professor Ronnie Ncwadi said not studying further would trap the youth in a cycle of seeking low-end jobs in order to make a living.
“Matric is just to give you information.
“It’s not a qualification.
“It’s just a basis for the youth which enables them to go on to university to study further so they can get their foot in the job market door to secure proper employment,” Ncwadi said.
“And given the country's job market right now, I would say those who don’t seek a further qualification face the possibility of a very bleak future indeed,” he concluded. — zisandan@dispatch.co.za
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