South Africa’s undergraduate unemployment rate has increased from 8.7% to 11.7% last year, which has inspired questions about the value of university degree in a struggling economy. However, this question should not be about the value of further education, rather systemic-but clearly recognizable and addressable-to-over-employment that causes obstacles to post-employment obstacles, says an education expert.
“The case for more education, no less, has been fixed on numbers,” Dr. Linda Mayor, MD at IIE Rosbank College and President of Rosbank International University College Ghana.
For people with only one matric certificate, the unemployment rate is at 34.9%, and it climbs up to 39% without them. Graduate unemployment rate – from last year – 11.7%, Dr. The mayor is a part of the notes.
“But it is true that despite the clear matter for education-degree-holders have been constantly developed by low unemployment rates compared to the educational rates–The growing disconnect between education and employment demands immediate attention,” she says.
Dr. The mayor says that there are 6 clear obstacles for employment for graduates, which should be addressed through an essential who comes together between higher education institutions, government and industry.
Economic obstacles
South Africa’s stable economic growth is the primary obstacle for graduation employment.
Dr. “The economy needs to grow at least 3% to effectively absorb graduation to the economy,” says Mayor. “Without this, even well -educated individuals struggle to find opportunities. The solution is located not waiting for economic reform, but continuously equip the graduate with skills to create their own opportunities.”
Course reform
Dr. The mayor says that the old design of the university course is a significant obstacle to the readiness of the workplace.
“The degree that our parents studied are largely the same as the intake of today,” she notes.
To bridge the difference, institutions must align programs with industry needs, especially in high-development sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Cyber Security.
“There are job opportunities in these areas, but our course should reflect these demands,” she says.
Additionally, digital flow should be preferred, as well as soft skills and entrepreneurial efficiency -not only to become employees, but also potential employers
“It is unacceptable that there are still students who do not know how to use computers. If you are not digitally fluent as a graduate, your opportunities are seriously, if not completely, not exposed.”
Industry participation
Cooperation with the industry is important, although there is a lack of encouragement for such partnership with higher education.
“In the commercial field, tax incentives run cooperation, but it is absent in universities,” Dr. The mayor says.
“Many companies run a bridging program to withdraw graduates, indicating a skill mismatched, which can be addressed first through formal participation. In major areas, legal bodies, such as mining, ICT and healthcare, must work with universities to ensure graduation skills.”
Lack of funding further increases the issue, which limits access to state -of -the -art equipment. It asks for strategic participation to provide the latest technology, ensuring that students get experience on hand with devices used in the industry.
Work-Employed Learning and Career Development
Dr. The mayor says that it is non-parasical to include the work-ecclested learning (WIL) in the syllabus.
“Internships and simulated tasks are environment game-changes. A graduate with just one year experience sees a rapid growth in their employment.”
Universities should prioritize partnership with companies for internships, create on-campus labs, and develop ecosystems copying the actual world work settings.
Entrepreneurial and micro-crediting
To empower graduates as job creators, entrepreneurship education and subtle-credentials are important.
Dr. “Digital entrepreneurial skills and understanding market gaps are important,” says Mayor.
Universities should partner with businesses to provide incubation funding and mentorship, enableing graduates to start enterprises. Social entrepreneurship, in particular, provides opportunities to face social challenges during the manufacture of permanent businesses.
Micro-cladienting can also separate graduates in a competitive job market.
“When the employers do a 400 CV screen, micro-caudiants highlight unique skills and drives. These certificates are combined with an entrepreneur mentality, equipped graduates to identify and solve specific problems, which create businesses that meet the real world needs.”
Small business development
South Africa has a major unused capacity in the small, medium and micro-entertainment region.
“We often focus on large businesses, but SMMEs provide important opportunities. However, access to funding remains a barrier. Many graduates have collateral deficiency for bank loans, and government processes for micro-lones must be made fair and more accessible.
“Sometimes, it does not take very large capital – enough to buy stock and start dreaming,” she notes.
Educational mechanisms, such as business incubators and supplier certification programs can also be integrated to support interested entrepreneurs in tertiary institutions.