More important is knowledge and skills in digital and technology jobs, and you can get these skills from private training institutes
Every year, thousands of school leavers apply to university, hoping to further their studies and eventually secure a job that will make them financially secure and successful in their chosen field.
In South Africa, as in many other parts of the world, graduating with a university degree is considered very important in securing future career prospects. It is a common view that university graduates have better opportunities and usually earn higher salaries than those without university qualifications. Fields such as medicine, accounting, law and certain scientific fields require a university degree to enter the profession. But not all careers require academic qualifications.
A university degree is a great achievement, but it is not always superior and is not the only means to a good tertiary education. Today, the sense of prestige around university qualifications versus vocational colleges is outdated. After all, the ultimate goal of tertiary training is to provide employment that supports your chosen lifestyle and gives you a sense of fulfillment. Alternative professional certifications can be achieved through recognized bodies such as AWS, Nokia Bell Labs and others, which are great for working youth and young adults.
Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk either dropped out of college or dropped out of university before they could collect their degrees. Yes, they are exceptions, but life is proof that people can still make it big without a university degree.
The grass is not always greener on university campuses
Times have changed, and some experts argue that university qualifications are not what they used to be. Due to the evolving nature of the world of work, there may not be as predictable a career path for university graduates as it is today. While having a university degree can increase your chances of employment for some jobs, it is no longer a guarantee.
There are other issues when applying to university post-Covid. The Guardian reports that in the UK, the post-Covid cohort of school leavers faces uncertainty as students are already competing for fewer places on sought-after university courses. Popular universities make fewer offers, leading to disappointment for more candidates. The same goes for popular university courses that are oversubscribed in South African universities.
University fees can put students at a disadvantage when they have debt to finance their studies, thus affecting their future financial prospects. On the other hand, apprentices trained in private educational institutions or TVET can enjoy starting salaries that are higher than the average salary of art students. The grass is not always greener for those attending university campuses.
Preparing workers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Living in the Information Age means that a large part of our lives is driven and aided by advanced technology. Access to knowledge is now largely supported by the internet, which is not affordable (yet), but generally accessible to most citizens. The opportunities provided by the internet and new technologies to generate income do not depend on a university degree. This is the opportunity of our lifetime!
When young adults are confused about their future career path and unsure of their next step, they should look to courses and subjects related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, to the modern technologies that are shaping the future of work.
More important is the knowledge and skills of digital vocation and technology. Students can acquire these skills from private training institutes such as Forge Academy & Labs, polytechnics or state-owned TVET colleges. Believe it or not, just because a student’s STEM subjects are lacking, doesn’t mean they can’t become great technicians, 3D printing specialists, design technicians, digital marketers or one day run a business. What students need is the right training and internship.
I didn’t get university acceptance. What now?
South Africa needs skills across a range of industries and sectors. According to CareerJunction, the job sectors in South Africa that are the hardest hit by skills shortages are the information technology and finance sectors, but shortages are across the board, including in marketing, design, media & arts and business management. Many of these fields require skills that can be obtained from vocational and training institutions other than from universities.
Like Forge Academy & Labs, state-owned FET and TVET colleges look to close the skills gap between what various industries need and the current skill sets available. These courses are seen to provide students with practical skills useful in securing employment or starting a business.
If you are not accepted into the university, then look for alternative opportunities. Remember that more important than getting a degree is doing the work you are passionate about when you excel. Success comes in infinite forms – finding the right internship and institution can be the first step to living your dreams.
— Craig Clutty is the COO of Forge Academy & Labs