With the release of the long-awaited 2022 matric results, South Africa’s newest group of school leavers are ready to enter new territory. While some will go on to tertiary education or their chosen vocational path, others may hold back because they don’t have a degree or feel unsure about their next step.
Dr Lauren Martin, Deputy Dean of Learning & Teaching at SACAP (The South African College of Applied Psychology) said: “The important thing is to take stock, consider your options, reflect on your goals and interests, and then take positive steps forward in 2023. Are you disappointed with your matric results or confused about which way to go, there are some great options to build your skills and gain valuable experience that can set you on a flexible and rewarding track.
SACAP offers a range of one-year, accredited Higher Certificate education programs designed specifically to meet the needs of school leavers.
An Advanced Certificate Program may be for you:
If you pass matric without exemption
You may have set your heart on studying for a degree but your matriculation didn’t go as planned and you didn’t get a degree. You can resubmit by signing up to rewrite up to two additional matric exams or go the matric upgrade route. However, if the thought of a matric “do-over” excites you, then consider an accredited Higher Certificate program. “Graduating from SACAP’s Higher Certificate program in 2023 will not only help you get back on track, but also provide you with a number of important benefits,” Dr Martin said. “Not only will you meet the minimum entry requirements for degree studies across the country, but you will lay the foundation for good academic literacy, setting you up for success in your further studies.”
If you are not sure that you will be able to succeed at university
Many school leavers may be unsure of their ability to succeed at university level. Participating in the Higher Certificate program will give you this year to build confidence and empower you to continue your journey to higher education. SACAP’s small classes of no more than 25 students are ideal for finding your feet in a higher education environment.
If your interests are broad and you are not yet ready to choose a specific degree study
SACAP’s Higher Certificate Program is a gateway to further study in the Social Sciences and Business fields. SACAP’s Higher Certificate in Business Management and Human Resource Management includes industry-oriented content and applications that offer not only a bridge to further study but also a vocational pathway into the South African business sector.
In addition, the SACAP Higher Certificate in Counseling and Communication Skills is a great qualification for anyone who wants to develop their interpersonal skills and improve their ability to interact and work with others. Dr Martin said: “A key feature of this qualification is that it provides invaluable knowledge and insight into human behavior and a better understanding of human diversity, which are now sought after capabilities in a wide range of workplaces.”
He concluded: “SACAP’s short one-year Higher Certificate program gives students a taste for a field of study without a long-term commitment and gives them the qualifications and practical skills they need to register at the end. Along with a student-centred approach, it is also a journey of self-discovery that makes a greater awareness and understanding of one’s relationship with others as well as a deeper relationship with one’s self.
Applications for the SACAP Higher Certificate program are now open. Please visit sacap.edu.za to register.