How can corporates help address the skills shortage

It is both the public and private sectors responsibility to address the skills shortage in our country.  Finding a qualified workforce remains a challenge for economically viable entities. By addressing this shortage, a country’s growth, development and sustainability can be drastically improved and future generations are able to further positively contribute to local business success.  

Last year, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimade released the National Scarce Skills List, the Top 100 Occupations in Demand.

To view the list of the Top 100 occupations in high demand in South Africa click on the link below:

http://www.inseta.org.za/

In South Africa there are currently as many as 829 800 unfilled positions for high-skilled workers, according to the latest Adcorp Employment Index. Link this to an unemployment rate of 24.3% and it is easy to see that a change needs to be made.

In order to address our skills shortage we need to work together. The youth market needs to understand that they are the driving force in terms of closing this skills gap. They need to focus on personal development through education in order to equip themselves for their future careers.  But it doesn’t start and end with our youth.

It is also up to organisations across all industries to ensure that the future for all South African youth is brighter.

What role do corporates play?

1: Experience

Education through experience is a key aspect in training and skill development. Offering internships or apprenticeships to candidates looking to start in an industry can go a long way in preparing them for a career or profession.

2: Opportunity

There are countless South African’s who would love to capitalise on an opportunity to prove themselves in an organisation. Mentorship and training programmes provide youth with an opportunity to learn and grow in the field they would have studied.

Consistent engagement with the youth allows organisations to adequately identify potential new recruits. The selection process for graduate programmes, though vigorous, ensures that the right candidates are placed in positions were they can effectively contribute to the economic growth of a country.

3: Continuous learning

Allowing employees to study further can benefit business, employees and South Africa. Further education increases the skills competency of employees and improves staff morale. By acquiring more knowledge, employees are able to improve their marketability and contribution to the organisations they work for.

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Your company can take the skills of South Africans to the next level!

Whether it’s technology, study fees, registration, textbooks or accommodation, Eduloan can assist with all educational finance requirements.

And with expense management, salary deductions, complete fund and bursary administration and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects your business can expand while you change lives.

Since 1996 Eduloan has awarded study loans to the value of over R4 billion.

To contact Eduloan today visit www.eduloan.co.za or call 0860 55 55 44.

How to be an effective corporate citizen

Being effective in any job requires discipline, consistency and strong business acumen. Employers are looking to hire employees who are extraordinary and exceptional...not your average passenger through life.

 A company’s success has a direct correlation with the calibre of employees they have. Your focus over the next couple of years is to moulded into an employable asset, one that companies would fight for in order  to be on their team.

Being ambitious and working hard at being the change in your future career is how you will achieve success. But there are 3 very important things that you need to remember when striving to become an effective corporate citizen in your future job.

Tip 1: Be prepared for change

As you move from student life to the corporate environment, change is inevitable. Be prepared for it. Understanding the people dynamics in the workplace will help you navigate through your career path. 

From the people that you work with to understanding business processes, you need to be prepared to learn and adapt to these new surroundings.

Your attitude guides your progression in the workplace. First impressions last, so be on time and ready to contribute to defined business objectives. Once you understand the organisational culture, you will be able to adapt to the environment and find synergies between your own personal brand and the company.

Tip 2: Seek Guidance/Mentorship

When starting your job, there will be many new processes and systems that you will need to get used to. Each company is run differently and has their own set of rules, regulations and systems. Things are easier to understand and follow if you know the reason behind them.

Tip 3: There is no substitute for a good attitude

Having a good attitude goes beyond being the first one in the office and the last one to leave. It’s about staying positive and optimistic about your work and encouraging the people around you.

Find the positive in every situation and strive to always do your best. Many people forget how lucky they are to have their jobs and become complacent. You can make a difference in your industry simply through your passion for hard work and striving to make the best of every opportunity!

Are you ready to start taking the steps to being the change in your future job?

Being an effective corporate citizen requires continuous learning and development.

Whether it’s technology, study fees, registration, textbooks or accommodation, Eduloan can assist you with all of your educational finance requirements.

Since 1996 Eduloan has awarded study loans to the value of over R4 billion.

To contact Eduloan today about financing your career aspirations, visit www.eduloan.co.za or call 0860 55 55 44.

College or university, the differences and making the right decision

Individuals have various options when considering to study further. A tertiary education makes you marketable and prepares you for your career. A vital question is: What should you look out for when deciding which institution to attend?

In South Africa, the difference between colleges and universities is mainly on the NQF parameters, with colleges usually offering courses registered at levels 1 – 7 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and universities offering course registered at levels 5 -10.

To find out more about the National Qualifications Framework visit http://www.saqa.org.za

The Department of Higher Education and Training in South Africa categorise education into 3 separate learning platforms:

-        General Education

-        Further Education and Training (FET)

-        Higher Education

Further Education and Training (FET) is the completion of grades 10 -12 and post grade qualifications. Higher Education is referred to as diplomas, technical qualifications and degrees achieved after grade 12.

FET Colleges enable students to complete their National Senior Certificate while gaining vocational or skill-based training; this means students can gain skills and knowledge in the field of work that they would like to move into while completing a customised grades 10 -12 curriculum.

Such colleges may offer Higher Education learning with diplomas and technical qualifications.

Remember that colleges will differ and may not offer levels 1 - 4 NQF learning programs.

A university offers higher learning courses from levels 5 – 10 on the NQF, which would also include diplomas.

Remember that universities will differ and may not all offer levels 5 and 6 NQF qualifications, but only levels 7 – 10.

Making the right choice

The decision on which institution to attend is all about your study preference. Do you want to obtain a degree, diploma or technical qualification? What qualification would your future profession require? For example, a future engineer would require a degree in order to work for a multi-national company. A future chef would require a vocational/technical qualification in order to work in the hospitality industry.

The key is to do your research. Visit the university or college, ask career guidance counsellors, speak to tertiary students/lecturers on campus and gather all the information you can to make the best decision for you!

Whether it’s a university or college, Eduloan can supply you with the educational finance you need to make your dreams come true!

Technology, study fees, registration, textbooks or accommodation, Eduloan can assist you with all of your educational finance requirements.

Since 1996 Eduloan has awarded study loans to the value of over R4 billion.

To contact Eduloan today about financing your career aspirations, visit www.eduloan.co.za or call 0860 55 55 44.