What will I need to qualify for a loan from Eduloan? (Infographic)

Youth: A Catalyst For Educational Change

It is always interesting to notice how youth culture and behavior is shaping education. With the rise of the Internet we have seen an introduction of various new resources to class rooms as well as a variety of new study directions to accommodate the influx of youths who want to work in these fields. Here is a quick breakdown of five ways youth have become catalysts for change in education:

Change #1 – The introduction of technology in the classroom

The University of Johannesburg was one of the first South African universities to introduce compulsory tablets for all first year students. Many schools also include interactive white boards in the class room to enhance the classroom experience. Youth enjoy learning by means of technology and this encourages engagement and access to even more information.

Change #2 – The need for new ways to gain an education

Many universities and colleges choose to offer a variety of short online  courses  that students can take to earn credits toward a degree or just to enrich their skills or develop their existing skills.

Change #3 – Learning beyond the classroom

Many students enjoy taking their studies beyond the classroom, choosing to view lectures online in their own time, engaging in student forums or engaging with and sharing a variety of study materials. Institutions naturally have to make provision for this, allowing students to be able to supplement their studies with these kind of resources.

Change #4 – Enriched resources

Whether prescribed textbooks are available for tablet, or whether an institution chooses to engage students in a virtual space, many students prefer rich content. Youth have become accustomed to second screen experiences – they choose to tweet while they watch TV or Google matters of interest while watching the Discovery Channel. The need for rich resources has never been greater. Academic, literary and cultural references can be at hand when you refer to them and eliminate the fact that many students will forget to look up a reference in the library.

Change #5 – The type of courses on offer

The popularity of the Internet provides a variety of new opportunities and career paths. Many of those who are specialists in the field are young working people and this is but one example of how new technology and social advancements can shape the need for new departments in education… popular culture is no longer something you experience on MTV, but you can learn about it to ensure that you can include the best approaches in your marketing attempts. The rise in popularity of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Mxit among youth ensures that “best practices” are introduced in a syllabus as well.

Youth will always remain a dynamic part of our society and with the investment in youth and how they contribute to the future of South Africa, it is only natural that they play a role in how education is shaped.

Let’s Take a Look at FET Colleges as an Option to Further Your Studies

As the Matric results are released, many students will be waiting for their letter of acceptance to their preferred university, college or technicon. For many students, late acceptance and last-minute applications are a reality. The Minister of Higher Education and Training recently presented a white paper announcing plans for more opportunities for South African youth.

The facts…

South Africa currently has 25 universities, 50 FET colleges and 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) that offer approximately 396 449 opportunities. The Higher Education and Training department is hoping to open a further 12 FET colleges to provide even more opportunities to students who want to choose a practical and work-ready solution. This is all part of the department’s plan to increase the number of enrollments to FET colleges from 500 000 to 2.5 million.

In the past two years, more and more students have been choosing FET colleges. FET courses are career oriented and offer students an academic as well as a practical study experience.

Right, more people are enrolling at an FET college, but why should I?

FET colleges offer a variety of industry-related courses that can help you get a job (so you can study to become something specific – like a builder, hairdresser or a mechanic). If you enjoy practical learning, FET colleges are great, as they have an offer great hands-on practical training to support your academic learning.

You can read our blog that answered six questions about FET colleges, you can contact Eduloan as soon as you have decided which FETcollege you would like to study at and one of our consultants will be able to give you all the information you require to get the financial assistance to realize your dream. For more information or to speak to one of our Eduloan consultants, visit our website www.eduloan.co.za.

Year of The Artisan &Skills-Based Education: How To Become A Builder

Whether you want to assist in building a community or whether you enjoy working with your hands, this month we take a look at what it takes to become a builder. A builder is responsible for several different jobs surrounding buildings and construction and often assumes the position of contractor during a project. Being a builder has several benefits, although it often demands hard physical work. As a builder, you can be self-employed or you can work for a construction or development company.

As a builder, you are responsible for a variety of things which include:

·         Working with the architect to build according to specifications

·         Planning and buying the relevant building equipment and material

·         Managing several contactors (like tilers or electricians)

·         Understanding the relevant building laws and regulations

·         Managing a team of builders to ensure that the project is completed on time and according to plan

·         Understanding how to accurately and safely operate a variety of equipment associated with the building process.

If you…

·         enjoy working outdoors

·         are skilled and enjoy working with your hands

·         enjoy being accurate

·         have a fine eye for detail

·         have a steady hand

·         enjoy working with others

… then you could be a perfect candidate to become a builder!

Training is a very important part of building, mainly because there are important safety regulations to adhere to during the building process to ensure that buildings are safe for occupation and that they will not be affected by the elements (like wind and rain). If you want to be a builder, it is suggested that you get formal training. It is always an advantage to be able to supply a future employer with certificates and paperwork to prove that you are skilled for the job.

There are several colleges that teach building subjects – you can confirm with the Construction Engineering Training Authority (CETA) whether your college or course is certified. If a course is CETA accredited it means that they comply with the minimum industry standards. This is a good course to choose and you know that your training will be of good quality and your certificate valid.

You can contact Eduloan as soon as you have decided which school or training college you would like to study at and one of our consultants will be able to give you all the information you require to get the financial assistance you need to realise your dream of becoming a builder. Keep in mind that we also offer loans for all your study equipment – so you do not have to worry about having to buy a level, hardhat or drafting table. For more information or to speak to one of our Eduloan consultants, visit our website www.eduloan.co.za.

Studying A B.Com – What Does It Mean And What Can You Do?

Many prospective and current students are talking about studying a B.Com. But what does that mean? Should you be studying it? What career can you follow if you study a B.Com degree? This week we take a look at the B.Com degree, answering your questions and looking at how this degree can unlock your potential!

What does B.Com stand for?

B.Com is a short term generally used for a Bachelor of Commerce degree. A B.Com generally consists of a collection of subjects that you can choose from, should you like to specialise (or major) in a certain interest field. Here is a short list of some of the specialised fields:

• B.Com in Accounting Science
• B.Com in Investment Management
• B.Com in Quantitative Management
• B.Com in Business Management
• B.Com in Economics
• B.Com in Banking
• B.Com in Law

A B.Com programme offers you the opportunity to become a public or private sector expert, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to focus on economics and business management.

What careers options are available to B.Com graduates?

Career options for B.Com graduates are plenty and not limited to only one or two career paths. Many B.Com graduates become accountants, auditors, information system officers, taxation specialists, marketing managers or customer relationship officers. Your role in the company could also vary from management to business planning, development and quality management or marketing. You can practice in the public or private sector and your skill does not have to be applied directly to banking or auditing. If you are interested in the fashion industry, you can still apply your skill to it by becoming an accountant at a retail brand for instance. 

What are the benefits of studying a B.Com degree?

There are several benefits of studying a B.Com degree. Here are just a few reasons you should consider a B.Com degree:

• Most B.Com degrees give you an opportunity to study the general degree initially before choosing your stream or major. This allows you to gage where your strengths are and what stream or major interests you most
• Career opportunities are not limited and that means that you have many opportunities as a B.Com graduate
• A B.Com degree is a great degree to prepare you to work in the public or the private sector
• As a B.Com graduate you are well equipped to work for a company or to excel as an entrepreneur

Where can I sign-up?

Entrance requirements for a B.Com degree include Matric exemption. You will have to have Mathematics as one of your Matric subjects, plus two languages (of which one should be English). It is however very important to confirm the specific entrance requirements of the B.Com degree offered at your chosen tertiary institution. B.Com degrees are generally offered at universities and colleges.

If you would like to apply to study a B.Com degree, you can contact us to find out how we can assist you with a loan to cover your tuition fees as well as a loan for your textbooks. And because we understand the importance of technology in the business and economic fields as well as how important it is for you to have access to information, we can also offer you a loan for a laptop or a tablet. Visit our website today to find out how we can assist you to unlock your potential as a B.Com graduate!

Why Education And Experience Matter

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“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi had many wise words, but these words align well with our topic of discussion for this week. The debate around whether education equips students with the relevant skills and expertise to function optimally in the working world, has been longstanding. This week we look at some of the key benefits of education and experience, to establish why they complement each other to ensure you are well equipped for your future career:

Your education…

• . . . ensures that you develop basic skills that you would require in the working world. Whether your teacher encourages you to share books or other learning equipment with your fellow students or teaches you the importance of time management for example.
• . . . gives you the theoretical framework for your chosen career, ensuring that you operate within legal and industry standards.
• . . . gives you the opportunity to benefit from developing skills within a controlled environment, allowing you to bounce ideas off peers and experiment with different skills that you might need in the working world.
• . . . gives your CV the “stamp of approval” and indicates to future employers that you have the required knowledge to practice in your chosen field.

Experience…

• …allows you to observe professionals who already work in your chosen industry.
• …offers you a real look into the day-to-day challenges of the job.
• …encourages you to practice your skills and get rewarded for the product or service that you offer.
• …gives you extra knowledge that you cannot learn from a textbook.

For these reasons it is very important to balance your education and your experience to get the best results and to keep on achieving more in your career. Remember that you can always continue to further your education or training, even while you are building experience and working in your chosen career!

At Eduloan, we have several loan options that you can consider – whether you are studying full-time, part-time or whether you want to further you studies with a short course, our loan offering allow you to unlock even more potential without the burden of paying off your debt after you complete your studies! Contact us today to find out how we can assist you with a study loan! 

5 Reasons Work Experience Can Give You A Head Start

Whether you are in school or still busy with your full-time studies, work experience is a term that might cross your path at some stage. Many schools, colleges and universities encourage students to commit to work experience… but what is all the fuss about? It might be cutting into your holidays or keeping you from going on a trip with friends, but the truth is that work experience can be exactly what you need to give yourself a head start. This week, we look at 5 reasons why you should sign up for work experience:

Reason #1 - Getting direction

Not too sure what industry you would like to work in? Work experience can give you the opportunity to sample different occupations and different industries. By committing to different kinds of work experience opportunities, you can sample the different working environments, assessing which one you enjoy most and which environments unlocks most of your potential!

Reason #2 – Get in touch with the real world

So you’ve already decided which industry you want to work in and perhaps even what job you would like to have… but are you ready for the daily demands? Every job has its challenges, and work experience allows you to get a feel for the environment you will be working in. Whether you have to stand all day, work in an open plan office or whether you have to do all or most of that dreaded administration, there are a host of hidden daily activities that might not be include in your college or university curriculum. Take time to do a couple of days’ work to experience and get a feel for the day-to-day activities to make sure you know exactly what you are in for!

Reason #3 –Identify your key strengths

By working at a company, in your chosen field, you will quickly learn where you core strengths are. Perhaps you are really good with people, or your creative eye can help you add a little more value to your temporary job-description. By identifying you key strengths, you can focus on these to ensure that you position yourself so that you can perform to the best of your abilities!

Reason #4 – Getting a foot in the door

More often than not, who you know is almost as important and what you know. If you can prove to a company that you have the potential, they might keep you in mind when they look to hire juniors at the company. Get to know and understand your industry – it is as important as studying for that degree or diploma!

Reason #5 –You’ve got the power!

When an employer takes a look at your CV, they often look beyond your education and qualifications. Extramural activities, community service and work experience are small things you can list on your CV that will have a great effect. Work experience proves that you took initiative, that you are willing to put in the hours and that you have a better understanding of the working-environment. Make sure that the work experience is related to the industry that you are applying to!

These are just a couple of reasons we think you should pick up the phone or send that email to make contact with a company in your chosen industry. Tell us about your work experience? Comment below and let us hear your story.Whether you are in school or still busy with your full-time studies, work experience is a term that might cross your path at some stage. Many schools, colleges and universities encourage students to commit to work experience… but what is all the fuss about? It might be cutting into your holidays or keeping you from going on a trip with friends, but the truth is that work experience can be exactly what you need to give yourself a head start. This week, we look at 5 reasons why you should sign up for work experience:

Reason #1 - Getting direction

Not too sure what industry you would like to work in? Work experience can give you the opportunity to sample different occupations and different industries. By committing to different kinds of work experience opportunities, you can sample the different working environments, assessing which one you enjoy most and which environments unlocks most of your potential!

Reason #2 – Get in touch with the real world

So you’ve already decided which industry you want to work in and perhaps even what job you would like to have… but are you ready for the daily demands? Every job has its challenges, and work experience allows you to get a feel for the environment you will be working in. Whether you have to stand all day, work in an open plan office or whether you have to do all or most of that dreaded administration, there are a host of hidden daily activities that might not be include in your college or university curriculum. Take time to do a couple of days’ work to experience and get a feel for the day-to-day activities to make sure you know exactly what you are in for!

Reason #3 –Identify your key strengths

By working at a company, in your chosen field, you will quickly learn where you core strengths are. Perhaps you are really good with people, or your creative eye can help you add a little more value to your temporary job-description. By identifying you key strengths, you can focus on these to ensure that you position yourself so that you can perform to the best of your abilities!

Reason #4 – Getting a foot in the door

More often than not, who you know is almost as important and what you know. If you can prove to a company that you have the potential, they might keep you in mind when they look to hire juniors at the company. Get to know and understand your industry – it is as important as studying for that degree or diploma!

Reason #5 –You’ve got the power!

When an employer takes a look at your CV, they often look beyond your education and qualifications. Extramural activities, community service and work experience are small things you can list on your CV that will have a great effect. Work experience proves that you took initiative, that you are willing to put in the hours and that you have a better understanding of the working-environment. Make sure that the work experience is related to the industry that you are applying to!

These are just a couple of reasons we think you should pick up the phone or send that email to make contact with a company in your chosen industry. Tell us about your work experience? Comment below and let us hear your story.