The key to making informed educational choices in South Africa
In today's competitive job market, thoroughly investigating career options and educational institutions is crucial for students making decisions that will shape their professional futures.
Informed choices require comprehensive research and multiple perspectives. Investigating careers and institutions wisely requires time, e ort, and a systematic approach. Students who invest in comprehensive research are more likely to make choices aligning with their goals, interests, and circumstances. This investigation forms the foundation for successful educational experiences and rewarding career outcomes. The importance of this investigative process cannot be understated in an environment where educational and career choices have long-lasting implications for personal fulfilment and professional success.
Understanding career reality
A significant challenge facing prospective students is the gap between career titles and actual work involved.
Many young people base their career decisions on limited understanding of what professionals actually do daily. Effective career investigation requires moving beyond surface-level descriptions to understand practical applications, challenges, and rewards of their chosen fields.
Students should explore how theoretical knowledge translates into practical application in the workplace.
Wise career investigation involves gathering insights from various sources. Among these sources are industry professionals who will be able to offer insights into market demands, workplace environments, and practical knowledge applications.
Current students represent perhaps the most valuable source, providing realistic expectations about academic demands, student life, and university adaptation challenges.
Modern educational choices should also be evaluated based on real-world experience opportunities. Students must investigate whether institutions offer industry partnerships providing access to workplace projects and professional mentorship.
These connections prove crucial for developing practical skills and establishing professional networks.
The availability of hands-on learning significantly impacts both educational experience and employment prospects.
Market demand and career prospects
E ective investigation requires understanding current and projected market demand for specific skills.
Students must research employment trends, salary expectations, and career advancement opportunities. This includes understanding which industries employ graduates and how career paths develop.
Identifying skills shortages can inform strategic choices, as these areas often o er enhanced employment prospects and rapid advancement opportunities.
In a globalised economy, students must also investigate whether qualifications provide international opportunities. This includes understanding accreditation standards and international recognition. Investigation of professional bodies, accreditation processes, and how local qualifications compare with international benchmarks significantly impacts long-term career flexibility.
Application processes
Students must thoroughly investigate admission requirements, application processes, and strategic timing.
This includes understanding how academic results can be used strategically, application deadlines, and required documentation.
Research should also include alternative pathways, transfer options, and programme flexibility, providing backup plans and alternative routes.
Financial considerations
Comprehensive investigation must include financial aspects of educational choices.
Students should research tuition costs, available bursaries, scholarships, and support systems. Understanding return on investment for different qualifications informs strategic decision-making.
This research should include application processes, eligibility criteria, and obligations associated with funding options.
Institutional culture
Beyond academic programmes, students should also investigate institutional culture, support systems, and broader student experience. This includes understanding the available support for diverse backgrounds, mentorship programmes, and development opportunities.
Investigation should also cover academic support resources, career guidance, and personal development services that help students navigate challenges and maximise experiences.
(Source: PE Express/Isuzu SA Careers Webinar)
Photo: AI generated for illustration purposes
TVET COLLEGES:
Your future is in your hands
Why TVET could be your best career move
Ready for some good news? As a young South African, you have a part in an incredible opportunity.
With over 20 million people aged 15 to 34 in our country of 63 million, you belong to one of the world's youngest populations – something countries like Japan and Italy wish they had!
But here is the reality check: While we have the people power, we are missing the skills. And that is where you come in.
The game-changer you need to know about
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is not just another education option – it is your fast track to a stable career and financial independence.
"We see TVET as a game-changer because it immediately o ers practical, cost-e ective and empowering pathways, which will lead to stable employment," explains Sizakele Mphatsoe from Kagiso Trust.
Here's what's interesting:
While everyone is rushing to university, Dr Cynthia Malinga of the Sasol Foundation points out that South Africa actually has "too many engineers and too few artisans".
Translation? There are amazing job opportunities waiting for skilled workers!
EASTCAPE TRAINING CENTRE:
What exactly are TVET colleges?
Think of TVET colleges as your practical education pathway. Unlike universities that need a bachelor's pass, TVET colleges welcome you whether you have completed Gr. 9, Gr. 10, Gr. 11 or Gr. 12.
The best part? With 50 public TVET colleges and over 260 campuses nationwide, there is likely one near you o ering up to 300 di erent courses.
Building futures through skills development
For many young South Africans, the transition from matric to the next phase of life can be both exciting and uncertain.
Making the right career choice is critical — and increasingly, skills-based education is emerging as a practical and e ective pathway to sustainable employment and long-term career growth.
Eastcape Training Centre (ETC) is a leading private FET college dedicated to equipping individuals with industry-relevant skills and competencies. With a strong commitment to both personal development and economic relevance, ETC plays a pivotal role in preparing learners for meaningful participation in the workforce.
The institution o ers a diverse portfolio of programmes across key sectors, including engineering, construction, electrical training, and professional driving. Each programme is carefully structured to integrate theoretical learning with hands-on practical experience — a combination that is essential in meeting the demands of today’s competitive job market.
A distinguishing feature of ETC’s approach is its emphasis on experiential learning. Through structured learnerships and apprenticeships, learners gain valuable workplace exposure with host employers, enabling them to apply their knowledge in real-world environments. This not
only enhances technical competence but also builds confidence and significantly improves employability.
ETC is also an accredited Trade Test Centre, supporting learners through to formal certification. This ensures that graduates are recognised as qualified artisans, directly contributing to addressing South Africa’s critical shortage of skilled professionals.
Beyond technical training, ETC remains deeply committed to community upliftment and socio-economic development.
By providing access to scarce and in-demand skills, and by o ering customised training solutions to industry partners, the institution contributes to building a capable, resilient, and productive workforce.
As school leavers consider their post-matric options, institutions like ETC o er more than education — they provide a clear pathway to independence, opportunity, and sustainable success. Investing in skills development not only empowers individuals, but also supports broader economic growth and national development.
Change is the result of true learning.
Why should you consider TVET?
Real talk: TVET opens doors to careers that are:
P in high demand (employers are actively looking for these skills);
P well-paying (skilled trades often earn more than many o ce jobs);
P secure (these jobs cannot be outsourced or easily automated); and
P career paths that actually pay.
Here's where TVET can take you:
@ Skilled trades (always needed!)
Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians
@ Healthcare (growing industry!)
Nurses, medical assistants, dental assistants
@ Tech & IT (future-proof careers!)
Network administrators, software developers, cybersecurity specialists
@ Manufacturing (hands-on work!)
Machinists, welders, quality control technicians
@ Agriculture & Environment
Animal science technicians, forestry technicians, environmental specialists
The bottom line
While your friends stress about university applications, you could be getting practical skills that lead directly to employment.
TVET is not a backup plan – it is a smart choice for a successful future.
Photo: AI generated for illustration purposes
AFDA GQEBERHA 2026 ENROLMENT OPEN:
Your creative career starts here
As the creative economy continues to grow both in South Africa and across the world, now is an exciting time for storytellers, performers and media innovators to turn passion into profession.
AFDA: The No. 1 School for the Creative Economy is still accepting applications and enrolments for 2026, o ering emerging creatives an opportunity to launch future-focused, dynamic careers in film, performance and media.
Situated in the heart of Gqeberha, AFDA’s campus blends a vibrant creative culture with the city’s rich arts scene.
Since its establishment in 2015, AFDA Gqeberha has grown into a tight-knit community of passionate students and sta , delivering the same accredited curriculum and industryrelevant training found across AFDA’s national network.
If you’ve ever dreamed of directing award-winning films, commanding
a stage, crafting powerful narratives that resonate locally and globally, or telling stories that shape cultural conversations, AFDA Gqeberha equips you with the creative and technical skills to excel.
The programme still currently open for enrolment is:
Higher Certificate in Film, TV & Entertainment Production
These qualifications are designed to prepare you for careers across the creative industries ranging from film and television production to live performance, writing, digital content producers and much more. With hands-on learning, real-world industry exposure and a collaborative creative community, AFDA Gqeberha is where talent meets opportunity.
Don’t miss your chance to join the next generation of creative leaders. Apply and enrol today to start your career at the heart of the creative economy.
THE NEW CLASSROOM:
What if the solution to South Africa's skills crisis isn't in a classroom at all, but on a factory floor?
Across the country's furniture manufacturing sector, a quiet but powerful shift is underway. Employers are rethinking where and how people learn, moving away from traditional, theory-heavy training models and embedding learning directly into the workplace. The result is a more practical, immediate and scalable approach to skills development, one that is already beginning to reshape the industry.
At a time when youth unemployment remains critically high and businesses are under pressure to compete globally, workplace-based learning is emerging as a solution that speaks directly to South Africa's realities.
Why workplace-based learning makes sense in South Africa
"Workplace-based learning changes
The factory floor
everything," says Lynn Adonis, Administrator and Qualifications Manager at the South African Furniture Initiative (SAFI). "It allows people to learn in real environments, under real conditions, where productivity, quality and accountability matter every day."
According to a statement issued by SAFI, unlike traditional training, which often leaves graduates struggling to transition into employment, workplace-based learning integrates training with production. Learners don't just acquire knowledge; they apply it immediately, contributing to output while building confidence and competence.
In a country where the gap between education and employment is one of the biggest barriers to economic participation, this model o ers a practical bridge, explains Adonis: "We've seen for years that classroom learning alone doesn't fully prepare people for the demands of industry. When training
happens in the workplace, that gap disappears. Learners become work-ready much faster because they are already part of the system."
From compliance to competitive advantage
The statement noted that for manufacturers, the benefits are equally compelling. Training becomes aligned with actual production processes, reducing errors, improving e ciency and strengthening quality control. Skills development is no longer a compliance exercise; it becomes a driver of performance.
"Skills development cannot sit on the sidelines," Adonis explains. "If we want to strengthen manufacturing, it has to be integrated into daily operations. That's where it has the greatest impact."
Building skills from within the factory floor
One of SAFI's key interventions is the rollout of SETA-funded Facilitator Programmes, designed to build internal training capacity within businesses. Rather than relying on external providers, companies are being equipped to train their own employees, creating sustainable, in-house skills pipelines.
The statement revealed it was launched earlier this year. Launched in January 2026, the Work-Based Learning and Development Practitioner Qualification has already enrolled 35 learners across the sector. These individuals are being trained to take on formal roles as facilitators, assessors and mentors within their organisations.
"Developing occupational training practitioners inside factories is critical," says Adonis. "It allows training to become continuous, structured and aligned with the realities of production. This marks a significant shift: factories are no longer just places where goods are made, but environments where skills are actively developed and transferred."
Accreditation: Turning informal skills into recognised value
Beyond training programmes, SAFI is also supporting manufacturers to become accredited training providers. This enables businesses to o er nationally recognised qualifications in areas such as furniture making, upholstery and design.
For many companies, this represents a turning point. "Accreditation formalises what has historically been informal learning," Adonis explains. "It ensures that skills are recognised, transferable and aligned with national standards. That's incredibly powerful for both the business and the individual."
"Sihlalo Youth Development, for example, has successfully achieved accreditation and launched its first programme with 20 learners, demonstrating that fully functional training systems can exist within a production environment," the statement said.
Bridging education and industry
SAFI is working closely with TVET colleges to align curricula with industry needs and ensure that learners gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The College of Cape Town is already accredited to deliver the Occupational Certificate in Furniture Upholstery, while Northlink College is progressing toward accreditation for the Furniture Maker qualification.
Expanding access and inclusion
Workplace-based learning is also opening doors to a more inclusive workforce. Through partnerships such as the Bowers Upholstery School of Excellence, SAFI is helping to create pathways for special-needs learners, demonstrating how flexible, on-site training models can accommodate di erent learning styles and abilities.
"This is about expanding opportunity," Adonis says. "Workplace-based learning allows us to create environments where more people can partici-
pate and succeed."
Funding the future of skills development
A key advantage of workplace-based learning is access to structured funding. Through FP&M SETA grants, companies can secure financial support for learnerships, upskilling programmes and workplace training initiatives, making skills development not only valuable, but financially viable for participating businesses.
"Funding is available, but it requires commitment from industry," says Lynn Adonis. "Planning, compliance and participation are essential to unlocking these opportunities."
With deadlines approaching, manufacturers are encouraged to act. Workplace Skills Plans (WSP) and Annual Training Reports (ATR) must be submitted by 30 April 2026 to make the companies eligible for the Mandatory Grant which is also due on 30 April 2026.
A model for rebuilding industrial capability
Workplace-based learning represents a fundamental rethink of how South Africa develops skills, one that is grounded in practicality, relevance and economic impact.
In a country grappling with unemployment, skills shortages and uneven education outcomes, workplace-based learning o ers something rare: a solution that works for both people and business.
"If we want to rebuild industrial capability, we need to build skills where the work is happening. That's how we create a workforce that is relevant, productive and future-ready. The shift may be quiet, but its implications are profound. Because on factory floors across South Africa, something bigger than production is taking place. A new kind of learning is being built, one learner, one workplace, one opportunity at a time," Adonis concludes.
AFDA Gqeberha is still accepting applications and enrolments for 2026.
Start preparing now for your mid-term exams which are a critical checkpoint
Mid-terms are only a few months away and it is important for learners to remember that these results will represent something much more valuable than just numbers on a page.
They are your personal roadmap to success in your final examinations—and ultimately, your gateway to your future career aspirations. As you approach your National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, remember that your mid-term results are designed to be a checkpoint, not a final judgment.
Here are a few guidelines to help you prepare for mid-term exams and use these results strategically to maximise your performance when it matters most:
Managing stress and staying motivated
The pressure you're feeling is normal, but it shouldn't overwhelm you.
Here's how to channel that energy positively:
Set small, daily goals rather than focusing only on the final outcome
Celebrate small improvements in your understanding and performance
Connect with your support system— teachers, family, and friends who believe in you
Analysing your performance strategically
Step 1: Conduct a subject-by-subject analysis
Create a simple table to evaluate each subject. What to identify:
Strengths: Subjects where you performed well (keep doing what works!)
Priority areas: Subjects with low marks that need immediate attention
Specific topics: Within each subject, which sections need the most work?
Step 2: Identify patterns in your performance
Ask yourself these crucial questions:
Are low marks due to poor time management during a test or exam?
Did you struggle with understanding concepts or applying knowledge?
Was your preparation incomplete or ineffective?
Did exam anxiety affect your performance?
Understanding these patterns is the key to creating an effective improvement strategy.
Setting realistic and achievable goals
Your current marks aren't your ceiling—they're your
starting point. Here's how to set goals that will drive you forward.
For each subject, determine:
Improvement targets: If you scored 60% in Mathematics, aim for 70%
University requirements: Research what marks you need for your chosen courses
Minimum pass requirements: Ensure you're on track to meet NSC requirements
Creating your strategic study plan: Prioritise smart, not just hard
Allocate time based on need and impact
Spend 40% of your time on subjects where you performed poorly
Dedicate 35% to maintaining your strengths
Reserve 25% for general revision and exam technique practice
Use active learning techniques instead of just re-reading notes:
Summarise concepts in your own words
Teach topics to a friend or family member
Solve past exam papers under timed conditions
Create mind maps linking related concepts
Make the most of your holidays
Study in focused blocks: 2-3 hours daily with breaks
Balance work and rest: Ensure you also relax and recharge
Set weekly targets: Give yourself specific goals to achieve each week
Building your support network: Don't go it alone
Academic support:
Teachers: Ask for clarification on difficult concepts
and request additional practice materials
Study groups: Join or form groups with classmates who are committed to improvement
Tutors: Consider professional help for your most challenging subjects
Online resources: Use reputable educational platforms for extra practice
Emotional support:
Family and friends: Share your goals and ask for encouragement
Counsellors: If stress becomes overwhelming, seek professional guidance
Peer support: Connect with classmates facing similar challenges
Mastering exam techniques and time management
Review your mid-term papers carefully: where did you lose marks unnecessarily?
Did you misread questions or provide incomplete answers? Did you run out of time, or did you rush through sections?
Develop exam-day strategies:
Read all questions before starting to answer
Allocate time per question based on mark allocation
Structure essays with clear introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions
Show all calculations in mathematics and sciences
Review answers if time permits
Practice makes permanent
Use past papers from the last 3-5 years
Time yourself regularly to improve pacing
Practice exam conditions by removing distractions
Develop question-spotting skills by identifying common themes
Maintaining Mental and Physical Well-being
Physical health:
Sleep 7-8 hours nightly for optimal brain function
Exercise regularly to reduce stress and improve concentration
Eat nutritious meals to fuel your brain
Stay hydrated throughout your study sessions
Mental health:
Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
Take regular breaks during study sessions (try the Pomodoro Technique)
Maintain perspective - these exams are important but not everything
Plan rewards for achieving your study goals
Conclusion: Your success is within reach. Your mid-term results are not a prediction of your future - they're a tool to help you build it.
Remember: You have the time and resources to improve significantly. Small, consistent efforts compound into major improvements. Your determination and strategic approach will make the difference. Your dreams are still entirely achievable.
The path from mid-terms to finals is not just about improving grades - it's about developing resilience, strategic thinking, and the confidence that will serve you throughout your career. Take that first step today.
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
- Winston Churchill
Photo: AI generated for illustration purposes
Launch your hospitality journey with skills-based qualifications
The International Hotel School - Gqeberha campus o ers programmes combining hands-on training with real workplace experience from day one, giving students the practical hospitality skills employers want.
With fast-tracked job-readiness and Work Integrated Learning placement, graduates have the skills to start their careers in hotels, restaurants and event venues with confidence.
Opportunities abound
The hospitality industry presents significant employment opportunities for South African school leavers, with both domestic and international markets showing strong growth.
In 2023, domestic travel grew by 22%, contributing over R121 billion into South Africa’s economy. That momentum carried into 2024, with 8.5 million trips in just three months. In 2025, the tourism industry powered 1.9 million jobs – 11.3% of all employment, larger than agriculture and the mining sector combined.
International opportunities are equally promis-
ing. With international arrivals up 5.7%, the demand for skilled professionals is rising.
This is most apparent in the global cruise industry where more than 40 new ships are scheduled for launch by 2027 and overall capacity is expected to grow by 50% over the next decade.
This growth, plus hotel and resort development worldwide, is creating thousands of new roles in food and beverage, guest relations and entertainment.
Skills
that transfer
Hospitality o ers clear advancement pathways, with many professionals moving from entry-level roles to management in a short time. Just as importantly, hospitality develops transferable skills such as customer service, team leadership, problem-solving and cross-cultural communication, which are valued in corporate settings and various service industries.
Practical training at International Hotel School - Gqeberha
The International Hotel School (IHS) has es-
tablished itself as a leading private hospitality and culinary educator in Africa.
Championing practical training that prepares graduates for immediate employment. By providing hands-on learning, students gain real-world experience throughout their studies, not just theory.
With a strong focus on real-world success, IHS highlights the achievements of its graduates as a testament to the value of skills-based education.
Verona Naidoo, now serving as Vice President of Talent & Culture Operations for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey at Accor, demonstrates how far a career in hospitality can evolve with dedication and vision. With over 17 years of industry experience, her journey from operational roles in Food & Beverage and Talent & Culture at Fairmont Zimbali Lodge and Resort to senior leadership reflects the strength of the IHS practical skills foundation. By combining hands-on experience with strategic expertise, Verona has developed the leadership capabilities and global perspective needed to drive talent development at scale.
Similarly, Dylan Joshua Botes, a Class of 2025
Culinary Arts graduate, represents the dynamic opportunities within the culinary industry. With a passion for food developed from a young age and hands-on experience gained during his Work Integrated Learning placement in leading hospitality establishments, Dylan is already building his career as a Private Chef. His journey reflects the importance of creativity, discipline and adaptability, supported by the strong practical foundation provided by the IHS.
These graduate success stories highlight how IHS programmes are developed to equip students with relevant skills and the confidence to succeed across a range of hospitality careers.
A rewarding career path
Hospitality provides practical skills development, international career mobility and strong employment prospects.
Entry-level positions typically o er competitive starting salaries with clear progression opportunities, and the sector’s continued expansion indicates sustained demand for qualified professionals.
Careers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
The perfect setup for what employers want now. It's not just coding—it's about being what they call "T-shaped": deep knowledge in one area, combined with broad, so skills on top. Communication. Collaboration. Creativity. Quite a list, right? So how do you get hired? You show them that you can deliver what they need. If you want to work at a tech company, you have to demonstrate an ability to communicate with other people, collaborate, work in a team environment, be creative, and solve problems. On top of that, you need really deep knowledge in your area.
If you want to be a so ware engineer, you need to know how to code. If you want to be a project manager, you need to know how to manage projects. And if you want to be a data scientist, you need to know how to work with data.
For more, scan this QR code to listen to this podcast or click on this link.
People always want to know if there's a secret subject formula in high school. First thing: you do need at least 60% in pure maths—not math literacy, sorry to say—plus solid English. But interestingly, you do not need high school accounting. It helps, but it's not compulsory.
Tired of reading? Listen to these career podcasts as part of Careers
For more info on becoming a chartered accountant, scan this QR code to listen to this podcast or click on this link.
Careers in Logistics
Next time you get a delivery or grab something off the shelf, just picture that invisible dance of logistics behind it. If you've got the drive and that mix of tech and people skills, logistics is a future-proof career move. This field will definitely make you rethink your online shopping habits! For more info on careers in logistics, scan this QR code to listen to this podcast or click on this link.
for Gen Zs
And you wanna talk income? Gen Z is the poster child for juggling—side gigs, small businesses, content creation. In Mzansi, research says most young people piece together cash from, like, multiple sources. Not many living large—most are earning under R5,000 a month. But here’s the kicker—they’re still saving around R1,800, on average. For more scan this QR code to listen to this podcast or click on this link.