Features

Kimberley Taylor, founder and CEO of Loop, a delivery management platform that supports the Checkers Sixty60 operations, is an outlier in her field. Women comprise only 29.2 % of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) workers and 12.4% of C-suite executives globally. In South Africa, just 13 % of STEM graduates are women.

In the South African tertiary education landscape, Higher Certificate training plays an important role in providing bridging courses for school-leavers who are not yet ready for longer term studies, as well as stepping stones into entry-level positions for young job seekers. 

Have you ever thought about the possibility of rewriting your career story, regardless of the decisions you made in your younger years? Many people believe that the choices we make during our teenage years shape our future.

South Africa’s unemployment rate is the highest in the world, at 33%. For young people, the figure is even higher, with some estimates putting the number at 71%. Education is the foot in the door for many but when even graduates struggle to find jobs, it is clear that not just any degree will do and students need to be careful about the study choices they make. 

In the face of unemployment and education barriers, Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts sees hospitality as a beacon of opportunity for 2023 matriculants. Certain roles in the industry require just a matric certificate and a positive attitude. A hospitality career will not only teach but also provide individuals with adaptable skills crucial for success in any industry.

Dr Alex Asakitikpi, Senior Researcher at The Independent Institute of Education’s Varsity College, says it is essential and urgent for SA’s policymakers, educators and industry leaders to collaborate on integrating AI into all levels of the education system, as nobody should be left behind when preparing the youth for the AI-driven future of work.

Rapid developments in AI and online recruitment tools over the past year have significantly transformed the job search process – and while on the one hand this means job seekers now have access to new resources that can increase their chances of success, it also means that applications for positions have increased exponentially, which considerably reduces a candidate’s chance of being noticed in the first place.

A R1,6 million investment in robotics infrastructure, equipment, course work and teaching is set to boost a next generation of Grade 8 and 9 learners on their future-fit education journeys, with the Shoprite Foundation facilitating two fully equipped robotics laboratories at Mountview and Verulam High Schools in KwaZulu-Natal.

Following the IEB’s matric results announcement, PROTEC – an NGO that has been transforming lives through STEM education for over 40 years – has reported with exceptional achievements from its Class of 2023 learners. With a nearly 95% overall pass rate, an impressive 75% bachelor pass rate, and a total of 384 distinctions, these learners, hailing from PROTEC's 11 branches and projects across four provinces, have overcome adversity with dedication and support.

The post matric journey can be filled with twists and turns, and for some, it may not unfold as they had hoped on results day. Dr. Deonita Damons, Executive Director at Boston City Campus recently shared her insights on the eTV Morning Show, shedding light on the importance of embracing Plan B for matriculants facing unexpected challenges.