For parents evaluating post-school education options, one concern often outweighs all others: will this pathway lead to employment?
In South Africa’s evolving labour market, qualifications alone are no longer enough. Increasingly, employers are seeking candidates who can demonstrate practical skills, workplace readiness and the ability to adapt to changing industry needs.
According to Sub-Saharan Africa research by the World Bank’s Skills Development Survey employers consistently rank practical experience and applied competencies among the most important factors when hiring young workers.
Similar findings have emerged from South Africa’s Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), which highlights the importance of aligning education with labour market demand in their HSRC Labour Market Intelligence Reports.
“Parents are asking the right question,” says Elsie Harmse, CEO of UXi Artisan Development. “The objective should not simply be obtaining a qualification. It should be preparing young people to enter industries where they can contribute, grow and build sustainable careers.”
Across South Africa, sectors such as artisan trades, agriculture related trades, logistics, healthcare support services, business administration and hospitality continue to experience demand for skilled workers. These industries require practical competence as much as theoretical knowledge.
Shaun van Wezel, Campus Manager at Africa Skills GeorgeTech, believes workplace exposure remains a critical differentiator.
“When learners experience real working environments during their training, they develop confidence, professional behaviour and a clearer understanding of employer expectations.”
Research called UNESCO-UNEVOC: Technical and Vocational Education and Training indicate that vocational pathways incorporating workplace learning often improve the transition from education into employment, particularly among young people entering the workforce for the first time.
For parents navigating an increasingly complex education landscape, experts recommend asking providers about employer partnerships, workplace exposure opportunities, graduate outcomes and industry relevance.
It is essential to realise that employability is no longer determined solely by academic achievement. The combination of practical skills, workplace experience and industry-aligned learning is becoming increasingly important in helping young people establish meaningful careers.