\u201cThere is still too much of a fixation on degree study as the only solid path towards a sustainable career, when the reality is quite the opposite,\u201d said Elbie Liebenberg, principal at Oxbridge Academy.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur economy has many sectors, and businesses across all these sectors are desperate for young people who are technically qualified and experienced to fill a host of positions.\u201d<\/p>
Many of these positions don\u2019t require someone who studied towards a degree, but rather someone who studied towards a qualification that gave them the technical expertise and the workplace readiness to be an asset from day one.<\/p>\n
Deon Roets, from a culinary school, said that the tourism and hospitality industries, for instance, are growing apace, and constantly require new recruits.<\/p>
He said there are a number of programmes that young people can pursue to access the industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor instance, you only need to be 18 years old with Grade 10 to pursue an Occupational Certificate as a chef, or an International City and Guilds IVQ Level 2 in Patisserie,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In the broader hospitality industry, there are also numerous career paths open to young people who don\u2019t hold a Bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n
Not only our country, but countries across the world are filled with opportunities for those who are qualified in specific vocations. And the opportunity for success really is out there for those who identify their passions and interests, and pursue them, even if their route doesn\u2019t include degree study.<\/p>\n