Matrics: There is a second chance to follow your dream career

On January 19, the Department of Basic Education released the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results for the class of 2022.

As is the case every year, pupils have been stressing that their marks will not be good enough to enrol at a university, private college or a technical and vocational education and training college (TVET).

The positive news is that even if your marks are a little disappointing, it is not the end of the road.

Many youngsters will get a second chance to improve their marks through the department’s Second Chance Matric programme, which provides that second chance to meet the requirements of the NSC or SC and obtain a Grade 12 matric certificate.

The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) supports this programme. Louis van Huyssteen, RMI National Training Director, said of the 923 460 pupils who wrote the NSC exams last year, many might be keen to take up the Second Chance programme option.

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“For those who are successful, we encourage you to consider one of the many qualifications offered at TVET colleges around the country.”

There are 50 registered and accredited TVET colleges in South Africa.

They operate on about 364 campuses spread across rural and urban areas.

Matrics are encouraged to visit the Khetha career portal at https://www.careerhelp.org.za/.

The TVET colleges offer an array of qualifications, even some sought-after artisanal qualifications.

The higher education and training minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, confirmed in a media report that most TVET colleges had started with their teaching and learning after the successful online registration process.

“Some colleges are still accepting students in areas where the enrolment targets were not met. The department’s TVET branch is monitoring the developments at each college,” Nzimande said.

Inland community colleges opened on 11 January and the coastal provinces opened a week later.

The minister advised prospective students to go to their colleges of choice to register for the new academic year.

Van Huyssteen says the retail motor industry sector is urgently looking for skills and young South Africans who want to focus on motor-related trades. These trades include a petrol/diesel mechanic, spray painter, motor body repairer, welder or auto electrician. They must be willing to embrace apprenticeships because they can earn while they learn.

He says the opportunities to specialise are exciting.

They allow young people to explore sought-after expert areas, including colour mixer and matcher, applier of waterborne and pearlescent paints, passenger and commercial vehicle technician, vehicle engine remanufacturer, diagnostic and fault-finding technician, coded welding and steering geometry and advanced driver-assistance systems.

“University is not for everyone, but a TVET qualification is an excellent alternative,” said Van Huyssteen.

Rasheed Adhikari, the facilitator at the College of Cape Town for the Centre of Specialisation Motor Mechanic Programme (three years) concluded, “Not every learner has the dexterity, technical or cognitive ability to do a modern motor mechanic apprenticeship. But for those who have the skill, our artisan programmes are an excellent entry point into the workplace, and the learner is virtually guaranteed employment when they qualify.

“The reality is that qualified tradesmen are respected globally and, in many European countries, even earn more than doctors and lawyers.”

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