However, with a strong pool of qualified candidates now ready to study further or enter the local job market, one has to consider what impact the current tougher economic conditions are having on students.
“As we celebrate this success and solid increase in the matric pass rate, we must be mindful that these matric graduates are not immune to the various pressures the country faces,” Michelle Baron-Williamson (CEO of Managed Integrity Evaluation) said.
Tougher economic times is a reality for South African citizens. This does not only have an impact on household spending and disposable income but can also affect the ability to spend towards aspects like further studies.
“While a matric qualification is a critical one to obtain, it is only a steppingstone along the education journey and to achieving a tertiary qualification, which is required across many industries to be considered for a job. Tighter financial pressures may result in many successful matriculants today not being able to further their studies at this stage,” Baron-Williamson noted.
Over and above this, the current unemployment rate among the youth locally remains high. Unemployment among those aged 15-24 years, was 55.2% in the first quarter of 2019.
“Such statistics in a strained economy indicate that jobs are not easy to come by or readily available for the youth. Where jobs may be available, another challenge facing students is the requirement for some form of experience to be considered for the role,” Baron-Williamson added.
With job opportunities sparse, coupled with economic pressures resulting in an even more urgent need to earn an income, the pressure is on for young and entry-level job seekers to ensure they stand out.
“No business can simply turn a blind eye. This includes the risk of fabricated experiences or skills set and more worryingly, qualification fraud, which can occur in desperate times. With this reality, businesses must focus on onboarding, background screening and vetting solutions to mitigate such risk,” Baron-Williamson said.
MIE’s latest Background Screening Index shows that qualification(s) are still the most likely aspect of a candidate’s CV to contain discrepancies. In fact, of the 530 161 qualification verifications conducted by the company in 2018, 13.35% were found to be either misrepresented, fraudulent or cancelled.
Graduate learning-based programmes are a great and viable way for students to gain solid learning experiences – to develop not only expertise in a particular area but also the softer skills required to build strong networks and occupations today.
“Opportunities do exist and especially as more of Corporate South Africa gets involved to support skills development – but it will take perseverance to find them – and it is those who persevere and don’t compromise their credibility to land a job due to the pressures being felt that will come out on top in the long-term,” Baron-Williamson concluded.
