Following the tragic incident in 2012 where a mother was trampled to death by a stampede of people as she was accompanying her son trying to submit a late application at the University of Johannesburg, the Department of Higher Education and Training has rolled out its 2015 Apply Now/Khetha Career Guidance Campaign.
Following the tragic incident in 2012 where a mother was trampled to death by a stampede of people as she was accompanying her son trying to submit a late application at the University of Johannesburg, the Department of Higher Education and Training has rolled out its 2015 Apply Now/Khetha Career Guidance Campaign.
It wants to remind anyone who wants to get onto courses in 2016, that September is the month that most higher education in institutions target for accepting enrolment forms for the following academic year of study.
"That window is closing, " said the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, speaking during a visit to Sediti High School in the Thaba Nchu area of the Free State.
"If you have not applied, please apply now." The Career Guidance component of the campaign seeks to inform learners about career choices available within the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.
The Apply Now Campaign runs from March to September, countrywide to help learners make informed choices when applying to institutions of higher learning.
It also seeks to inform learners about things to look out for when choosing their institutions to avoid being conned by unregistered and bogus colleges who offer them unaccredited qualifications.
TVET Colleges
The Deputy Minister encouraged learners to consider Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges as an alternative to university education because the skills needs of the country necessitate massive production of artisans from TVET colleges.
The 100 Occupations in High Demand The Deputy Minister had a conversation with more than 2500 learners from Grade 8 to 12 in the rural schools of Thaba Nchu and further promoted the list of “100 Occupations in high demand” that was released by the Minister of Higher Education and Training in 2014.
This will assist learners to make informed career choices to avoid a situation where they end up joining a cohort of unemployed and unemployable graduates.
NSFAS
Deputy Minister Manana informed learners about the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) which is aimed at assisting poor and deserving students to further their studies within the post-school sector. NSFAS has to date assisted more than 1.5 million students who have, for the most part, gone on to find a good career. NSFAS interacted with learners during the Deputy Minister’s visit.
SETAs
The Deputy Minister informed learners that there are currently 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) which are responsible for learnerships and other training opportunities for learners who cannot pursue further education and training.
Career Development Services The Department of Higher Education and Training currently runs a Career Development Services Centre to assist learners with career advice.
The Deputy Minister encouraged learners to use their cell phones to reach the Centre as follows:
