Johannesburg– Trade union Solidarity warned on Wednesday that obtaining a matric certificate was not enough to securing a good job. Solidarity spokesman Francois Redelinghuys referred to the latest report on employment prospects for matriculants as conducted by the Solidarity Research Institute. It emphasized the fact that the modern economy required far more knowledge from young people than that offered by a matric certificate. “A matric certificate does not seem to have a significant effect on a person’s chances of finding employment,” said Redelinghuys. “Among working people with matric as their highest qualification, only some 30% earned more than R6 400 a month in 2011.” This was opposed to more than 50% of those with matric and a certificate or diploma, taking more than R6 400 home a month. When a degree was presented, the percentage rose to 80%.
According to the report, the South African labour market had already been swamped for decades by a vast over supply of people with little or no training. “Those people who are receiving matric certificates in 2016 and who wish to start working right away will probably find it difficult – especially those seeking well-paid jobs,” he added. Although Solidarity was not trying to dissuade anyone from applying for a job, Redelinghuys said further training was important.
African News Agency (ANA)
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