Educational solutions to improve the employability of senior high school learners

Abstract

The new political dispensation and socio-economic transformation in South Africa do not, unfortunately, guarantee jobs for those who wish to enter the labour market after school. Indications are that only between 5-7% of successful Grade 12 candidates in the country find employment in the formal sector. The problem of unemployment and ways to improve the employability of learners therefore need to be urgently addressed. Reasons for the low employability levels of new entrants to the labour market include the structural change in the economy towards a more knowledge-based service sector; the lack of entrepreneurial skills and orientation among new entrants to create new business; and teachers with low morale who do not actively prepare learners for the job market. Strategies to increase the employability of learners include the successful implementation of the new FET curriculum from 2006 with the aim of increasing the employability of learners exiting in 2008, by encouraging a more learner-centred and activity-based approach to education; teachers who are well informed regarding current requirements in the labour market and prepare their learners accordingly; and continuous involvement by the private sector in the design of curriculum.