By Eloise Nolte, MD of Optimi College
A key challenge that South Africa has always faced is a lack of skills. But, in many respects, this is a challenge that can still be overcome.
This is because there are many vocational courses that not only give South Africans better knowledge and skills in a short timespan but which also help them progress further in their long-term educational journeys. In addition, there are vocational skills that one can attain in sectors that have a growing demand for workers.
Tourism
South Africa has traditionally had a fast-growing tourism market, for both local and international travellers.
And when it comes to entering this sector, job seekers may want to consider looking at options such as Tourism Marketing and Tourism Management, both of which only require a Grade 10 qualification.
A Tourism Marketing course, from the likes of College SA, will teach you the skills and techniques needed to discover what tourism consumers want and how to develop suitable offerings for them. It further includes learning how to promote these offerings to the market.
Meanwhile, with Tourism Management, you’ll learn the business, finance, marketing and HR management skills required for a career in tourism management.
Supply chain management
With just a Grade 10 qualification, you can pursue a short course in Supply Chain Management, which will provide you with a foundation in the principles and practices of this industry. You will learn how to integrate the value chain of organisations (which includes all suppliers and customers) and processes that contribute to ultimate value, as well as managing the processes among the internal operations, external suppliers and customers of a business.
Project management
A Project Management Professional Skills Course can assist you with learning the phases of project management and how to manage each phase according to project goals. It can also teach you how to motivate team members and deal effectively with any project-related issues that may arise.
IT and technology
Among the most in-demand skills range from the likes of Software Development to Network and IT Engineering, Cyber Security and much more. Course providers such as IT Academy are a solid place to start when it comes to exploring opportunities in this sector, and you can attain certifications from the likes of Microsoft, Cisco, COMPTIA and more by upskilling yourself in this way.
Entrepreneurship
Courses that can help steer you in the right direction include a National Certificate in Small Business Financial Management. This ICB accredited course will teach you how to do effective record-keeping and financial management needed for operating a small business. It will further provide you with the knowledge needed to perform key financial tasks, as well as learning the importance of effective communication and accuracy.
Furthermore, upon completion of this course, you’ll have an NQF Level 4 qualification. You can go further with this route by pursuing and ICB course in Office Administration and ultimately a National Diploma in Financial Accounting, which will teach you how to apply principles of cost and management accounting, economics, human resources, and labour relations in an organisation.
To find out more, visit www.collegesa.edu.za
