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TVETS: OFFER TRAINING FOR JOBS IN THE MARKET

- THEMBA MOLA

For 827 204 young South Africans, it must feel like their lives have been in limbo since the National Senior Certificate exams ended. The seven-week wait for the matric results on Monday was a stressful period and for many, it was defined by uncertainty.

Many will be hoping for a university place, but the reality is that even the 47.8% with bachelor's passes (also a record) – theoretically allowing them direct entrance to a tertiary institution – are not guaranteed admission. Those 387 610 matriculants are vying for just 210 000 places on first-year courses at 26 universities.

A varsity education enhances career prospects, which is why increased university capacity is vital to support the vision of building an educated nation.

But university is not the only pathway to a fulfilling working life. South Africa also has 50 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. Between them, the TVETs took in 530 328 students last year, providing practical, skills-based training that directly supports employability.