Turning Skills into Career Opportunities: The Value of Occupational Qualifications
For many young South Africans, getting a foot in the door of the job market remains a challenge. A qualification is an important starting point, but employers also need people who can apply their knowledge and carry out the tasks required in a particular role.
Statistics South Africa (2025a) reported that youth unemployment among people aged 15 to 34 stood at 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025. These figures highlight the importance of education and training that help students develop skills relevant to the workplace. At Berea College, the Faculty of Occupational Studies offers programmes in technology and engineering for students interested in developing skills linked to specific occupations.
Learning for a chosen career
Occupational qualifications focus on the knowledge and practical competencies associated with jobs. The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) framework incorporates knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience according to the requirements of each qualification.
In information technology, Berea’s occupational programmes cover areas such as software development, cybersecurity, computer technician training, cloud administration and data science. These fields require different competencies, from troubleshooting computer systems to developing applications and protecting digital information. For freelance independent software developer Siyabonga Sosibo, the emphasis on practical competence is an important feature of occupational training.
“One of the strengths of QCTO aligned occupational qualifications is their focus on the competencies required to perform a job, rather than theoretical knowledge alone.” In software development, for example, understanding programming languages is important, but so is being able to apply that knowledge to develop, test and maintain working applications. Training that combines knowledge with practical skills and, where required, workplace experience can help students understand industry expectations and prepare for the responsibilities of the occupation they are pursuing,” he says.
Engineering provides another option for students drawn to technical work. Depending on their chosen programme, students can pursue training in areas related to civil, mechanical and electrical engineering.
What happens beyond the classroom?
Technical knowledge is only part of preparing for employment. Workers must also communicate effectively, solve problems and work with others. Practical activities give students opportunities to apply what they learn, while workplace experience, where required, can introduce them to professional expectations. These experiences can help students demonstrate their skills to prospective employers and explain how their training relates to the work they hope to do. However, completing a qualification does not guarantee employment. Experience, industry demand and employer requirements also influence job opportunities.
Choosing the right path
Before enrolling, prospective students should consider the type of work they want to do, and the skills needed to pursue it. They should also check admission requirements, qualification details and whether workplace learning forms part of their chosen programme. The Faculty of Occupational Studies at Berea College offers pathways for students interested in technology and engineering. Understanding the connection between a qualification and its related occupations can help prospective students make informed decisions about their future.
For more on our occupation programmes,visit www.bereagroup.co.za