Finished School, What Next?

Finished school and planning for your future? Check out some of these exciting opportunities!

Universities and FET Colleges

Have you thought about going to university?

The Western Cape has four universities that offer various courses:

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• University of the Western Cape
• University of Cape Town
• Stellenbosch University

Finished school but didn't get into university?

An alternative is to study at a Further Education and Training (FET) college. Here is a list of FET colleges in the Western Cape:

• College of Cape Town
• False Bay College
• Northlink College
• West Coast College
• Boland College
• South Cape College

There are many other colleges offering courses for school leavers, but be careful - some are not accredited and don't offer recognised courses. The Department of Higher Education and Training has a helpline that you can contact to verify a FET college: 0800 872 2222.

Here is some more information about what you should look for before registering at a college:

• Confirm the registration status of the college with the Department of Higher Education and Training.
• Ask for a brochure with information about the college and the qualifications that it offers.
• Study the student agreement carefully before enrolling.
• Make sure you get information on semester and examination timetables.
• Verify claims that the college offers internationally recognised qualifications.
• Be on the lookout for the false use of the names of world-renowned colleges.
• Check if a qualification that you want to register for has an NQF accreditation.

You should also look out for the use of the following terms:

Certificate

• The minimum length of studying for a certificate is one academic year, which includes class attendance, studying at home, assignments and in-service training.
• A qualification registered on the NQF must have a SAQA ID number.
• A certificate means that the qualification is registered at Level 2, 3 or 4 of the NQF.
• FET certificates consists of a minimum of 120 credits.

Diploma

• The minimum length of studying for a diploma is two academic years, which includes class attendance, studying at home, assignments and in-service training.
• A qualification registered on the NQF must have a SAQA ID number.
• A diploma means that the qualification is registered at Levels 5 to 6 of the NQF.
• A diploma consists of a minimum of 240 credits.

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Start Your Own Business

Finished with school and thinking of starting your own business? Here is some information on finance and skills development opportunities, as well as help offered by various government organisations to young entrepreneurs.

• Assistance for Young Entrepreneurs
• Business Training and Mentorship

Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA):

• Department of Labour
• Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and the Skills Levy

You can also contact the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) for help with financing your business or developing an existing one.

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A Career in the Police or Military

South African Police Service (SAPS)

The South African Police Service (SAPS) offers careers in various fields. You can become a police official or a civilian employee. Most police officials are directly involved in preventing, combating or investigating crime. Other police officials and civilian personnel carry out support functions.

Careers in the South African Police Service

If you are interested in joining the South African Police Service, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Have a Grade 12 (Standard 10) Senior Certificate.
• Be at least 18 years old and under 30 years old.
• Have a valid driver's licence.
• No criminal record.
• Be physically, mentally and medically fit.
• Have good communication skills.
• Act decisively and without hesitation.
• Be a calm and even-tempered person.

The SAPS recruits throughout the year. Keep an eye on the Sunday newspapers for job adverts.

South African National Defence Force (SANDF)

The Department of Defence employs young, fit and healthy South Africans. New members will serve for a two-year period. At the end of the two-year contract you can choose to carry on serving in the SANDF or to become a civilian again, although you will need to continue serving in the Reserve Force.

Careers in the SANDF

• SA Army
• SA Air Force
• SA Navy
• SA Military Health Service
• Special Forces

If you are interested in joining the SANDF, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be between the ages of 18 and 22 (although graduates up to the age of 26 can also join).
• Not area bound.
• Have no criminal record.
• Preferably single.
• Medically fit.
• Prepared for basic military training, functional training and to serve in uniform.

SANDF recruitment takes place in January and July every year.

Finished School! What next?