Despite South Africa having placed as second largest economy in Africa, the country’s latest unemployment rate went up to 27.1 percent from a previous 26.6 percent, making it the highest since 2004.  

According to TradingEconomics.com, the unemployment rate in South Africa averaged 25.35 percent from 2000 until 2016, reaching an all-time high of 31.20 percent in the first quarter of 2003 and a record low of 21.50 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Statistics show that majority of the unemployment rate lies in the youth sector. Economy experts say it is absolutely pivotal for SA to turn this growing population of young people into an economic opportunity instead of looking at it as a burden.

However, it must be stated that the rate of unemployment does not lie with the lack of available jobs but the lack of skilled individuals to fill required positions.

A recent job study shows that skills demands are changing constantly, highlighting the importance of education and training institutions to equip students with the right set of skills to be successful in the working industry.

However many students choose tertiary institutions that do not equip them with the necessary support to attain these much-needed skills. Skills in business, science, technology, engineering and maths. Companies often find themselves with individuals with heaps of academic knowledge but have trouble with complex problem-solving skills, critical and cognitive thinking and decision-making.

Therefore choosing an institution that helps students achieve these skills, especially in scarce job fields, is critical.

For over 100 years, Lyceum Correspondence College has been educating students in scarce-skilled areas of Management, Business Studies and Education. The college is dedicated to meeting the changing needs of students as determined by these growing industries. Lyceum combines traditional higher education values with an innovative approach to correspondence and distance learning in South Africa and internationally. Their flexible programmes have been designed to provide students with the specific knowledge that will empower them to succeed in their chosen careers.

The higher education institution specialises in accredited Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Higher Certificates and Short Learning Programmes via distance learning. 

The academic team at Lyceum Correspondence College are professionals who are actively involved in their industries on a day-to-day basis. They are employed for their academic knowledge, practical experience and leadership roles within their fields. The academic content is thus up to date with the latest industry trends and demands. Student feedback and support comes directly from these professionals, ensuring that each student is thoroughly prepared for the working environment by the end of their distance learning experience.

For further information, contact Lyceum on, 0860 100 705 or visit www.lyceum.co.za.