South Africa’s job market is undergoing a transformation as more people turn to work-ready training to tackle unemployment. With the high national unemployment rate showing no signs of abating, traditional university degrees are no longer considered as the only route to a stable career, with people increasingly opting for practical, skills-focused courses tailored to meet employer demands.

“Many sectors where entry-level positions do not require a university degree face ongoing skills shortages, revealing a gap between academic training and workplace needs. This mismatch has fuelled demand for vocational and short skills programmes  that prioritise hands-on skills over theoretical knowledge,” says Elbie Liebenberg, General Manager at Oxbridge Academy, SA’s leading distance learning provider and a brand of JSE-listed ADvTECH.

Liebenberg says students are increasingly prioritising accessibility and relevance, developing the skills needed in sectors ranging from project management and bookkeeping, to IT support and occupational health and safety, among others.

PARLIAMENT URGES PRIORITISATION OF WORK-READY TRAINING

Last year, Parliament noted the need to identify and prioritise the skills needed to drive the country’s economic growth, and to ensure students attended those institutions that offer these programmes rather than viewing degree study as the only credible path.

“Employers are increasingly valuing ability over credentials. Businesses prioritise candidates who can demonstrate practical skills, whether in data analysis, digital marketing, or workplace safety. This shift is reshaping education, with skills-based training offering not just immediate job prospects but also a foundation for lifelong learning in a dynamic economy,” says Liebenberg.

While greater skills development is a benefit to the country as a whole, it also makes sense on an individual level, given South Africa’s notoriously tough jobs market.

BENEFITS OF WORK-READY TRAINING

• Faster entry into the workforce: Skills programmes, often completed in months, allow quicker job market access compared to multi-year degree programmes.
• Industry-aligned training: Courses are designed with employer input, focusing on in-demand skills like IT support, digital marketing, or project management, directly matching job requirements.
• Practical, hands-on experience: Skills programmes emphasise real-world applications, equipping learners with tools they can immediately use on the job, unlike the theoretical focus of many degrees.
• Higher employability in shortage areas: Skills training targets fields with skills gaps, such as healthcare or logistics, increasing the likelihood of securing roles where demand exceeds supply.
• Cost-effectiveness: Lower costs compared to degrees make skills programmes accessible, reducing financial barriers to starting a career.
• Flexibility for working learners: Distance learning options allow study alongside employment, enabling candidates to gain experience while training, a plus for employers.
• Immediate relevance to employers: Certifications demonstrate specific, job-ready abilities, often valued more than broad academic credentials in hiring decisions.
• Adaptability to market changes: Shorter programmes can be updated quickly to reflect current industry needs, ensuring graduates remain competitive in fast-evolving sectors.

“Looking ahead, the shift toward skills-based education reflects a broader redefinition of employability in South Africa. With structural challenges like slow economic growth and a growing labour force outpacing job creation, the need for rapid, targeted training is more pressing than ever,” says Liebenberg.

“Skills programmes not only address immediate employment needs but also foster adaptability, enabling individuals to navigate evolving industries. While degrees retain value for certain career paths, the accessibility and relevance of vocational training make it a vital tool for reducing unemployment and building a resilient workforce.”

Oxbridge Academy is a leader in distance education, and has been offering affordable, accessible education and training opportunities locally and internationally for over 25 years. Oxbridge Academy offers more than 130 courses, in fields ranging from Advertising & Marketing to Tourism & Hospitality, and is part of the JSE-listed ADvTECH PTY Ltd, the largest private education provider in Africa. Registered and accredited by the relevant sector bodies, including the DHET, QCTO, UMALUSI, ETDP SETA, APPETD, and Saiosh, Oxbridge Academy accommodates more than 20 000 students annually in its quality programmes focused on academic excellence and the development of workplace skills.