EDWIN NAIDU
YOUNG South Africans aspire to do work that is both meaningful and fulfilling, according to the Frame Your Future survey recently conducted by SACAP (The South African College of Applied Psychology).
The online survey canvassed 850 internet-connected respondents aged between 17 and 20 years who are recent school leavers or currently in Grades 11 and 12 to gauge their hopes and fears about the future.
It found that 65% of the learners on the last leg of school aim to enter tertiary studies once they have matriculated, with only 7% looking to enter the workforce immediately and just 5% considering a gap year.
Among the students surveyed, 57% said that researching their study options online was the dominant source of information they used to decide their study path.
“What was striking in the Frame Your Future results was this generation’s desire to ensure they care about the work they’re involved in and, most importantly, that their work makes a difference to the world,” says Dr Lauren Martin, the Deputy Dean of Learning & Teaching at SACAP.
“Over half of the respondents said that they want to do work that they care about and that makes a difference. 40% have ambitions to do ‘something extraordinary with my work,’ and 38% think they will love their work,” she adds.
Martin says these sentiments were ranked far more highly than money as the be-all and end-all of
the work.
These results highlight how important it is for school leavers to integrate their passions and interests with their skills and capabilities when choosing tertiary study paths.
Given the current state of the world and overall anxiety about the fast-changing future of work, she adds that these young South Africans indicated a generally positive outlook at this life stage, with 43% saying they wake up feeling hopeful and an additional 14% who are excited to face the day.
While almost half the respondents are temporarily open to future international work opportunities, only 19% say they would seriously consider emigrating from South Africa.
Dr Martin says a significant proportion of young people think they can contribute to their country, with 58% concerned about climate change impacts and 55% believing in the responsibility to vote.
SACAP offers a range of registered and accredited courses ranging from higher certificates, a diploma and undergraduate degrees to postgraduate qualifications and specialised programmes at its Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, and online campuses.
Applied Psychology forms the core of each course, and topics include Psychology, Communication, Business Management, Human Resource Management, Social Work and Coaching.
“We are encouraged that many young South Africans value personal growth and face their concerns about the country and the world they live in with the question: how can I make a difference? They need to develop resilience in facing fears and challenges as they step onto study paths that will lead them into the world of work. At the same time, they are well-supported in gaining the knowledge and skills that will enable them to be positive forces in their future workplaces,” says Martin.
To learn more, visit sacap.edu.za.
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