Unisa short courses

Accredited courses available for students

Accredited courses available for students

South African colleges have limited openings available for first-year students. Yet, based on media records last week, applications remain to stream in.

This, obviously, suggests many potential students are going to be shown away; lots of applications are just going nowhere even though the applicants obtained great matric end results.

The Star editorial remarked last week: "The outlook for the class of 2012, our very first ever batch of born-frees, is grim undoubtedly."

Kerry Damons of Boston City Campus and Business College agrees that it is a train knockout that universities do not have sufficient space to fit all those who want to pursue academic studies next year. But she is quick to point out that a train smash is not the end of the train line, so to talk.

"Let us not enable a mindset of desperation to dominate the issue of further study," she claims. "There are various other options besides a standard university qualification - these are worth checking out as they offer skills to graduates and value to employers, simply put, they empower the learner to obtain a job.”

As career advice at schools is usually minimal, the most effective way to find out about different study choices and their ins and outs is to get in touch with a skilled occupation adviser, she adds.

As part of its social obligation FET Colleges provide computerised occupation assessment and individualised occupation guidance to potential students at each of the colleges all over the country-- for free and without any commitment to register.

Skills programs - are regarded as one of the most vibrant components of our developing education and training system.

Basically, a skills program is a short course program of study throughout which you complete several modules or subject matters. You compose examinations and evaluations and if you pass them, you receive a certificate explaining that you have completed the skills program.

Skills programs can be completed in as little as 3 weeks or as lengthy as 12 months. They may be done part-time or full-time.

Skills programs are approved and recognised by the Setas (sector education and training authorities).

They are on an equivalent footing with other training programs; some are on graduate degree (NQF Level 6).

Popular options include: assistant bookkeeper, bookkeeper, payroll, cost and management bookkeeping, income tax and business management.

Private colleges and universities - private colleges do not have the same restrictions as state-funded institutions. Private colleges work with the services of extra expert speakers and additional class space must it be needed should suit even more pupils.

The intake or registration of students is spread throughout the year and over a number of campuses, while state establishments are less versatile hereof.

Distance Learning and Online Learning - there are numerous good, accredited programs offered through the internet or through distance-learning organisations, such as Boston City University, Unisa and College SA.

Professional institutes and similar companies - such as the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the Financial Management Institute of Southern Africa, the Computing Technology Association (CompTIA), Prometric and Pastel supply outside accreditation to the qualifications offered at distance learning colleges. These programs are all approved and many are worldwide recognised.