Boston Higher Education – the primary antidote to unemployment

The biggest news to hit our campus this year has been our award of accreditation with the British Accreditation Council (BAC). Our graduates are now assured international accreditation of their degree, diploma or higher certificate without having to sit for additional examinations.
We are extremely proud to make this announcement!” says Boston’s Head of Institution, Dr Hendrik Botha. With Boston City Campus & Business College now open for mid-year registrations for higher certificates, diplomas and degree studies, one should use the opportunity to reflect on how attaining a higher education qualification can better position you to secure a job or promotion, hold onto a current position or to take up an entrepreneurial challenge with confidence, with our ‘fit-for-purpose’ and recognized qualifications”.
“According to labour market reports, the retrenchment rate is now at a 10-year high – while the unemployment rate increased from 22.5 percent in 2008 to the current 26.7 percent in the first quarter of 2018. Then there’s the recent news that youth unemployment had soared from 32.7 percent to 36.1 percent in the six years from 2008 to 2014,” says Botha.
For Botha, the importance of attaining a higher education has a two fold significance that can both directly and indirectly address these issues of unemployment and retrenchment.
“Firstly, the relevance of a vibrant higher education sector is recognised internationally and investment therein, whether through individuals who take up further studies or through government funding, promotes economic prosperity and greater employment over the medium to long term.
Secondly, we need to remind ourselves just how important a relevant qualification is when looking for work or simply trying to stay secure in one’s current job.
Unemployment and retrenchment statistics are showing us a rather desperate reality, and now more than ever, we need to be proactive with our employment opportunities,” adds Botha.
“You should waste no time in assessing your situation. Start by asking: Am I on the right career path? Are there areas in my specific skills set where I need to improve?
Do I have the proper qualifications and tools to apply for a job with confidence? Is a matric certificate, diploma or degree enough in our highly competitive market? And, where do I want to be in a few years from now? Only after addressing these questions should one make the decision on what studies to look into and where will best suit you,” says Botha.
Gaining a competitive edge and acquiring the necessary skills form the foundation of employability. “It’s also about staying relevant and up-to-date so that we can offer turn-key solutions to our clients as well as our employers,” says Botha.
And to those who are fortunate enough to have secure jobs, Botha advises, “considering the current volatile nature of our economy, many companies, big and small, have moved into ‘survival mode’. Retrenchment is a natural result thereof, always have a plan B whether it be starting your own business or making a lateral move into a new area.”
Botha further reminds us that in South Africa acquiring a higher education has helped many people start their own businesses and grow these into successful companies.
Statistics from the Department of Trade & Industry show that these small and medium enterprises contribute between 52 to 57% to our Gross Domestic Product and account for approximately 61% of employment.
“So yes, entrepreneurship definitely does seem to be one possible cure for the unemployment rate.
The other reality is that these businesses operate in a highly competitive market, so you need to be up to date in your tech knowledge, social media marketing and general business skills,” he continues.
Mid-year registrations for higher certificates, diplomas and degrees at Boston City Campus & Business College are now officially open for everyone and run until end July. Prospective students don’t have to wait until next year to start their studies.
“With our recent announcement of BAC accreditation the value of a Boston qualification has vastly increased for all our graduates and opens new possibilities in the UK and EU markets. For more information on these programmes as well as all the other short courses and digital offerings to enhance your professional skills, please visit:
www.boston.co.za