Only 20 % of learners will get into universities and universities of technology in 2012.

The 2011 matriculants' aspirations, wishes and dreams about the outcome of their results can now be considered history. The results have come and, to a certain extent, gone.

The reality of the post-results period has now dawned on all 2011 matriculants: "’Will I get a space to study at a university or a university of technology?’ This is a question many young people who have not yet been accepted at a tertiary institution ask themselves," says Prof Connie Mokadi, CEO of National Institute of Higher Education (NIHE) Mpumalanga, in a press release.

"The reality of the matter is that not all students who got university entrance outcomes will be accommodated at a university in 2012."

Dr Blade Nzimande, minister of higher education and training, mentioned that universities and universities of technology will probably accommodate only 20 per cent of the learners who will need space in tertiary institutions in 2012.

This plight of learners will be felt even more by those who did not apply in time. There are, however, some universities that will still consider late applications for admission, such as the University of Johannesburg and Stellenbosch University.

The University of Pretoria and the University of Cape Town have made it categorically clear that applications for admission in 2012 officially closed on September 30, 2011.
Mokadi encourages matriculants of Mpumalanga who won't get space at universities to consider the other options available for them in the province.

"Young people should not lose hope if they are not accepted at a university. There are other options for their consideration right here in the province," said Mokadi.
"The global economic development trends show that nations who focus on the training for development of their human capital in areas that address their critical and scarce skills needs tend to manage their economic and development growth challenges.

South Africa is, of course, no exception. Young people should direct their academic efforts towards acquiring qualifications and skills that are relevant to the economic and growth needs of the country.

The further education and training (FET) colleges sector is one such platform available for learners to acquire the necessary skills. The South African government has invested hugely through the recapitalisation and growth programme in the FET colleges to allow them to provide training in the skills that are needed in the country. Training in such skills provides great employment opportunities for learners after completion of their studies," said Mokadi.

The province has three Further Education and Training (FET) colleges, namely Ehlanzeni FET College (Tel: 013-752-7105), Gert Sibande FET College (Tel: 017-712-9040/58) and Nkangala FET College (Tel: 013-690-1430/3824).

These colleges have campuses across the province. FET colleges offer vocational and continuing education and training that cater for the scarce skills that are of critical importance in our country.

The Lowveld College of Agriculture (Tel: 013-753-3064/2201) and the Mpumalanga Nursing College (Tel: 013-973-9104) are other higher education and training institutions offering specific technical and professional skills which provide other options for young people in Mpumalanga.

It is also time that young people seriously consider the training and development opportunities that are available through the learnerships, internships and artisan training platforms.

Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas) can be contacted by young people for information on available training options and opportunities.