Employability skills-match of graduates of Mafikeng Campus, North West University
Abstract
The main aim of this study is to analyse the extent of particular sets of North West University
(Mafikeng campus) graduates' employability and skills-matching. This study used a
qualitative approach in order to look into the employability skills-match of graduates and to
suggest some possible solutions to their problems of unemployment and possible lack of
skills in finding jobs. Data was collected from the campus graduates who qualified between
the years 2010 and 2014, and participants from different government departments and the
private sector companies in Mafikeng, using in-depth-interviews. In total, the participants
consisted of twenty graduates both employed and unemployed, seven participants from
North West provincial government departments, and three from the private sector, using a
purposive sampling method.
The study found that employability skills are very important in the work place and can help
the graduates to secure jobs. The study reveals the graduates' experiences in finding
employment and of the skills that can influence employability. The study also examines their
own perceptions in relation to the level of jobs they find and apply for, both in terms of their
qualifications and the job sector they are involved in, if at all. Furthermore, the study found
that there are particular types of skills that the government departments and private sector
companies offer or require from these graduates.
In conclusion, there is a growing need for the development of employability skills, in order
that graduates can be enabled to secure jobs. The labour market also sees a demand for
people with relevant employability skills and work experience. The study recommends that
the problem of employability skills-match of graduates should be urgently addressed by input
from tertiary institutions, national and provincial government, and by the private sector.
Possibly, there should be an increase in investing towards particular forms of employment
skills programmes, so as to assist graduates more effectively.
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