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.