The unemployment rate among the youth is high irrespective of education level. The graduate unemployment rate was 40,3% for those aged 15–24 and 15,5% among those aged 25–34 years, while the rate among adults (aged 35–64 years) was 5,4%.
Some of these young people have become discouraged from participating in the labour market and they are also not building on their skills base through education and training.
In South Africa, youth consists of those aged 15 to 34 years. Why are children aged 15 to 18 years, who are supposed to be in school, included in the working-age population? This is informed by the compulsory school attendance age. The South African Schools Act number 84 of 1996 states that: “Subject to this Act and any applicable provincial law, every parent must cause every learner for whom he or she is responsible to attend a school from the first school day of the year in which such learner reaches the age of seven years until the last school day of the year in which such learner reaches the age of fifteen years or the ninth grade, whichever occurs first.”
What can be done about the South African tragedy of 64,4% of our youth (18 to 24) finding themselves unemployed and not adequately skilled for the new world of work?
Entrepreneurship, real-world business and administrative skills, relevant qualifications and certifications and on-the-job training can contribute substantially to solving the unemployment problem. Young and old should look at industries offering incredible opportunities and where South Africa can become world leaders. Agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure development, technology and the outdoor recreation industry.
The outdoor and adventure industry in South Africa poses incredible career opportunities for the youth. The industry is far from reaching maturity and already contributes 7% (R 346 billion) to our country’s GDP. It created 716 891 direct and 1,2 million indirect jobs (1 in 10 people in SA work in this industry).
The industry is much more than tourism and hospitality, with exciting career options in training and development, environmental education, therapy, recreation, ministry, leadership development, outdoor equipment retail, manufacturing, technology, logistics, distribution, import and export. It also lends itself to individuals who do better in a practical classroom setting rather than a strictly academic one.
The Adventure Institute is a first of its kind training institution that offers tailor-made solutions for each student looking to enter the world of entrepreneurship. We equip students with the critical skills and mentorship to launch their business ventures successfully.
By completing the Adventure Institute Level 1 course, students will be able to apply for the following career options:
- Activity instructor, leader or facilitator
- Recreation leader
- Lodge/campsite/site/park/farm/event coordinator or manager
- Adventure tourism site guide
- Learning facilitator – assisting schools, churches, community centres or groups
- School camp facilitator/counselor/manager
- Human resource programme coordinator
- Entrepreneur
- Team building facilitator or entrepreneur.
By studying further, the following career options open up:
- Trainers
- Provide assistance to Adaptive Applications of Guiding and Facilitation (Therapeutic)
- Environmental Education Facilitators
- Understand SAQA skills development processes
- Adventure Related Experiential Learning Centre manager
- Launch a successful entrepreneurial venture
Don’t be a statistic, start getting the skills you need today. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you on your journey.
“In wilderness, I sense the miracle of life, and behind it our scientific accomplishments fade to trivia. Real freedom lies in wildness, not in civilization.” Charles Lindberg
Melina Fregoso
Hello adventure-institute.co.za admin, Thanks for the well-written and informative post!