As South Africa faces a growing unemployment crisis, universities are stepping in to bridge the gap between education and the job market. One such initiative is the WorkReady Gen Z programme launched by the Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) in collaboration with the Wits Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU). This online course is designed to equip University students with essential work-readiness skills and is now available for free on the University’s Ulwazi platform.
The WorkReady Gen Z initiative addresses a pressing national issue. According to a recent report by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), many graduates struggle to transition from university to the workplace due to a lack of practical skills. With South Africa’s youth unemployment rate remaining alarmingly high, this course offers a timely intervention.
The programme covers three main areas:
- Job-Hunting Essentials – This section offers guidance on writing CVs, crafting cover letters, interview skills, and aligning personal values with company goals.
- My First Job Series – Aimed at demystifying workplace roles, this series addresses challenges such as imposter syndrome and workplace biases through interactive videos and exercises.
- Skill-Building Exercises – This section focuses on core professional skills such as problem-solving, communication, time management, and workplace professionalism.
Speaking about the launch, Dan Kabongo, Postgraduate Representative of the SRC, said: “This course is designed to give students practical advice and tools to succeed in the workplace. It aims to close the gap between academic knowledge and the realities of the job market.”
As employers increasingly seek candidates who are both academically prepared and professionally skilled, initiatives like WorkReady Gen Z could play a pivotal role in boosting employability and driving national development.
Link to the original article: https://www.wits.ac.za/news/latest-news/general-news/2024/2024-10/witsies-get-a-further-boost-from-workready-gen-z-initiative-.html
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