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When it comes to choosing an academic programme to study that leads to good employment, be sure to look at occupational programmes. This is the advice of Ruan Venter, registrar of Boston City Campus & Business College.
According to Venter, students often overlook occupational programmes because they are not aware of what makes these programmes unique. “As the name indicates, it prepares a student for a specific occupation,” he elaborates. “They are thus very focused and structured to get a student as work-ready as possible.” Besides their specific focus, these programmes have certain distinctive advantages, which Venter unpacks as follows:
- Register anytime – due to the training methodology, students can register for occupational programmes at almost any time. There are exceptions here and there, but most occupational programmes are open for registration right throughout the year. Students can start their studies straight away – unlike degree courses for example, where registration deadlines and course times are strictly applied.
- A National Senior Certificate or National Certificate (Vocational) may not necessarily be required – registering to participate in occupational programmes don’t necessarily require a matric certificate and have different entry requirements. These range from Grade 10(NQF-level 2) to Grade 12(NQF-level 4), which means that if you don’t have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) you can still start your studies and reach your career aspirations.
- Open doors to higher learning – occupational programmes make it possible for you to start your studies holding a Grade 10 certificate and end up with a degree. This is because a student builds credits over a period of time and can use these credits to gain access to higher education courses through credit accumulation and transfer (CAT) or recognition of prior learning (RPL).
- Short courses– most occupational programmes can be completed within a 12-month period. Once students pass all the required tests and assessments, they receive their awards (certificates) and can enter the job market.
- Employment ready– occupational programmes are less theoretical in nature and tends to be more practically orientated in its teaching methodology and learning outcomes. Some are designed with a work integrated learning (WIL) component, during which time students get hands-on practical experience. Once students successfully complete their occupational programmes – the theoretical as well as the practical training – they are completely ready to work in their chosen occupation. They can hit the ground running, as employers are fond of saying.
“Boston’s provision of a wide range of occupational programs is important in meeting the institution’s mission to provide quality and relevant education and training to all its students and to create a culture of lifelong learning, correcting inequalities and underscoring aspirations as specified by the Council on Higher Education,” says Venter. “ Boston’s education offerings serve to meet the needs of employees and professionals to continually upgrade their skills and knowledge. Furthermore, our offerings enable access to higher education to those who were denied or may not meet the formal requirements for high education.”
Boston City Campus & Business College offers a variety of occupational programmes in fields such as health, sport and wellness; secretarial; public relations, business communication and service to mention a few.
To find out more visit www.boston.co.za and reference the prospectus on occupational programmes headed with “We know you have big dreams”.
The prospectus describes the various occupational programmes offered by the institution; how students could articulate from one NQF-level to the next, how credit accumulation and transfer works; and answer most frequently asked questions that prospective students may have. Prospective students and parents are also welcome to go to the Boston City Campus & Business College branch nearest to them and speak to a career advisor face-to-face if they need further clarification and information on occupational programmes. The career advice service is offered free of charge and with no obligation at the 40-plus Boston branches spread nationwide.
Registrations are still open – click here.
Enquiries: Visit Boston City Campus & Business College – Nelspruit or phone 013-752-4560. Alternatively visit www.boston.co.za
