Leaving school National Association for Persons with Cerebral Palsy South Africa - April 2013 - HWSETA
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G uide to
leaving school
April 2013
National
Association for
Persons with
Cerebral Palsy
South Africa
Contents
When I grow up
What types of qualificati 3
ons are available?
Certificates, Diplomas 4
South African Qualific 4
ation Authority (SAQA)
The National Qualificati 5
ons Framework (NQF
Universities ) 6
Contact details for the 7
Disability Units of the
Universities within South various
Africa:
Further , Education an 8
dTraining, (FET) Colle
Further Education And ges 9
Training Certificate
What is a Learnership 10
?
Money worries 11-13
What should you study 14-15
?
Contact details of place 16 -17
ment offices
Interviewing for a job 16-17
What about Assistive 18-19
Devices?
Programmes 20-21
What is Reasonable Ac 21
commodation?
Health and Welfare Se 22
ctor Education and
Training Authority (HWS
ETA)
Your Curriculum Vitae 23
(CV)
Sport and recreation 24
Starting your own busin 25
ess
An adult you 26-27
Transport 28-29
Contact details of disab 30
ility organisations
31
avin
i na n ce Pr ucation ; R20.1
r o fF s ese d e ducation nuing
te it i ia ry
Minis han prior ceive billion for te cational and conti cation
rt
Gord d, education will re billion fo
r vo
R10.6-bil
du
lion for e for
n
cte year’s n; lio
As expe ce of this quarter of educatio on; and R9.1-bil rease
g e s t s li in is tr a ti T h e inc
the big e to a adm lture.
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bud 1 3 /1 4 Budg is
re
n e d ucatio
2 0 n th n d o
the total be spent
o in spe last year.
fund
llion will her than moved to
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li o n w il l b e
rs ities in
ty . s b R7.2-b il w univ e
key priori R232.5-billion ha f f tw o n e
rn Cape,
f o ing o e Northe es,
A total o e d e p artments n the build a a n d th
for th catio ng inc
set aside tion, higher edu . Mpumala re grants for prov ries.
basic ed
uc a
a rt s a nd cult u re
in frastruc tu
d e q u ip new libra
ing, an d for the uild a n
and train own in spending 64 and to b
re a k d l b e : R 1
The b year wil
financial R28.7
2013/14 s ic e d ucation;
r b a
billion fo
“When
I grow
up…”
Maybe “Education is a crucial key
you can’t wait to concept to anyone’s foundation, be
leave school and move on the it young or old, education should
next best thing - university, college be never ending. The reality facing
or maybe a new and exciting job. our country is that more than half
Maybe you are finding it stressful, of Grade 12 learners who leave
knowing you will say goodbye school every year are unable to
to friends and move away from further their studies, or find a job
home. Have you started thinking as they are not skilled enough. It is
about what you will do when your clear that skills development along
time at school comes to an end? with training and education are
vital elements for the people of our
Wherever you’re at with your country.”
decisions don’t forget there are
parents, teachers, friends and Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of
organisations that offer advice. Higher Education and Training
The new world of work has been
created by increased competition and
globalisation. Preparing for a career
involves more than just taking an
aptitude test and being told what
you can ‘become’. Success
in the new world of work is
about continuous personal
development.
Guide to Leaving School 3
What are your
options:
This list is not exhaustive and there are many ways to combine work and study.
If you finish school with:
ric Matric
No Mat Matric
ic • Apply
tion
Exemp
our matr at
• Redo y r matric via a Furthe
ou
• Redo y chool Educati
r
s
anoth r
e via on at a
y o ur matric & Trainin • Apply
• Red o g y or a
ducati o n & Institute Univ it
e rs &
Further E titute ducation
Ins • Look
for a Further E titute
Training learners job/ Training
Ins
o ur matric a job/
• Redo y t education start yo
hip/ r
• Look fo ip/ start
n
via dista busines
ur own
learners
h
a job/ ss
• Loo k fo r
your s
your o w n busine
hip/ start
learners
iness
own bus
What Types of
Qualifications are
available?
• Certificates
• Diplomas
• National Diplomas
• Degrees
4 Guide to Leaving School
South African
Qualification
Authority (SAQA)
SAQA’s primary objective is the within education, training and career
promotion of a high quality education paths, they are more inclined to
and training system in South Africa improve their skills and knowledge,
that embraces the concept of lifelong as such improvements increase their
learning for all. employment opportunities.
It oversees the development and the SAQA aims to increase the number
implementation of the NQF (National of ‘flexible generalists’. These are
Qualifications Framework). people equipped with the necessary
SAQA offers a comprehensive knowledge, skills and values to adjust
national career advice service, the NQF readily to multiple career changes
and Career Advice Helpline, to equip and make, through their own personal
all citizens with information to navigate development, a significant contribution
study and work paths, to enable them to the life of this country and the world.
to increase their employability and to The shift in thinking is from education
manage their own career development. for employment (developing the ability
SAQA acknowledges that many to do a specific job) to education for
countries are looking for better ways of employability (developing the ability to
educating their people and organising adapt acquired skills to new working
their education and training systems environments). The new education and
so that they might gain the edge in training system must be able to support
an increasingly competitive economic the notion of an adaptable workforce.
global environment.
The world is an ever-changing
place, politically, geographically and
mail
technologically. Success, or even q uiries e g.za
saqa.or
n y e n
survival, in such a world demands that For a
a i n f o @
South Africa has a national education saq
and training system that provides e
r Advic
quality learning, is responsive to
QF a n d Caree ached by:
the ever-changing influences of the The N e ca n be re
Helplin
external environment and promotes
73
the development of a nation that is
e : 0 8 60 111 6 2 204 5058
n 7
Pho SMS: 0 erhelp.org.za
committed to life-long learning.
When learners know that there are are a
clear learning pathways that provide E-mail:
help@c
re er h elp.org.z
access to, and mobility and progression www.ca
Guide to Leaving School 5
The National
Qualifications
Framework (NQF)
The NQF has been built on the Basic Education and Training. The
principles of relevant and appropriate registration of private or independent
standards, quality and excellence. institutions offering general education
Therefore by selecting an NQF and training is the competence of the
accredited qualification you are provincial education departments. The
assured of choosing a quality and registration of these institutions is in
genuine qualification that is nationally terms of the South African Schools Act,
benchmarked and internationally 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996).
comparable.
Further Education and Training refers
The NQF aims to: to education and training provided from
• Create a single integrated national Grades 10 to 12, including career-
framework for learning achievements. oriented education and training offered
• Facilitate access to, and mobility and in technical colleges, community
progression within education, training colleges and private colleges. Private
and career paths. institutions offering further education
• Enhance the quality of education and and training programmes must register
training. with the Department of Education in
• Accelerate the redress of past unfair accordance with the Further Education
discrimination in education, training and Training Colleges Act, 2006 (Act No
and employment opportunities. 16 of 2006).
The NQF and you Higher Education and Training is
The NQF recognises three bands of also referred to as tertiary education.
education and training, namely General The higher education band provides
Education and Training (GET), Further the highest level of education. Entry
Education and Training (FET) and into higher education is through a
Higher Education and Training (HET). Grade 12 pass or Grade 12 pass with
The differences between the bands are exemption. Private institutions offering
explained below: higher education must register with the
General Education and Training refers Department of Higher Education and
to education and training provided at Training in accordance with the Higher
primary and secondary school level, Education Act, 1997 (Act No 101
from grade R to 9. It also includes Adult of 1997).
6 Guide to Leaving School
Universities
Higher learning takes place in South a profession such as medicine that
Africa at universities, comprehensive requires them to attend a traditional
universities, or universities of technology. university.
Studies can last anything from six Comprehensive universities:
months to six years, or even longer, These are new institutions that, in
with students having the opportunity to most cases, combine a traditional
accumulate a number of qualifications university and a university of technology.
along the way. The learning is academic, They are for students who may want to
with either a theoretical or career- combine academic and career-orientated
orientated angle. studies. They offer both diplomas and
Undergraduate studies can lead to a degrees and, in most cases, a very wide
degree, diploma or higher certificate. range of courses.
Students who want to specialise further Universities of technology:
can study for post-graduate diplomas, or These were formerly known as
Honours, Masters and Doctoral degrees. ‘’technikons’’. They offer certificates,
Universities equip graduates for diplomas or degrees in technology, there
careers from science, engineering and is some research involved and they lead
medicine to law, business and teaching. students more directly into a career.
These are ‘’traditional’’ academic They are aimed at students with a
universities that offer mainly degrees, good idea of the job they want to do, and
have high numbers of postgraduate who are smart and practically-minded,
students and conduct a lot of research. or specifically those who are keen on
They tend to attract young people who career field such as textile technology,
are intensely curious and like learning which is only offered by universities of
for its own sake, or are keen to enter technology.
Guide to Leaving School 7
Contact details
for the Disability
Units of the various
Universities within
South Africa:
Educational
Contact Name Contact Info
Institution
University of the
011 717-9151/2.
Witwatersrand, Dr Anlia Pretorius
anlia.pretorius@wits.ac.za
Johannesburg
University of Cape 021 650 5090
Reinette Popplestone
Town Reinette.Popplestone@uct.ac.za
University of
Disability Unit 012 420 2582/4281
Pretoria
Cape Peninsula
021 959 6964
University of Dr Nina du Toit
disabilityunit@cput.ac.za
Technology
University of Ms Marcia 021 808 4707
Stellenbosch Lyner-Cleophas cleophas@sun.ac.za
University of 031 260 3070
Disability Co-ordinator
Kwazulu Natal 033 260 5213
015 268 2464
University of
Director 015 268 2495
Limpopo
konem@ul.ac.za
Manager: Tel: +27 41 504 2562
Nelson Mandela Mrs Ruth Sauls ruth.barends@nmmu.ac.za
Metropolitan
University Disability Co-ordinator: Tel: +27 41 504 4756
Sheri-Ann Pietersen Sheri-Ann.Pietersen@nmmu.ac.za
+27 (0)51 401 3713
University of the Head of the Unit:
E-mail: veitchhp@ufs.ac.za
Free State Hetsie Veitch
8 Guide to Leaving School
Further
Education
and Training
(FET) Colleges
What are FET colleges?
FET colleges are private and
public learning institutions that
are accredited by sector specific
education and training authorities
that monitor the quality of the
education provided by each
college.
FET colleges provide ongoing
education up to NQF Level
4, which is the same level of
education as grade 12.
These colleges focus on
vocational training and accept
students who are in possession
of a NQF 1 certificate or an Adult
Basic Education and Training
(ABET) qualification Level 4. This
is equivalent to a grade 9 General
Education and Training National
Certificate.
Education provided at FET
colleges is seen as vocational
training. This means that
students are allowed to focus
and specialise in one of 11 fields
for which the National Certificate
(Vocational) makes provision.
Learners focus on one field of
specialisation, obtaining NQF
levels 2 - 4 in three years. This
provides learners who do not
intend to go to university or
technikon with an opportunity to
obtain a specialised qualification
and have excellent employment
prospects.
Guide to Leaving School 9
Further Education And
Training Certificate
What is accreditation? How to check if the FET College
Accreditation is vitally important for is accredited?
any FET college, as it ensures that the • Request written proof from the college
qualifications offered by these institutes that the qualification is registered on
of learning comply with national the NQF.
guidelines, ensuring that they are useful • The NQF ID number should be in
in the workplace. evidence or check whether it is
Umalusi accredits only private registered by going to the
FET colleges and its Evaluation and website for the South African
Accreditation Unit is responsible for the Qualifications Authority.
accreditation of private FET colleges. The site is www.saqa.org.za.
It also oversees the accreditation of • Ask for evidence (this should be
examination bodies that examine a certificate) that the provider is
qualifications offered by FET colleges, registered with the Department of
both public and private. Basic Education or the Department of
Public providers such as public Higher Education and Training to offer
schools, public adult learning centres specific national qualifications.
and public FET colleges do not need • Request evidence that the college
to apply for accreditation. However, it is registered with the Department of
is important to note that all private FET Higher Education and Training. The
colleges must be registered with the college should present you with a
Department of Higher Education and registration number.
Training.
• Request proof from the college that
it has approval or accreditation from
Are all FET Colleges the relevant SETA, Umalusi or the
accredited? Council for Higher Education to offer
No. If you attend a public FET the qualification.
college, your qualification will be
accredited. If you attend a private FET
college, it is important to ensure that
your qualification is indeed accredited.
For a comprehensive
table and the excel
version of the
colleges’ registration
es visit dates and the procedures
t of FET colleg
To get a lis
l e g e s . c o.zand on how to apply visit
l
www.co ts the application www.careerhelp.org
a
as .
also bo of FETs
The site istration dates
reg
10 Guide to Leaving SchoolWhat is a Learnership?
A learnership is a structured learning foundation for learners to pursue further
process for gaining theoretical education and work opportunities.
knowledge and practical skills in the Employment after a learnership is
workplace leading to a qualification not guaranteed, but the learners are
registered on the NQF. Learners primed for integration into permanent
participating in a learnership have employment.
to attend classes at a college or School leavers wanting to pursue
training centre to complete classroom- a learnership opportunity with an
based learning, and they also have employer must be sure to do plenty of
to complete on-the-job training in a research well before they leave school.
workplace. The workplace experience Like all post-school options, there are
must be relevant to the qualification. always more young people who want to
Learnerships a key driver of skills participate in a learnership than there
development in South Africa are learnerships available.
“Learnerships are unbeaten Youngsters who leave school before
when it comes to meaningful skills Grade 12 can still enter a learnership
development interventions in South programme but they will simply start at
Africa”, says John Botha of Production a lower level on the NQF, depending
Management Institute (PMI), an on whether they have a Grade 10 or
accredited education and training Grade 11.
provider that focuses on workplace School leavers should pursue
training for companies in key learnership opportunities in sectors
economic sectors. where economic growth is clearly
A learnership is a contract between taking place. Currently, these would
a learner, employer and an accredited include the Health and Welfare, Food
training provider. It combines and Beverage, Chemical Industries,
practical training in the workplace Manufacturing, Engineering and
with appropriate theoretical learning Related Services, Transport and
and results in a formal qualification or Wholesale and Retail SETAs.
credits towards a qualification. Each SETA is responsible for
A learner who has completed learnerships in their specific industry
a learnership holds a recognised sector. SETAs work with employers
qualification, pegged on the NQF. The and education and training providers
learner gains hands-on, practical work to promote learnerships, expand
experience accompanied by a strong, learnership opportunities and manage
relevant theoretical base. the funding of learnerships. Private and
Learnerships are often the first formal public companies offer learnerships,
learning many youngsters experience and government encourages them to
after matric and they provide a solid do so. However, places are usually
Guide to Leaving School 11limited and entry requirements differ • You can progress onto a higher level
from company to company, depending learnerhship for personal growth and
on the human resource needs of the development.
organisation. School leavers must make
a concerted effort well before they finish What are the entry
school to contact employment agencies, requirements?
SETA offices, private companies, public Some learnership programmes do not
companies, career guidance centres, require any entry requirements while
labour centres and be sure to keep a others require a Grade 12 certificate.
look out for information in newspapers
and on the internet. A learnership What will the training cost?
usually constitutes 120+ credits or You do not have to pay anything to
1200+ ‘notional’ hours of learning, do a learnership. For the unemployed
which is equivalent to a one year full- people, HWSETA will subsidise the
time college or university course. stipends and training provision. For
employed candidates HWSETA will
Who can participate? subsidise the training provision.
New entrants (unemployed people),
as well as employed staff of an How much will a learner earn?
employer can participate. Unemployed learners must be paid
a learner allowance by the employer.
How long does it take to The learner allowance is subsidised
complete a Learnership? by the HWSETA. An employer cannot
12 months to complete the deduct monies from the learner
learnership and there is a further allowance unless agreed upon in
process at the SETA’s to certificate the writing with the learner.
learners. Recognition of Prior Learning
could be completed before 12 months. What is required from learners
in a Learnership?
What are the benefits of a You need to sign both a Learnership
Learnership? Agreement and employment contract,
• You will receive a nationally thus two legal documents. The
recognised qualification upon Learnership Agreement is signed
successful completion of the by you the learner, the employer,
learnership proramme. training provider and the HWSETA.
• You will gain work experience that will The employment contract is signed
improve your chances of getting work. between yourself and the employer
• The work experience gained during and is only valid during the time of the
the learnership can assist you to set learnership.
up your own small business.
• You gain links with the employment Responsibility of Learners:
network, increasing your chances to • Work for the employer in order to
find work. gain workplace experience, but the
• You can earn a promotion or be work must be relevant to the specific
redeployed into a more satisfying job. qualification.
12 Guide to Leaving School• Be available for and participate in all SETA concerning any shortcomings in
learning and work experience required the training
by the learnership. • To receive the full stipend without any
• Comply with workplace policies and deductions there from by the lead /
procedures. host employer
• Complete any timesheets or any • To be represented if subjected to a
written assessment tools supplied disciplinary action
by the employer to record relevant
workplace experience. What learnerships are available?
• Attend all study periods and theoretical A list of available learnerships is
learning sessions with the training available on the HWSETA website at
provider and undertake all learning www.hwseta.org.za or you can contact
conscientiously. the HWSETA regional offices.
Rights of Learners How can you apply?
• To be educated and trained Interested candidates who want
• To receive training in a suitable and to participate in HWSETA registered
accessible environment learnerships can forward their CV’s to
• Not to be discriminated against our respective regional offices. When
• To be treated in a dignified manner allocations are granted to employers,
• To have access to the required HWSETA will forward the database for
resources employers to select, interview and recruit
• To receive training in terms of the learners.
learnership
• To have his/her performance in training For a list of Learnership, Internship and
assessed and have access to the Graduate opportunities visit:
assessment results www.careerhelp.org.za
• To receive a certificate upon www.puffandpass.co.za
successful completion of the www.salearnerships.com
learnership www.careerportal.co.za
• To raise grievances in writing with the www.hwseta.org.za
Guide to Leaving School 13Money
worries
South Africa is home to many closing date, which is usually in October
world-class universities and colleges. of the year preceding the start of your
However, studying is an expensive studies. Some can be as early as
undertaking so be sure to consider your March, so it’s worth checking the date
options before deciding how to pay as soon as possible.
for your studies. Fortunately, there are The National Student Financial Aid
quite a few organisations that provide Scheme (NSFAS) website carries a
bursaries and funding for prospective comprehensive list of the contact details
students with disabilities. of South African educational institutions.
Visit www.nsfas.org.za.
University financial aid
If you have already enrolled at a National Financial Aid
university, or are considering doing so, If you are a South African citizen
their financial aid office should be your you may be eligible for a loan for study
first stop. at one of the country’s public higher
Most universities offer bursaries or education institutions.
grants to students that have excelled The National Student Financial Aid
in their previous studies, or on the Scheme of South Africa (NSFAS),
sports field. a statutory body funded by the
Check with your university’s financial Department of Higher Education and
aid office whether you are eligible for Training, provides study loans to
any of these bursaries or awards, and academically able but financially
make sure that you apply before the needy students.
14 Guide to Leaving SchoolIn 2008, the Department of External bursaries
Education introduced a bursary Many South African companies
scheme for students with disabilities as well as provincial government
studying at one of the 23 public higher departments offer bursaries to
education institutions. This bursary promising students.
programme was to complement the The terms of these bursaries vary
existing funding provided by the tremendously. Contract bursaries
Department of Labour under the require you to “pay back” the bursary
National Skills Fund, for new and by working at the company once
continuing students who would no you’ve completed your degree –
longer be supported by the giving you a job and work experience
decreasing funding from the immediately after your graduation.
Department of Labour. Many mining and engineering
companies, in particular, provide
This bursary programme is aimed contract bursaries.
at providing financial support for The Bursary Register is published
students with disabilities who need every year and includes a full list of
financial aid and are academically bursaries available in your particular
able. It is intended to open field. While copies are available
opportunities in higher and further at most high schools and at your
education and training and provide University’s financial aid office, you
the necessary additional teaching can also order a copy from:
and learning (curriculum) support for
students to overcome any barriers to The Bursary Register
learning, which have resulted from
Tel: +27 (0)11 672 6559
their disability.
Email: rlevin@mweb.co.za
The role of the Disability Support
Unit cannot be underestimated, not
only in the identification and referral on
of students with disabilities to the i n f o rmati cing
ore nan
Financial Aid Office, but also in For m ries and fi :
building links and relationships with bursa s, see
service providers and suppliers of about our studie g.za
assistive devices, and with owners/ y
w . t b isa.or .co.za
ww ge
managers of private accommodation
. y o u thvilla .co.za
sites for students with disabilities. www c411
The Academic Development Unit or w w . matri y.co.za
w d
sastu .za
www. eerhelp.co
Student Support Services is important
to students with disabilities in the car
event of a student requiring additional www.
learning support, tutoring or mentoring.
Guide to Leaving School 15What It is imperative that
you make the right
choices so that
should you enjoy your job
and that what you
you do lines up with
who you are.
study? Guidance counselors, career
counselors and University or FET
career service centers use aptitude and
If you have psychometric testing. A psychometric
decided that you test is a standard and scientific method
would like to used to measure individuals’ mental
capabilities and behavioural style.
study further Psychometric tests are designed by
and you have clinical psychologists who understand
sorted out a how the brain works, these tests are
used by Human Resource Managers
route to pay for
or Learning and Development
your studies. It departments to assess if someone is
is time to think able to do a certain job. Aptitude tests
seriously about assess an individual’s actual ability.
There are no wrong or right answers
your career in these tests, they are indicators of
plans and your your strengths and abilities and you
skills. cannot study for them.
CONTACT DETAILS OF
Province Name
Mpumalanga (Nelspruit) Eugene Hendricks
Eastern Cape (Nelson Mandela Bay) Laura Schrieff
Free State (Bloemfontein) Nthabiseng Molongana
Limpopo (Polokwane) Gabriel Raselemule
Gauteng (JHB) Fanie Swanepoel
National Office (JHB) Lubabalo Mbeki
16 Guide to Leaving SchoolWhy do organisations use are and suggest suitable career paths.
psychometric assessments? Over and above your matric results
and your aptitude - there is your attitude
It is important for organisations to and nothing can be more important
have fair selection processes to ensure to studying further than this! Karen
that all applicants have an equal Smit, Disability Employment Specialist
chance to be considered for a position. says “a positive attitude and setting
There are different selection methods goals for yourself will help ensure your
e.g. competency-based interviews, success”. Smit also reiterates that
education, experience, work sampling, self-motivation; interpersonal skills and
reference checks and psychometric time management will go a long way in
testing. Other than competency- helping you complete your studies.
based interviews and work sampling, If you think you know what career
psychometric tests are the most you would like to pursue. Do your
objective method of selection, because research. Make contact with someone
they have been designed against strict who already does that job and go with
scientific standards and specifications. them to work (if possible) to experience
Furthermore, in a South African context, an average day. Find out what
such tests must additionally conform to qualifications are needed.
cultural fairness, irrespective of race or
gender.
For a simpler assessment of your
Remember:
personality, websites such as www.
careertest.co.za have various online ‘G o al s are
tests to help you consider career paths
that are well suited to your personality. dr eams w i th
These tests basically help you work out
what your strengths and weaknesses de ad l i n es’ .
PLACEMENT OFFICERS
Office E-mail Telephone
APD Mpumalanga eugene@apdmpumalanga.org 013 7527254
APD Eastern Cape recruitment@apdnmb.org.za 042 2960865
APD Free State pr@apdfreestate.co.za 083 4451855
APD Limpopo placement@apdlimpopo.co.za 015 2911787
APD Gauteng 27769683440@vodamail.co.za 011 616 7576
NCPPDSA lubabalo.mbeki@ncppdsa.org.za 011 452 2774
Guide to Leaving School 17Interviewing
for a job
Your interview is your first step in
possibly securing the job you have
applied for. Here are some tips to make “Can you give me an
sure you stay on track: example of when you
overcame a weakness in
Research the Company
achieving a goal?”
Research the company and be
prepared. It is constructive for you to The trick to answering these
learn more about your potential future questions is to illustrate or tell a story
employer and it will help you gather that demonstrates the abilities the
your thoughts for interview questions interviewer is looking for, and your
such as: effectiveness in applying those skills
(i.e. the result). Ideally you want to show
what you did, how you did it and what
“What do you know you achieved.
about our company?”
How should I dress for the
interview?
“Why do you want to You should aim to “look the part,” by
work here?” dressing suitably for the position you’re
interviewing for. Research the dress
code of the company that’s interviewing
How do I answer behavioural you to guide your dress code. You do
questions? not want to be too casual or too formal.
Chatting to current employees or visiting
Behavioural questions are highly likely the organisation will help you with your
in your interview. Prepare answers to choice.
give good examples of your previous
behaviours in various circumstances. What do I bring to the
interview?
For example:
• A copy of your CV in a neat and
“Tell me about a time when presentable folder.
you showed your • Your portfolio of work samples
(depends on the job type).
organisational skills…”
18 Guide to Leaving School• A notepad for taking notes during the application process.
interview. • If disclosed, inform the employer
• If you bring a cell phone, make sure of the type of accommodation they
it is off or set to silent mode. may require in the interview, without
disclosing detailed information
General guidelines to keep in regarding the nature, degree or
mind: severity of the disability.
• Know that the employer may
• Arrive early. Make sure you know however ask questions to determine
ahead of time how to get there how the inherent requirements or
and have arranged appropriate essential functions of the job will be
transportation. performed
• Maintain eye contact. Avoid e.g.: “As a Buyer you would have to
looking at the floor – this could do a lot of travelling both locally and
be interpreted as a sign of being internationally – how do you intend
submissive or dishonest. to achieve this requirement?”.
• Project positive body language.
You want to show them that you’re Should I disclose my disability?
paying attention and are interested in
the employer. Disclosure of your disability is
• Relax! The company’s already completely voluntary and it is up to you
shown that they are interested in you to show prospective employers that,
by inviting you in for an interview. despite your disability, you are suitably
You should be thoroughly prepared, qualified for the job.
so just relax and be yourself, which
is what they’re really looking for However you decide to handle the
anyway. issue, it will help you to have a plan in
advance and be prepared. Generally,
People with disabilities should: employers want workers who they
can rely on and who have the skills,
• Know what reasonable background and abilities to get the job
accommodation would be required to done.
participate effectively and equitably
during the recruitment process. When and if you disclose your
• Ask for a description of the inherent disability to a potential employer, you
requirements and/or essential will want to emphasize your abilities
functions of the job if it was not clear and describe how you’ll get the
in the advert. job done, especially if you will use
• Know that it is your choice to methods and tools unfamiliar to the
disclose your disability in the employer.
Guide to Leaving School 19What about Assistive
Devices?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Computer Access Aids
defines assistive devices as: “any piece
of equipment, or product that is used Headsticks, light pointers, modified or
to increase, maintain, or improve the alternate keyboards, switches activated
functional capabilities of individuals by pressure, sound or voice, touch
with disabilities.” These include mobility screens, special software, and voice to
devices that are designed to assist or text software.
improve a user’s personal mobility – to
change and maintain body position and Environmental Controls
walk or move from one place to another.
Electronic systems that assist people
According to the Department of control various appliances, switches for
Health’s website (www.doh.gov.za), the telephone, TV, or other appliances that
most common assistive devises are are activated by pressure, eyebrows or
wheelchairs, walking aids and hearing breath.
aids.
Prosthetics and Orthotics
Examples of assistive devices:
Replacement or augmentation of body
Home/Workplace Modifications parts with artificial limbs or other orthotic
aids such as splits or braces.
Structural adaptations that remove or
reduce physical barriers: ramps, lifts, Mobility Aids
bathroom changes, automatic door
openers, expanded doorways. Devices that assist people move within
their environments: electric or manual
Aids for Daily Living wheelchairs, modifications of vehicles
for travel, scooters, crutches, canes and
Devices that assist in daily living walkers.
and independence. Examples include
modified eating utensils, adapted books, Recreation
pencil holders, page turners, dressing
aids, adapted personal hygiene aids. Devices to enable participation in
sports, social, cultural events. Examples
Augmentative Communication include audio description for movies,
adaptive controls for video games,
Devices that assist people with speech adaptive fishing rods, cuffs for grasping
and/or hearing disabilities communicate: paddles or racquets, seating systems for
communication boards, speech boats.
synthesisers, and modified typewriters,
head pointers, text to voice software.
20 Guide to Leaving SchoolSeating and Positioning It is essential to select a device
based on an in-depth understanding
Adapted seating, cushions, standing of the individual’s needs, the work
tables, positioning belts, braces, environment and the tasks that need
cushions and wedges that provide to be performed. More advice is
body support to assist people perform a available from South African Disability
range of daily tasks. Devolopment Trust.
While the history of the Trust goes
Sensory Aids for Vision/Hearing back to 1986, its transformation over
Impaired the past decade as the Thabo Mbeki
Development Trust for Disabled People
Aids such as magnifiers, Braille and means that it is today much more than
speech output devices, large print just a grant-maker, having become a
screens, hearing aids, visual alerting fully-fledged development agency. Now,
systems, telecommunication devices. under a new identity as the
South African Disability Development
Employers should be aware that Trust (SADDT), the Trust asserts itself
Assistive Devices are a necessity, not as a mature and truly independent
a luxury for people with a disability. public entity.
Programmes
The SADDT implements three major programmes for the
economic empowerment of persons with disabilities:
• Skills development and employment by means of
learnerships negotiated with the SETAs;
• Provision of assistive devices for the workplace and
• Poverty alleviation via community-based income-
generating schemes.
Support is intended to benefit persons with disabilities,
rather than organisations, campaigns, or events.
Guide to Leaving School 21What is
Reasonable
Accommodation?
It is modification or alteration to to the way the work is normally
the way a job is normally performed performed or has been performed in
to make it possible for a suitably the past.
qualified person with a disability to
perform the required functions. The The criteria for reasonable
type of reasonable accommodation accommodation include three
required would depend on the job interrelated factors:
and its essential functions, the work • Firstly, the candidate is required
environment and the person’s specific to disclose his/her disability so
impairment. This could entail job- that the employer can understand
specific changes e.g. using software what potential accommodation/
for someone who is visually impaired adjustments is needed. The
or environmental changes e.g. ramps employer must take steps, wherever
to get into the building where you work reasonably practicable, to mitigate
the effect of an individual’s disability
According to the Department to enable him or her to play a full
of Labour (Technical Assistance part in the workplace in order to
Guidelines on the Employment of achieve his or her full potential
People with Disabilities) examples of • Secondly, it must allow the
reasonable accommodation include: person with a disability to enjoy
• Assistance in making the workplace equal access to the benefits and
accessible e.g. removal of physical opportunities of employment. All
barriers and access to information staff must have equal rights to
and technology (equipment and promotion. The employer must take
software) all reasonable steps to ensure that
• Workstation modifications the working environment does not
• Adjustment to work schedules prevent people with disabilities from
• Adjustment to the nature and accessing or retaining positions for
duration of the duties of the which they are suitably qualified
employee at work, either on a • Thirdly, employers can adopt
temporary or permanent basis the most cost-effective means
• The reallocation of non-essential job consistent with the above two
tasks and any other modifications criteria.
22 Guide to Leaving SchoolHealth and
Wealthfare Sector
Education and
Training Authority
(HWSETA)
The Health and Wellfare Sector labour market. Such high quality skills will
Education and Training Authority in turn improve investment and service
(HWSETA) is responsible for paying out delivery.
the training levies which are paid by all
employers. These levies are collected The HWSETA aims to ensure:
by the South African Revenue Service • Accountability, mobility, practitioners
(SARS) via the Department of Higher in the sector are established and
Education and Training (DHET), and maintained through professional bodies
are paid out through a management and quality partners;
system motivated by skills requirement • Skills are globally benchmarked and
assessment and monitoring. evaluated against services excellence
standards;
The HWSETA ensures that the skill • A skills policy in support of inclusive
requirements of the services sector growth and development is adopted
are identified and that adequate and to address the three key challenges of
appropriate skills are readily available poverty, unemployment and inequity;
(they aim to balance supply and • Skills development addressing both
demand). The HWSETA ensures that national and sectoral priorities while
education and training is: supporting employers and learners from
both the first and the second economy.
• Provided subject to validation and
quality assurance; Learners can apply for Learnerships,
• Meets agreed standards within a Internships and Vocational Education and
national framework; Training through the HWSETA.
• Ensures that new entrants to the labour
market are adequately trained; For more information see
• Acknowledges and enhances the skills www.hwseta.org.za
of the current work force. or contact 011 607 6900.
The HWSETA is striving to build a
system where skills production and
development respond to the socio-
economic needs of our country and its
Guide to Leaving School 23Your Curriculum
Vitae (CV)
As a school leaver, it’s important to • List your extramural activities.
realise that recruiters aren’t expecting • Skills depending on what you are
you to have a lot of work experience applying for, you will probably want to
and an excess of skills. They will be mention any relevant computing and
impressed if your CV is well presented language skills.
and shows off your qualities and • List your references – usually 2 or
achievements. 3 people who have known you in
a professional capacity, such as a
The secret of a good CV is making it teacher or employer. Ask them first if
specific for every job application. they are willing to be a reference,
so they are not caught off guard
Structuring your CV when phoned.
• Use headings in bold to highlight • Proofread your school leaver CV.
sections. Ask someone else to check it – fresh
• Use bullet points to keep it simple. eyes spot mistakes easily.
• Your CV should not be longer than
two pages. Cover Letters
• Include a personal profile - a short You need to take the time to tailor
paragraph that outlines your your cover letter to the company and
career aims. the position you are applying for.
• List your education qualifications in
reverse chronological order (most The person receiving the cover letter
recent qualifications first). and CV will be looking for answers to
• Next list (in reverse chronological the following questions:
order) any work experience you’ve 1) Who are you and why are you
completed (e.g. weekend work or writing to me?
volunteering work). 2) Why are you interested in my
• Include anything that you can use to company and this particular job
demonstrate qualities like leadership, opportunity?
teamwork skills or organisational 3) Why should you be interviewed for
skills. the job? What skills do you have
• Include the dates you worked there/ that will make you an asset to the
held the position of responsibility, company and the vacant position?
where it was, and what your role was.
Detail what your duties were and the Recruiters and employers read a lot
skills you developed in the job/role. of cover letters and they read a lot of
• Include your achievements such as clichés. Try think of different ways to
any scholarships or awards that you formulate your sentences to get their
have won. attention.
24 Guide to Leaving SchoolSport and
recreation
The South African Sports Association sports facilities and amenities as well
for the Physically Disabled’s (SASAPD) as be given an equal opportunity to
mission is to give people with excel in sports.
disabilities a chance for a dignified
life as an athlete. Whether or not the The following actions have been
athlete ends up actually competing implemented by the government:
is not the primary objective of the • Sports in schools are mandatory.
organisation. • People with disabilities should be
The sports that the SASAPD focuses allowed to participate in competitive
on are the following: and recreational sports events.
• Athletics It could be a special event or
• Archery mainstream sports event.
• Adaptive Rowing • Trainers and coaches must be
• Boccia familiar with the needs of people with
• Bowling disabilities.
• Cycling • Facilities must be accessible and any
• Dance community sports centres have to
• Equestrian be constructed in consultation with
• Football organizations caring for the needs of
• Goalball people with disabilities.
• Judo • A public awareness program must be
• Power Lifting launched to inform everyone of the
• Table Tennis rights of people with disabilities.
• Wheelchair Tennis
• Wheelchair Rugby The sports of athletes with
disabilities have two umbrella bodies to
Sport was chosen as a pivotal part approach for their needs and concerns:
of the 2003-2013 plan to help eliminate The National Paralympic Committee
social disparities in South African of South Africa (NAPCOSA), and the
society. Based on the United Nations Special Olympics South Africa. See
and South Africa’s Constitution Act www.sascoc.co.za
108 of 1996, it is the responsibility of
the leaders of South Africa to restore Your chosen tertiary institution
dignity and protect the rights of all disability units will have details on
South Africans. People with disabilities organised sports and recreation clubs.
therefore have the right to access
Guide to Leaving School 25Starting your own
business
According to the UN World Program 2. Creativity and innovation: because
Action for Youth, nearly 80% of young we’re good at problem solving
adults with disabilities live in developing 3. Respect for shared experiences:
countries forming a significant ability to overcome barriers/
proportion of the youth population discrimination
in every society. Despite being the 4. Involvement and participation:
world’s largest minority, appropriate growing networks/connections
employment and educational programs 5. Self-determination
for persons with disabilities of any 6. Ability to learn
age are largely ignored. People with 7. Business development and growth:
disabilities are amongst the most identifying opportunities and initiating
marginalized and poorest of the collaborations
world’s adults. Adult education related
to starting a business or improving Source: Simon Cox, Owner of Diverse Matters in
chances for meaningful employment is North Yorkshire, UK
even more critical for realizing the full
potential of adults with disabilities than it Is entrepreneurship a good
is for their peers. choice for a businessperson
with a disability?
Being your own boss and growing
a worthwhile business requires Assuming the person with a disability
determination and dedication. You will is competent and provides good
need: products or services, their business
• Funding - to start the business, should be as successful as any other
• A vision (what is it you are really trying entrepreneurs.
to accomplish),
• An understanding of who your target An entrepreneur with a disability has
market (customers), and invaluable flexibility: they can provide
• A business plan. their own accommodation and assistive
devices, they can structure their work
There are valuable resources to assist hours to attend to their special needs
entrepreneurs. Most of all you need like physicians appointments and can
passion and energy for your business decide how to to balance family life
idea to become a reality. and business. The internet provides
plenty of opportunity to share and
Are there common access resources. Transformation and
characteristics for Employment Equity give entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs with Disability? with disabilities an opportunity
to engage with government and
1. Empowerment: A “can do” attitude corporations.
26 Guide to Leaving SchoolThe Disability
Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (DCCI) is
committed to building
business networks
to which existing
business owners with
disabilities, whether
they be experienced
entrepreneurs or
people with potential,
can turn at any stage of
their business journey.
Tel: 011 494 2992
Guide to Leaving School 27An adult you
Outside of the school grounds, or not remembering your sexual
the world can be a dangerous activity. Apart from feeling bad
place. Sex, drugs and alcohol are about yourself afterwards you are
a real threat to your health and also at risk of contracting a sexually
safety. transmitted infection (STI) or an
unplanned pregnancy.
• Don’t drink and drive or get in the
car with a drunk driver. Being an adult means you
• Drink spiking happens. Always are regarded as independent,
buy your own drink and keep it self-sufficient and responsible.
with you. The choices you make can
• Drugs are illegal and dangerous. either enhance your future or be
They may affect your health and detrimental to it.
safety, career and travel plans.
• Know your limits. Limit your Post Matric depression
drinks; know their strength;
have water between drinks; eat A sound mind and body are
something; and remember that crucial to a successful life. If
only time will make you sober. you are feeling overwhelmed,
• Think before you drink. Underage depressed or anxious about your
drinking or possession of liquor in future, get help sooner rather than
a public place can land you with later. There are organisations
an on-the-spot fine or in court. offering Post Matric counseling
• No means NO. Unwanted or for learners suffering from these
forced sexual behaviour is stressors.
a crime.
• Avoid violence. You have a Two of these organistaions are:
choice! Avoid fights. • The South African Depression
and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
There is evidence to support • Evasolutions - Career guidance
that there is a direct link between and counseling
the use of alcohol or drugs and Schools, FET Colleges and
‘risky sexual behaviour’. When you Universities have Learner
are under the influence of alcohol Counseling departments present
and/or drugs your inhibitions are on campus. Please make use
lowered and you may do things of these great resources allow
you wouldn’t usually do. This might yourself to live well, maximising
mean you could end up regretting your opportunities.
28 Guide to Leaving SchoolGuide to Leaving School 29
p o rt lways
rans outh Africa is neoyt acan also as
T ransp
ort in
S
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ies. T
h
he Ga
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utrain is
lic t ith d l of t mple
n a t e ly, pub or people w , the arriva urg for exa e of
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reliab t targets f o e r itie all
s o f n d t h e Univ All Univers port is a ch
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becom ings easie train statio wever, if tra ning institu
t h u o r
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lose to n optio d
very c mmodatio rolling in a
acco e r e n
consid
Rolling
Inspiration’s
Automobility
guide is available
annualy when
you subscribe.
Go to www.rollinginspiration.co.za
for more details
Medical
assistance
Most campuses offer extensive
medical assistance programs. Some
of them also offer crisis hotlines that
are available 24-hours a day and
even mobile clinics to offer students
accessible health care.
30 Guide to Leaving SchoolContact details of
Disability Organisations
National Association for Persons with
Cheshire Homes
Cerebral Palsy (NAPCP)
Tel: 021 685 6169 Fax: 086 565 1667
Tel: 011 452 2774 Fax: 011 452 6583
Email: chhomes@mweb.co.za
Email: johan.viljoen@napcp.org.za
www. cheshirehomes.org.za
www.napcp.org.za
National Council for Persons with
DeafBlind South Africa
Physical Disabilities in South Africa
Tel: 023 342 5555/6 Fax: 086 557 6689
(NCPPDSA)
Email: chairperson@deafblindsa.co.za
Tel: 011 452 2774 Fax: 011 452 6583
www.deafblindsa.co.za
Email: therina.wentzel@vodamail.co.za
www.ncppdsa.org.za
Deaf Federation of SA (DeafSA) The QuadPara Association
Tel: 011 482 1610 Fax: 011 726 5873 of South Africa (QASA)
Email: BrunoDruchen@deafsa.co.za Tel: 031 767 0352 Fax: 031 767 0584
www.deafsa.co.za Email: info@qasa.co.za
www.qasa.co.za
Disabled People SA (DPSA)
SA Federation for Mental Health
Tel: 021 422 0357 Fax: 086 510 8046
(SAFMH)
Email: ceo@dpsa.org.za
Tel: 011 781 1852 Fax: 011 326 0625
www.dpsa.org.za Email: bharti@safmh.org
www.safmh.org.za
Epilepsy SA
South African National Council
Tel: 021 595-4900 Fax: 021 595-4901
for the Blind (SANCB)
Email: nationaldirector.no@epilepsy.org.za
Tel: 012 452 3811 Fax: 012 346 4699
www.epilepsy.org.za
Email: jace@sancb.org.za
www.sancb.org.za
Muscular Dystrophy Foundation of South Africa National Deaf Association
South Africa (MDSA) (SANDA)
Tel: 011 472 9703 Fax: 086 238 9922 Tel: 011 492 0094 Fax: 011 492 0094
Email: director@mdsa.org.za Email: khulekani@sanda.org.za
www.mdsa.org.za www.sanda.org.za
Guide to Leaving School 31N AT I O N A L A S S O C I AT I O N F O R
P E R S O N S W I T H C E R E B R A L PA L S Y
82 Andries Pretorius Rd, Eastleigh, Edenvale, Johannesburg, 1609
PRIVATE BAG X10041, EDENVALE, 1610
Tel. 011 452 2774 Fax 011 452 6583
Direct fax 086 6090040 www.napcp.org.za
Cerebral Palsy Association (Gauteng)
P O Box 68519, BRYANSTON, 2021
Tel: 011 789 4569 Fax: 011 787 0935 E-mail: taccp@mweb.co.za idol@
iafrica.com
Gauteng Cerebral Palsy Association
P O Box 807, SPRINGS, 1560
Tel: 011 812 6910/12 Cell: 082 372 8139 Fax: 011 812 6911
E-mail: c/o Mrs Immelman immelman@eject.co.za
Western Cape Cerebral Palsy Association
P O Box 13037, MOWBRAY, 7705
Tel: 021 685 4150 Cell: 072 193 1424 Fax: 021 686 8544
E-mail: ceo@wccpa.org.za
The KZN Cerebral Palsy Association
P O Box 10213, ASHWOOD, 3605
Tel: 031 700 3956 Cell: 083 631 7777 Fax: 0866 153913
E-mail: kzncpa@iafrica.com
Cerebral Palsy Association (Eastern Cape)
P O Box 12127, CENTRAHILL, PORT ELIZABETH, 6006
Tel: 041 583 2130 Fax: 041 583 2306 E-mail: Heatherr@cpaec.org.za
Pietermaritzburg & District Cerebral Palsy Association
P O Box 13769, Cascades, PIETERMARITZBURG
Tel: 033 342 2913 Cell: 082 331 8703 Fax: 033 345 1672
E-mail: cpassoc@futurenet.co.za
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