Why adult matric can help uplift SA’s workforce

It is estimated that only a third of adults in South Africa have completed Grade 12.

By Optimi Workplace

This has serious implications for their chances of pursuing tertiary qualifications or finding employment. More than any other qualification, it’s a matric certificate that colleges, universities and employers expect. A matric is the starting point.

Providing the remaining majority of South Africa’s adults with this critical qualification is one of the most important means by which we can address historic inequalities, and move forward to a stronger socio-economic future.

Media Works, an offering of Optimi Workplace, is actively seeking to address this gap. Through Media Works’ Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) programme, learners are provided with all the tools and resources they need to write their Grade 12 exams through the Department of Basic Education. By successfully completing these exams, they will be awarded their ASC, which is equivalent to a matric certificate.

“Our ASC answers a need that many South African adults have today,” says Jackie Carroll, Managing Director of Optimi Workplace. “Previously, once someone had fallen out of the schooling system, there was no easy way back. They were left in education no-man’s-land, with little chance of bettering their lives. “Today, our ASC programme presents an opportunity for out-ofschool learners to achieve their Grade 12 and succeed in their future academic and professional endeavours.”

Media Works’ ASC programme is available to all, and is particularly valuable to public sector entities and corporates wishing to improve the baseline capabilities of their teams. “If some of your employees don’t have their matric, they’re unlikely to be able to complete additional qualifications that might improve their skill set and performance,” Carroll adds. “Making the ASC available to them is likely not only to improve their prospects, but also boost their confidence and sense of ambition. Organisations seeking to conduct community member training as part of their corporate social investment projects are also sure to benefit from this programme.” Building on the engaging, multi-platform, e-learning programmes that Media Works has developed over the decades, the ASC curriculum uses best practice solutions in digital education, giving learners the chance to study anywhere, anytime and on any device. This is particularly valuable in the Covid-19 era. Media Works’ various programmes, including the ASC, are currently used by over 100 000 learners across Southern Africa. Available to all

www.mediaworks.co.za/amended-senior-certificate