The 2025 South African matric results saw a record 88% of school leavers ready to enter the academic or working worlds, great news for young people ready to embrace an exciting future, and for employers looking to welcome new skills in the professions, trades and in innovative working environments like TransUnion’s Global Capability Centre.
While nearly half (450,000+) of the matric class of 2025 achieved bachelor’s passes qualifying them to study at university, a degree is not everyone’s first choice and many might not even have the option or want to study further before entering the working world, including those with diploma and higher certificate passes.
The good news is that there are many practical learning and work opportunities where young people can develop skills and gain the confidence they need to embark on interesting and lucrative careers that may be unusual, unexpected, or alternative to academic-led professions.
Xoe Mfokazi, Head of Operations at the TransUnion Global Capability Centre (GCC) Africa explains: “Matric results are just the beginning of adult life, with high school graduate’s future at their fingertips. There are many pathways to learning, employment and success. It’s your next step that matters and there’s more than one way to succeed.”
Mfokazi shares some helpful ideas for young adults to consider:
1. Explore Vocational Training or Technical Colleges
Those with a diploma or higher certificate pass have a wide range of options to choose from. Technical colleges (TVET colleges) and vocational programmes teach hands-on or artisan skills that employers value, for example electrical engineering, plumbing, IT support and hospitality, among many others. Look for courses with work experience placements to gain real experience while you learn.
2. Consider Learnerships and Apprenticeships
Learnerships combine work experience with structured training at no cost. These programmes are often linked to industries such as finance, retail, construction and technology, where practical, workplace-based learning plays an important role alongside formal education. A learnership can be your bridge between school and a long-term career. You earn as you learn and often, the business that offered the learnership will retain their programme’s graduates for full-time employment.
“At TransUnion’s GCC Africa, learnerships form an important part of how we grow future talent. Many of our learners go on to build long-term careers with us, gaining practical experience in a structured, supportive environment while earning a qualification,” adds Mfokazi.
3. Take Short Courses or Certification Programmes
Platforms like online training providers, community centres and private institutes offer short, affordable courses in areas such as digital marketing, bookkeeping, graphic design, coding basics and languages. These certificates can help you stand out when applying for jobs or starting a small business.
4. Start with Entry-Level Work and On-the-Job Learning
Starting in entry-level jobs such as customer service, data capture or retail can help you learn valuable soft skills and technical know-how, building your portfolio of skills for the future. As you grow, ask about training opportunities or company-funded courses that help you move up.
5. Explore Online Communities and Free Resources
There are many free or low-cost resources online that help you build skills, including YouTube tutorials, free online courses, coding bootcamps and business and freelancing guides. These let you learn at your own pace and start building a portfolio while you figure out your next move.
Don’t be afraid to rewrite or upgrade your matric. If your results aren’t what you hoped for, remember the system offers second chances. The Department of Basic Education allows learners to rewrite exams or improve results in later sitting periods, which could open new doors for future study or careers.
Getting your matric results is a big moment, but it’s just the beginning of your story. Whether you aim for university, choose vocational training, or start working and learning on the job, what matters most is your readiness to keep learning and growing.
Mfokazi concludes: “As a business, we see so many young, motivated school leavers who are eager to learn on the job and step into the world of work but may not always know which path to take. The reality is that everyone’s journey looks different. What’s important is being open to exploring the opportunities available, from learnerships and vocational training to entry-level roles that offer structured development. With the right support and mindset, young people can find an environment where they can truly thrive and build meaningful, lasting careers.”
Young people interested in exploring learnership and early career opportunities at TransUnion’s GCC Africa are encouraged to keep an eye on TransUnion’s careers platforms and partner training providers for programme announcements throughout the year.
Success takes many paths, it’s about persistence, curiosity, and making the most of every opportunity, whether it’s formal studies or structured learning experiences like learnerships that help young people build skills and confidence in the workplace.
