Simply earning a degree is no longer enough to guarantee employment. Many graduates leave college full of ambition, only to face the harsh reality of limited experience, real-world requirements, and shifting industry expectations.
Across South Africa and globally, employers are increasingly seeking candidates who not only understand theory but can also apply it effectively in the workplace.
This is where internships and learnerships make all the difference. Initiatives like MANCOSA’s Graduate Accelerator Programme provide young professionals with the opportunity to develop practical skills, gain industry exposure, and build the confidence needed to excel in their chosen careers.
For employers, they offer a valuable way to nurture future talent, reduce onboarding time, and strengthen workforce readiness.
In this article, we will have a look at the challenges graduates face when entering the workforce and seven ways graduate programmes develop strong workforce skills.