Four reasons why JHS and SHS diplomas won't give more jobs

The minister of Education has announced that government intends to upgrade certificates from basic and second cycle schools into diplomas but this move will not yield the job opportunities the government thinks it would.

The sector minister, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, believes that the upgrade would facilitate employment opportunities for the graduates from Junior High Schools (JHS) and Senior High Schools (SHS).

It is strange that government wishes to sell the idea of the upgrade as a point of employment opportunities. It will not be strange to see later conversations scale back the expectations of the upgrade.

The intention behind the upgrade may be good but that it would see diploma holders being successfully employable is impracticable.

Here are some reasons why it will not work.

READ ALSO: 3 reasons why a first degree does not mean much anymore in Ghana

1. There are no jobs

This sounds like an excuse many lazy people throw out there but if we want to be honest, it is true. More and more low-level jobs in Ghana are being filled with tertiary qualification holders.

One then wonders what space is left for those coming out of the JHS and SHS. It is hard to see how a diploma would suddenly create employment space.

2. Education at that level does not give employable capacities

In fairness, the minister said that government is looking to strategise education at the JHS and SHS levels so as to make young people employable.

The only problem is that at that age, the majority of young folks are only looking to pass examinations. These examinations set the tone for the rest of their lives.

To push these young ones into trying to learn for a job is a risk that the government has to take a second look at.

3. Wage, remuneration and benefits

This particular point is linked to the first one. The questions that can be asked of the government is that, if 15-year-olds are employed, can they join unions, pay mandatory insurance as well as taxes?

All these have to be sorted out and it is going to be complex.

READ ALSO: National Cathedral : Beautiful photos emerge as Akufo-Addo launches fundraising in the US

4. It is a redundant move

Young people are already getting employed with their West African Secondary School Examination (WASSCE) and their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) qualifications.

But when you listen carefully to the Education minister, you would think that was not the case. It is hard to see how a change in qualification name can make someone employable.

Ghana News Today: EOCO secures order to freeze assets of Menzgold and related companies| #Yencomgh:

Do you have a story to share with us? Inbox us on our Facebook page and we could feature your story.

Source: YEN.com.gh