This year is going to be a very hard one for matriculants but there is always hope in every situation.

This year is going to be a very hard one for matriculants but there is always hope in every situation.

Job-seekers need not find the road to employment daunting.

With the right skills and attitude, you will find yourself in an exciting career. Leaving school is not the end of your learning curve - it's the beginning.

Adopt lifelong learning. Use every opportunity to improve your skills, even if it means part-time courses. Before long you will have beefed up your CV.

Remember, the decision to study further is crucial. Obtaining a degree is critical to winning in the workplace.

The over-rated "gap year" adopted by some school-leaversrepresents 12 months of missed opportunities.

Basic computer skills are essential. Master them. Brush up on your communication skills. You have to communicate with colleagues and clients.

Remember, English is still the main business language in South Africa, so brush up on your verbal and written skills.

Job-shadow, unpaid if necessary. You learn the ropes and if there is an opening you're there to grab it.

The job market is competitive. With an oversupply of candidates the key is having the right skills and a positive attitude - and job prospects improve dramatically.

Tshepo Diale, GaRankuwa