“Learners and their parents may be grappling right now with choices in post-schooling training and skills development while factoring in the impact of rapidly evolving AI. Fortunately, there are some key pointers to help future-proof their decision-making,” says Prof Leopoldt van Huyssteen, director and executive academic head of the Academy for Environmental Leadership South Africa (AEL).
His comments coincide with the release of the 2025 matric results, a moment that forces many South African families to confront critical decisions about tertiary education, skills development and long-term employability.
Why Conservation Ecology Matters for Future Careers
According to Van Huyssteen, the importance of conservation ecology cannot be overstated when considering future-focused study and career paths. The World Economic Forum has identified climate change mitigation as a key strategic priority for businesses globally, reinforcing the growing demand for environmental literacy and skills.
“Strategic environmental management is a critical growth area, making environmental studies so vital worldwide. But it’s important to recognise that attending university is not always the most appropriate first step, nor necessarily the only route into a meaningful career in the environmental field.”
He notes that agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, IT, manufacturing and logistics are all increasingly linked to environmental sustainability. As these sectors evolve, demand is growing for skills across different levels—requiring more flexible, career-aligned learning pathways.
The Reality of Graduate Unemployment in South Africa
“Leading up to this point, the democratisation of tertiary education in South Africa has been both vital and laudable,” says Van Huyssteen. “However, it has also created some misplaced expectations about the ability of academic qualifications alone to guarantee employment.”
While tertiary education improves employability, it does not ensure work. Recent data shows that graduate unemployment in South Africa is rising, particularly outside of STEM-related fields.
“These figures suggest that graduates are struggling to find formal employment,” he says, “which is why educators are increasingly looking beyond traditional universities to help young people build practical, adaptable and future-ready skills.”
University Capacity Constraints and the Need for Alternatives
South Africa’s public universities are also under immense pressure. Government estimates indicate that around 235,000 first-year places are available annually, while well over 330,000 matriculants achieve a Bachelor’s pass each year.
“This gap leaves more than 100,000 capable students without placement,” Van Huyssteen explains. “The reality is that alternative, accredited pathways are no longer optional—they are essential.”
An Accredited, Career-Focused Alternative to University
The Academy for Environmental Leadership offers a nationally accredited, government-endorsed, in-residence programme certified at NQF Level 5.
AEL’s Higher Certificate in Conservation Ecology is taught by experienced environmental scientists and practitioners, combining academic foundations with extensive field and laboratory work. The curriculum covers biology, ecology, sustainability, soil science, chemistry, physics, geography, environmental law and risk, climate processes, pollution and waste management—alongside critical life and leadership skills.
A Qualification Designed for Work Readiness and Further Study
“This qualification is designed with employability in mind,” says Van Huyssteen. “For some students, it serves as a structured stepping stone to university. For others, it provides the practical grounding needed to enter the world of work with confidence.”
The programme aligns with industries including agriculture, forestry, game farming, mining, renewable energy, ecotourism, conservation management, alien plant control and environmental compliance.
Applicants require a National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with a Higher Certificate pass. Prospective students can apply directly to the programme here.
Learning Conservation in a Living Laboratory on the Orange River
AEL’s campus is located on a 21-hectare farm on the banks of the Orange River near Upington in the Northern Cape.
“The Kalahari’s semi-desert environment offers extraordinary biological diversity,” says Van Huyssteen. “It is one of the world’s most powerful living laboratories for studying conservation, sustainability and the real-world effects of climate change.”
You are welcome to contact our office on application@ael.ac.za or 0543313711 for any more information.