www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I November 2025 1
RACA Journal: ISSN 1812-772X
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RACA Journal Publication www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za eamonn @ interactmedia. co. za
UNIVERSITY IS NOT A GUARANTEE OF SUCCESS
As year-end approaches, parents in the trades should consider steering their children toward skilled careers rather than university degrees. Let’ s talk honestly about universities in South Africa. Because for many young people, especially those fresh out of high school, a degree is still seen as the golden ticket to a successful career. But in practical, technical industries like HVAC & R, that belief deserves a serious rethink – particularly by parents already working in the trades.
As final exams loom, matriculants and their families are weighing next steps. For parents in refrigeration, air conditioning, electrical or mechanical fields, now is the time to ask: are you encouraging your children to follow the same in-demand path you did— or pushing them toward university out of habit?
THE‘ DEGREE = SUCCESS’ MYTH The phrase“ You can’ t earn a good salary without a degree” is still widely believed in South Africa. But this mindset, often passed down through generations, doesn’ t reflect today’ s realities. Personally, I have a university degree. I studied law but ended up in journalism and media. Looking back, I realise I could have taken a more direct, vocational route – a career built not on my degree, but on practical skills and experience. That journey taught me a hard truth: while university can be valuable, it’ s not the only path to a stable, fulfilling career.
This lesson is even more true for industries like HVAC & R, where skills, experience and certification matter far more than a
university qualification. South Africa faces a serious youth unemployment crisis. Many university graduates struggle to find jobs in their fields, not because they aren’ t capable, but because the job market is saturated – and the economy simply can’ t absorb everyone.
Unless you ' re studying to be a doctor, engineer or software developer, the hard truth is that most degrees no longer lead directly to employment. Many graduates leave university with limited prospects and years of student debt hanging over them( or their parents).
With a trade test, some practical experience and time on the job, a qualified HVAC technician can earn more than many graduates – without student debt or years of delay. A vocational course or apprenticeship can get young people working and earning much sooner, with greater security.
As a parent in a trade, you know what this path offers: good pay, practical skills, job mobility and the respect of doing something real and tangible. Your own success is proof that university isn’ t the only way. So why not pass on that wisdom?
With the year-end approaching, and many students about to finish school or university, this is a prime opportunity to open up the conversation with your children. If your son or daughter is unsure about their next step – or even sitting at home with a degree and no job prospects – encourage them to consider your industry.
The HVAC & R sector in South Africa is in dire need of skilled technicians. From refrigeration systems to airconditioning and mechanical services, there’ s a shortage of qualified people and strong demand across both residential and commercial sectors.
This isn’ t about dismissing university. If your child is passionate about studying something academic or needs a degree for a specific career, that’ s great. But what we need to stop doing is framing trades as a fallback or something for“ other people’ s kids”.
Encourage your children to explore apprenticeships, trade certifications and learnerships alongside university applications. Even a gap year spent learning a trade can provide valuable skills and options for a future which often leads to greater long-term security than a generalist degree.
South Africa doesn’ t just need more university graduates. It needs artisans, technicians and skilled professionals who can keep the country running. And many of them could be the sons and daughters of people already working in the trades if we encourage them to take that first step.
So as 2025 draws to a close and families gather to talk about the future, here’ s a conversation worth having: Does your child really need a degree to succeed? Or could a trade – just like yours – offer them a more direct, fulfilling path forward? RACA
Eamonn
www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I November 2025 1