10 Career Choices That Don’t Need a High APS Score

In South Africa, your Admission Point Score (APS) plays a critical role in determining your eligibility for university courses. It is a point-based system that takes into account your matric results, and higher APS scores often open doors to top universities and competitive degree programs. However, the APS score requirement can be a barrier for some students, especially those who may not have achieved the highest marks or who are interested in alternative career paths.

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1. Trades and Technical Careers

One of the best career options for students with lower APS scores are trades and technical careers. These occupations focus on practical skills and require specialized training rather than a university degree. Here are a few trades you can consider:

Electrician: As an electrician, you will install and maintain electrical systems, ensuring homes and businesses stay powered safely. You can pursue an apprenticeship program or attend a technical college, and you’ll be able to earn a good salary.
Plumber: Like electricians, plumbers are always in demand. Whether it’s installing new systems or fixing broken pipes, plumbing is a highly respected and essential trade. Many training programs are available at technical colleges across South Africa.
Carpenter: If you enjoy working with your hands and have an eye for detail, carpentry could be a rewarding career. Carpenters craft everything from furniture to buildings, and demand for skilled carpenters remains high.
Mechanic: If you’re passionate about cars or machinery, becoming a mechanic can provide a stable and rewarding career. You’ll receive practical training and can even start your own auto repair business down the line.
Welder: Welding is another highly valuable skill. It involves joining metal parts together using heat and pressure. The demand for qualified welders remains high across industries like construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding.

Many of these careers only require vocational training or apprenticeships, and they offer great earning potential with minimal formal education requirements. By completing a course at a technical college or gaining practical experience, you can secure long-term employment and even start your own business.

2. Entrepreneurship

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, starting your own business could be a viable career path. Entrepreneurship allows you to create a career based on your skills, passions, and interests. While certain businesses may require startup capital, many can be run with low initial costs.

Retail Business Owner: Opening your own retail store or online shop is an excellent opportunity for people who are business-minded. Whether it’s a clothing store, a tech shop, or even an online marketplace, starting a business can lead to long-term success.
Freelancing: Freelancing in fields like writing, graphic design, photography, or web development doesn’t require a high APS score. Instead, it’s all about your skills and ability to network and market yourself.
Food Service: Whether it’s opening a small restaurant, a food truck, or a catering business, the food industry is always growing. A keen eye for business and a passion for food can help you succeed in this field without needing a university degree.

While entrepreneurship doesn’t necessarily require formal education, it does demand dedication, hard work, and a willingness to take risks. Starting your own business can offer you flexibility and the potential for financial success, but it requires careful planning and management skills.

3. Health and Wellness Professions

Not all careers in the health sector require a high APS score, and many health-related professions focus on hands-on experience and specialized training.

Personal Trainer: Personal trainers help clients reach their fitness goals through exercise plans and nutrition advice. A fitness certification is often all that’s needed to start a career in personal training.
Massage Therapist: Becoming a massage therapist requires completing a certification program at an accredited institute. This career offers the flexibility to work as a freelancer, in a spa, or in wellness centers.
Beauty Therapist: Beauty therapy includes skincare, makeup application, and other cosmetic treatments. You can become a beauty therapist by enrolling in specialized courses and gaining hands-on experience.
Pharmacy Assistant: Pharmacy assistants support pharmacists by helping with inventory, preparing prescriptions, and advising customers. This career often only requires a certificate or diploma in pharmacy assistance.

The health and wellness sector has a growing demand for skilled professionals. With the right certification, you can start earning quickly and build a successful career helping people look and feel their best.

4. Graphic Design and Digital Marketing

If you have a creative side and are interested in technology, graphic design and digital marketing are great career paths. These fields require creativity, technical skills, and an understanding of online platforms, but they don’t typically require a high APS score.

Graphic Designer: Graphic design involves creating visual content for websites, advertisements, branding, and more. You can learn graphic design through short courses, online tutorials, or a diploma from a technical college.
Social Media Manager: Social media management involves running social media accounts for businesses or individuals. This includes creating content, analyzing performance, and engaging with followers. Many social media managers learn on the job, gaining experience and knowledge through practice.
SEO Specialist: SEO (Search Engine Optimization) specialists help businesses improve their online presence by optimizing their websites. There are numerous online courses available to become proficient in SEO, and many successful SEO specialists are self-taught.

Both graphic design and digital marketing offer numerous freelance opportunities and can be done from home. With strong networking and a portfolio, you can find clients and grow your career.

5. Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is one of the largest employers in South Africa and offers many career opportunities that don’t require a high APS score. Whether you’re interested in working at hotels, resorts, or restaurants, there are multiple paths to pursue.

Hotel Management: A career in hotel management can be started through diploma or certificate programs in hospitality. The job involves overseeing the daily operations of hotels and resorts.
Chef: If you have a passion for cooking, becoming a chef can be a fulfilling career. Culinary schools in South Africa offer courses to develop your skills, and chefs are always in demand in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses.
Tourism Guide: As a tour guide, you can lead people on guided tours in various tourist locations. This career requires knowledge of local attractions and history but doesn’t typically require a high APS score.

The hospitality industry is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with people and providing excellent service. With many entry-level positions and ample opportunities for growth, a career in hospitality can be both rewarding and dynamic.

6. Real Estate Agent

Becoming a real estate agent is an accessible career path that doesn’t necessarily require a high APS score. Real estate agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. The main requirements are strong communication skills, knowledge of the housing market, and a certification from the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB).

While the role is commission-based, successful real estate agents can earn significant income. Real estate is a career that rewards hard work and persistence, and it can provide flexibility and independence in your professional life.

7. Sales Representative

Representatives are essential in every industry, as they help businesses sell products and services. Sales jobs often don’t require a high APS score, but they do require strong communication skills, confidence, and the ability to build relationships with clients.

Sales representatives can work in various sectors, such as retail, technology, pharmaceuticals, or insurance. With experience and excellent performance, a career in sales can lead to higher earnings through commissions and bonuses.

8. Agriculture and Farming

If you enjoy working outdoors and have an interest in agriculture, there are numerous career opportunities in farming and agriculture. This industry requires practical skills and knowledge of farming techniques, but a high APS score is not necessary.

Farm Worker: Working on a farm may involve tasks like planting, harvesting, animal care, and operating machinery. Many agricultural colleges offer programs that teach the practical skills needed for this job.
Agricultural Entrepreneur: Starting your own farming business can be an excellent way to enter the agriculture industry. Whether it’s livestock farming, crop farming, or organic gardening, there are many avenues to explore.

9. Construction Industry Careers

The construction industry is another sector that provides opportunities without the need for a high APS score. Whether you want to work on residential buildings, commercial projects, or infrastructure, there are a range of career options available.

Construction Worker: Construction workers are in demand for tasks such as bricklaying, plastering, and operating heavy machinery. Training programs are available at technical colleges.
Site Manager: After gaining experience in the construction industry, you could move into a managerial role overseeing construction sites. This requires leadership skills and a sound understanding of construction processes.

10. Transport and Logistics

The transport and logistics sector plays a vital role in South Africa’s economy. From driving trucks to managing supply chains, this industry offers many opportunities that don’t require a high APS score.

Truck Driver: Truck driving is an essential job that ensures goods are transported across the country. Obtaining a commercial driver’s license is necessary to begin working in this field.
Logistics Coordinator: Logistics coordinators manage the movement of goods and materials. Many logistics companies offer training programs for people entering the industry, and this role offers the opportunity for growth within the company.

Choosing a career is an important decision, and not all paths require a high APS score. Whether you pursue a trade, start your own business, enter the hospitality industry, or work in sales, there are numerous opportunities for students who want to explore career options beyond university degrees.

By identifying your strengths and interests, you can find a career that aligns with your skills and goals. With determination, training, and a passion for learning, you can build a fulfilling and successful career, even without a high APS score.