The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in South Africa has identified a list of scarce skills in the country. These skills are essential for the growth and development of the economy but are in short supply due to various reasons, including a lack of training and education opportunities, as well as a brain drain of skilled professionals leaving the country. This article will examine the list of scarce skills in South Africa, grouped according to their occupational categories.
Engineering and Construction
The engineering and construction industries are essential for the development of infrastructure and are among the most important sectors in the South African economy. The scarce skills list identifies the following professions as being in high demand:
- Electrical Engineer: Electrical engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining electrical systems and equipment. They are in high demand in the energy, mining, and manufacturing industries.
- Civil Engineer: Civil engineers are responsible for designing and constructing infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They are in high demand in the construction and infrastructure sectors.
- Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing and maintaining mechanical systems and equipment. They are in high demand in the automotive, manufacturing, and mining industries.
- Quantity Surveyor: Quantity surveyors are responsible for managing costs and contracts for construction projects. They are in high demand in the construction industry.
- Programme or Project Manager: Programme or project managers are responsible for overseeing and managing projects from conception to completion. They are in high demand in the construction and engineering sectors.
- Construction Project Manager: Construction project managers are responsible for managing the construction process, including scheduling and budgeting. They are in high demand in the construction industry.
- Industrial and Production Engineers: Industrial and production engineers are responsible for designing and improving production processes. They are in high demand in the manufacturing industry.
- Energy Engineer: Energy engineers are responsible for designing and implementing energy-efficient systems and equipment. They are in high demand in the energy and mining industries.
- Materials Engineer: Materials engineers are responsible for designing and developing new materials for use in various industries. They are in high demand in the manufacturing and mining industries.
- Metallurgical Engineer: Metallurgical engineers are responsible for designing and improving metallurgical processes. They are in high demand in the mining and manufacturing industries.
- Telecommunications Engineers: Telecommunications engineers are responsible for designing and maintaining communication networks. They are in high demand in the telecommunications industry.
Information and Communication Technology
The information and communication technology (ICT) sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in South Africa. The scarce skills list identifies the following professions as being in high demand:
- ICT Systems Analyst: ICT systems analysts are responsible for designing and implementing computer systems and software. They are in high demand in the ICT industry.
- Software Developers: Software developers are responsible for designing and developing software applications. They are in high demand in the ICT industry.
- Computer Network and Systems Engineer: Computer network and systems engineers are responsible for designing and maintaining computer networks. They are in high demand in the ICT industry.
- ICT Project Manager: ICT project managers are responsible for managing ICT projects from conception to completion. They are in high demand in the ICT industry.
Education
Education is essential for the growth and development of any society. The scarce skills list identifies the following professions in the education sector as being in high demand:
- Vocational or Further Education Teachers: Vocational or further education teachers are responsible for providing training and education to individuals in various fields. They are in high demand for education and training.
- Foundational Phase School Teacher: The foundational phase school teacher is responsible for teaching children from grade one to grade three. These teachers play a critical role in the early development of children and need to have a thorough understanding of child development and learning.
- Mathematics Teacher (Primary): Mathematics teachers in primary schools are responsible for teaching children from grade one to grade seven. They play a critical role in the early development of children’s mathematical skills and need to have a thorough understanding of mathematics and child development.
Agricultural Engineer
The agricultural sector is an important industry in South Africa, contributing significantly to the economy. Agricultural engineers design, develop, and maintain agricultural equipment and systems. They work to improve farming methods and the efficiency of agricultural operations.
Mechanical Engineering Technologist
Mechanical engineering technologists assist in the design, development, and maintenance of mechanical systems and components. They work on a variety of projects, including the design of new products, the improvement of existing products, and the development of manufacturing processes.
Software Developers
Software developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. They work on a range of software applications, from computer games to business software.
Toolmaker
Toolmakers are responsible for manufacturing and maintaining a range of tools, from simple hand tools to complex machine tools. They work in a variety of industries, including the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries.
Electrical Engineering Technologist
Electrical engineering technologists are responsible for designing and maintaining electrical systems and components. They work on a range of projects, including the design of new products, the improvement of existing products, and the development of manufacturing processes.
Land Surveyor
Land surveyors are responsible for measuring and mapping the physical features of the earth’s surface. They work on a variety of projects, including the design and development of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
Diesel Mechanic
Diesel mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing diesel engines. They work in a variety of industries, including the transportation, mining, and agricultural industries.
Electronic Instrument Trades Worker
Electronic instrument trade workers install, maintain, and repair electronic instruments and systems. They work in a variety of industries, including the telecommunications, medical, and scientific industries.
Sales and Marketing Manager
Sales and marketing managers are responsible for developing and implementing sales and marketing strategies for businesses. They work in a range of industries, from retail to manufacturing.
Metal Fabricator
Metal fabricators are responsible for fabricating and welding metal parts and components. They work in a variety of industries, including the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries.
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Industrial machinery mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing a range of industrial machinery, from simple hand tools to complex manufacturing equipment. They work in a variety of industries, including the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries.
Draughtsperson
Draughtspersons are responsible for producing technical drawings and plans for a range of engineering projects. They work in a variety of industries, including the construction, manufacturing, and engineering industries.
Actuary
Actuaries are responsible for analyzing and interpreting financial data to help businesses and organizations make informed financial decisions. They work in a range of industries, including insurance, finance, and government.
Agricultural Scientist
Agricultural scientists conduct research and develop new technologies to improve agricultural production and efficiency. They work in a range of industries, including government, academia, and the private sector.
Retail Buyer
Retail buyers are responsible for selecting and purchasing products for retail stores. They work in a range of industries, from fashion to electronics.
Air Conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
Air conditioning and mechanical services plumbers are responsible for installing and maintaining air conditioning and heating systems in a range of buildings, from homes to large commercial buildings.
The National Scarce Skills List is updated regularly to reflect the changes in the labor market and the demand for certain skills. It is an important tool for the government to plan for education and training policies and programs that align with the country’s economic development goals. The private sector can also use the list to inform their recruitment and retention strategies, especially for highly skilled positions.
Conclusion
South Africa’s National Scarce Skills List is an essential resource for policymakers, educators, employers, and job seekers. It identifies the critical skills that are in demand in the country’s labor market and helps to guide the allocation of resources towards education and training programs that address skills shortages. The list also enables employers to identify skills gaps and develop recruitment and retention strategies to attract and retain highly skilled employees. In a country where unemployment rates are high, addressing skills shortages is crucial for economic growth and social development. Therefore, the National Scarce Skills List is an important tool that can help South Africa to achieve its development goals.