What Skills Are Most Shortage In South Africa?

What Skills Are Most Shortage In South Africa?: Top In-Demand Professions

South Africa is facing a significant skills shortage that is impacting many industries and holding back the country’s economic progress. According to W&RSETA, by 2024, the gap between the skills available and the jobs needing those skills could cost South Africa around R1.6 trillion in lost economic potential. This gap shows how urgent it is to align workforce skills with what employers truly require.

To remain competitive and thrive in South Africa’s evolving job market, it is crucial to develop and master certain high-demand skills. These skills are needed across various sectors and offer not only greater job opportunities but also career stability and growth. Gaining these skills enables individuals to contribute meaningfully to the economy while securing a stable future for themselves.

Among the most in-demand skills are those in engineering, healthcare, information technology, education, and skilled trades. Whether you are a student planning your career path or a working professional looking to upskill, focusing on these key areas can open many doors. Knowing which skills are in short supply helps job seekers make informed decisions about their education and training, supporting South Africa’s goal of building a stronger and more capable workforce for the future.

What is A Scarce Skill?

A scarce skill is a skill that is in short supply in South Africa. This means there are not enough qualified people to fill certain jobs, even though employers are actively looking for them. These skills are often linked to important sectors like engineering, healthcare, ICT, education, and technical trades such as plumbing and electrical work. When you train for a scarce skill, you increase your chances of finding a job more quickly because there is a higher demand for what you can do. Many of these roles also offer better pay and more opportunities for career growth.

The South African government regularly updates the list of scarce skills to help guide students and job seekers toward careers that are needed most. Whether you study at a university, TVET college, or through an apprenticeship, focusing on a scarce skill can set you up for long-term success and stability in the job market.

ALSO READ: Which Job Is Highly Demanded In South Africa?

Why is There a Skills Shortage In South Africa?

South Africa’s skills shortage is a serious challenge that affects many industries. One of the main reasons is that the education system does not always match what the job market needs. Many students leave school or university without the practical or technical skills that employers are looking for.

Another big factor is the lack of focus on vocational training. Academic paths are often encouraged more than trades, so fewer young people are choosing careers like plumbing, welding, or electrical work, even though these jobs are in high demand. In many rural and under-resourced areas, people also struggle to access quality education and training opportunities. This limits their chances of gaining the right skills for employment. Below are some key reasons behind the skills shortage:

• Education does not align with industry needs
• Vocational training is under-promoted
• Not enough young people enter trade careers
• Limited access to quality training in rural areas

The Most In-Demand Skill in South Africa 

Listed below are some of the skills that are limited or have a shortage in South Africa:

Banking and financial services industry

• Internal audit manager
• Senior trader
• Senior relationship manager
• Business development manager: Insurance
• Head of operations: Chartered insurance brokers
• Corporate finance: Mergers and acquisition

Engineering and manufacturing

• Head of Engineering
• Project directors
• Quality assurance and quality control manager
• Product supervisor

Finances and accounting

• Commercial finance manager and controller
• Tax-orientated roles
• Finance manager
• Head of Finance
• Regional and African experience

Legal Industry

• Corporate commercial in-house counsel
• Compliance officer and manager
• Fintech, IT, and ICT lawyer
• Corporate mergers and acquisitions and banking, and finance lawyer
• Company secretary and corporate governance professional
• African legal counsel

Procurement and supply chain

• Supply chain planning
• Demand planner
• Procurement manager
• Plant supervisors

Technology

• Cloud computing
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Data scientist
• Software development
• Cybersecurity
• Business analysis

Sales and marketing

• Business development manager
• Digital marketing manager
• Head of Marketing
• Marketing Manager
• Key account manager- national

How to Gain Skills That Are in Demand

To help reduce the skills shortage across various industries, the South African government supports several education and training initiatives. These programs aim to equip individuals with the practical and academic skills needed in high-demand fields. Here are some of the most effective ways to gain these skills:

• TVET Colleges:

Offer hands-on training and structured learnerships that combine classroom education with real-world work experience. These are ideal for students pursuing technical or vocational careers.

• University Qualifications:

Provide academic education in key shortage areas such as engineering, information technology, healthcare, and education. These qualifications build a strong foundation for long-term career success.

• Internships and Graduate Programs:

Available through both public and private sector organisations, these programs offer recent graduates practical work experience and help develop workplace readiness.

• Apprenticeships:

Designed for individuals interested in artisan trades such as plumbing, welding, electrical work, and mechanical repairs. Apprenticeships offer supervised, on-the-job training alongside skilled professionals.

• NSFAS Funding:

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme provides financial support to eligible students studying in priority fields. This funding makes higher education and training more accessible to deserving individuals.

In this case, People can improve their chances of getting a good job in South Africa. Visit the website for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful. Share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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