Lots of jobs for matrics in 2006, but rights choices important
JOHANNESBURG – There will be plenty of jobs for this year’s matrics -- but only if they chose wisely, the trade union Solidarity said on Sunday.
The union believes some 300 000 new jobs will be created next year.
Earlier this week Tlotlisa Securities’ chief economist Mike Schussler said 390 000 jobs were created between December 2004 and this November.
A Solidarity study completed in the past week showed there would be skills shortages in several important sectors of the South African economy in 2006.
“Some sectors will have thousands of available positions, but matriculants will have to choose carefully since the economy as a whole will offer fewer jobs than last year and some sectors will have a surplus of workers”, the union said in a statement.
The report was compiled by Solidarity’s economist, Lullu Krugel, and Theuns Steenkamp, chief executive of the trade union’s training company.
It found there would be a demand for people with technical skills, professional engineers, accountants and nurses, and people with formal computer training.
There could also be a significant shortage of teachers within three years, and shortages in vocations negatively affected by emigration, including business services, health services and banking and financial services.
In the business field, people who already employed would do well to develop skills in project management, general and financial management and occupational health and safety, since shortages had been identified.
The report urged matriculants to become entrepreneurs.
Krugel was of the opinion future growth and development in South Africa would be influenced by the success or not of micro, small and medium enterprises as the main job providers of the future.
“The bottom line for young people is to realise that they have to create their own future.
“The new economy demands of young people to hone their skills continuously and to recognise new challenges.
“One thing that no young person can afford to say, is: ‘I am going to do my own thing and I don’t have to learn’. This is not true. Young people who do not make learning part of their lives will be left out in the economic cold,” Krugel said.
Most successful businesses’ origins were in something small, like a hobby or an activity used to supplement an income, she said.
“It is important to get help and guidance from a mentor. The biggest initial problem is capital, and if you can survive the first year your chances of success are that much greater.
“It is also a good idea to consider network marketing and franchise opportunities,” she advised.
The report warned that the outlook is not entirely rosy with youth making up 76 percent of unemployed South Africans.
Of these, 61 percent have been unemployed for more than a year and 32 percent for more than three years. - Sapa.