Training the youth in certain skills in high demand
The recently released statistics show that our country needs a massive economic boost, especially in the skilled working environment.
The Ministry for Higher Education and Training has reported that certain employers have seen a huge shortage in qualified people applying for the available jobs.
This highlights the fact that the sky-high unemployment rate is not caused by a shortage of jobs in the country, but rather a lack of skills, qualification and experience in young South Africans.
It is that time of the year again, where young people in particular are applying or registering to secure a place in higher education institutes to equip themselves with skills which potentially lead to employment opportunities or entrepreneurial ideas.
In recent years, statistics have shown that many young people prefer popular fields of studies, such as Marketing, Public Relations and Business Management. Opportunities in the electrical or computer engineering market require an unique set of skills, and up-and-coming professionals or even trainees need to learn the ropes first before being considered for the job.
The News asked a young local mechanic, Karel Nortje, who runs his own vehicle repair shop in Krugersdorp’s CBD, what motivated him to start his own workshop.
“I love my job. It is what I have always wanted to do since I was at school, so I went to a technical school (Nic Diederichs Technical High School) and studied Electronics, Mathematics and Science, because those are the compulsory subjects in this field. After completing Grade 12, I studied Avionics at South African Airways.”
He would like to have his own aircraft projects if he were to get a tender, although he would continue operating at his workshop.
“I would like motor vehicle owners to be patient when I work on their cars, because it usually takes time to complete the operation or fix the mistakes of other workers in the motor industry,” said Karel.
During busy periods, Karel usually assists students to gain practical experience in his workshop, and gives them valuable advice on how to be creditable in this line of work, because that is how you stand out from the rest of the competition.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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