South Africa needs in-training work experience
“Fact is that unemployment in South Africa has hit a record high of 34.4%, leaving a staggering 7.8 million people jobless."
Whilst population growth is increasing and job opportunities are on the decrease, the South African economy and multiple families, especially young ones are struggling to make ends meet without permanent appointment or the foundation of a self-owned business.
Manager of Africa Skills training and management in Centurion, Dean Bower said “Successful apprentices who earn their red seal trade certificates are different, as they have an 89% – 94% chance to be appointed before they graduate.”
Bower emphasised that it is a certainty that South Africa needs more trained technical artisans for infrastructure and development across all industries. These include the building and maintenance of roads and railways, construction of new and repair and restoration of older buildings and most definitely also the maintenance of power stations.
Do not be a statistic
“The fact is that unemployment in South Africa has hit a record high of 34.4%, leaving a staggering 7.8 million people jobless. No, this does not equate to tertiary education being lacking. In fact, the market is saturated with degrees and unfortunately, there is a dire shortage of jobs to accommodate graduates.
Yet we have an insufficient supply of qualified artisans to meet industry demand, he says.
Why are young people not choosing trade as a career option?
Bower says research is showing that “globally there is an unspoken societal hierarchy of qualifications and a perceived prestige when it comes to university degrees over technical trade qualifications”.
School leavers are choosing to become doctors, lawyers, and actuaries, and we have a large gap in a preference for technical and industrial expertise. The problem is that while we all need doctors, economic wheels turn when industries thrive, and those industries require artisans.
The world needs artisans
According to Bower, the South African landscape, embodied by political and policy changes, is slowly being altered but there is a long way to go.
“You are and can be part of this pioneering path towards more qualified artisans within the best possible employable young community we can dream to be. It is as clear as daylight: artisans are not only essential but critical to the future – not just in South Africa but globally,” he says.
With the reality of the fourth industrial revolution and the role of the digital age in the workplace, there is an essential role for artisans in the future. Technology is changing daily and there is no doubt that this will be a driving force going forward, allowing for more efficient and streamlined ways of working for companies, also as qualified boilermakers, mechanical fitters, welders, mechanics, turners, electricians, plumbers, bricklayers or solar installers and repairers.
Become relevant as an entrepreneur
Bower says the artisan of the future will have to think in new and creative ways to remain relevant. Since ways of working would change, the new artisan would have to be flexible and adapt to new techniques. Knowledge relating to new and developing technology would have to be gained and maintained on an ongoing basis – be it as an employee or as a new venture employer.
With a shortage of jobs and a South African population with mixed skill levels, we cannot afford to just leap forward into the future without proper planning. The truth is that an enormous number of South Africans had the opportunity to learn the very basics. Now is the time to rectify artisan supply, he says.
Now, it is imperative for businesses to ensure a solid foundation in basic technical skills. Collaboration between companies, the education sector and technical training providers holds the key to relevant training.
Investigate, think and decide
A recent survey stated that a functioning economy must have enough artisans if it is to fulfil its economic potential. From energy and water to transport and logistics, all key sectors of the economy are dependent on a ready supply of artisans.
It is your future. It remains your decision to be part of the solution for a sustainable future. Today qualified plumbers and industry demand electricians earn equally and more than general medical practitioners.
If you want to be sought-after, an artisan career might just be the way to go when it comes to your key future decisions.
