Technical skills required to tackle SA’s youth unemployment crisis

In spite of a slight decline in youth unemployment in the fourth quarter of 2022, the situation remains critical, with 4,6 million young people seeking employment based on the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS).

It is crucial for the country’s unemployment rate to reduce youth unemployment by equipping them with technical and vocational skills, as 90% of its employment opportunities require them.

According to Dr Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBI-electric: low voltage, there is a dire need for technical skills, particularly in electrical, mechanical, industrial, and civil engineering.

In addition, there is an increasing requirement for artisans and technicians to support base operations within the engineering disciplines, especially as infrastructure repair and maintenance become more crucial than ever for keeping the country’s lights on.”

According to President Ramaphosa, technical skills are what South Africa needs. He stated that ‘the skills our country needs, the jobs that can grow our economy, and importantly, the avenues for entrepreneurship that are sorely needed, can only be achieved by increasing the access of learners to technical and vocational education.

“The government is limited in its ability to close the skills gap, so the private sector needs to step in and invest in institutions or individuals,” says Dr Dickson.

In light of state funding reductions for universities and tech schools, he stresses the need for additional support.

“This option may not appeal to shareholders; however, it is important to see the bigger picture where the value lies in investing in employees of the future who will be key for taking the country forward.”

“Another option would be for businesses to collaborate with institutions by providing practical learning opportunities for graduates,” he says.

“For example, we provide training to Electrical Engineering students at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges around the country on electrical safety compliance as well as the practical use of products like circuit breakers, wiring accessories and earth leakage devices.”

“With the establishment of Reunert College, our holding company has taken this a step further by offering a bridging programme for school leavers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

“They are able to improve their Matric results, which would otherwise prevent them from getting a university exemption or becoming employed,” explains Dr Dickson.

“Many participants who have successfully completed the programme have secured bursaries to study further.”

The author recommends making apprenticeships mandatory in more industries, such as the accounting and law fields, which require new graduates to complete articles as part of their education.

“It ensures that companies take on apprentices and equip them with the experience required to meet the demands of the working world.”

“It is important to note that businesses that opt for this route are not on their own to cover the cost, as the Income Tax Act and the Skills Development Levy provide government assistance,” explains Dr Dickson.

“But what this does require is that, if individuals are trained, they need to be placed in a position in a company thereafter.”

According to Xoliswa Maake, an Electronic Design Technician at CBI-electric: low voltage who completed the in-service training requirement of her engineering degree at the company and was offered a full-time position following graduation, businesses must give young people a chance.

“There are so many students and graduates that want experience and are just sitting and waiting for a chance to get their foot in the door. The longer they wait, the quicker doors close for them.”

“There is a lack of practical know-how among new employees, especially in technical and electrical environments,” Dr Dickson highlights.

“This used to be passed down by veteran employees, but with the brain drain and retirement of seasoned workers, this practice is no longer in place.

“Mentorship must be provided to develop new hires into competent employees who can acquire these intricacies and, ultimately, pass them on to the next generation.”

“South Africa’s unemployment rate is the highest in Africa and the third highest in the world, according to Bloomberg’s global list of 82 countries. It is far too big a problem for the government to handle alone.

“In South Africa, there are 3.1 million companies registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), so imagine what could be achieved if they all invested in institutions and individuals, especially those operating in the technology sector,” says Dr Dickson.