By: Seth Mulli
As matric pupils approach the end of their school journey, they are facing pivotal decisions about their future. While the allure of university life may be tempting, we urge them to consider an alternative pathway: artisan careers through TVET colleges or an apprenticeship.
According to the latest scarce skills report, SA is experiencing significant shortages in various skilled trades, including electrical, plumbing and construction fields.
The report highlights electricians, welders, fitters and turners, plumbers, carpenters, motor mechanics and boilermakers as scarce skills. The demand for qualified artisans is soaring, with many sectors struggling to fill essential positions.
In contrast to the high youth unemployment rate which stands at more than 60% artisan careers present a viable solution that not only promises job security but also offers fulfilling work.
TVET colleges are an incredible resource, with more than 50 institutions across SA providing hands on training and skills development. The misconception that vocational education is a lesser option is outdated and untrue. You can acquire practical, marketable skills this means entering the job market, earning a stable income and contributing positively to our economy.
To be properly qualified in certain trades can take up to seven years. For example, plumbing requires 18 months of college education, followed by another 18 months of hands on training, culminating in a trade test totalling three years, which is comparable to obtaining an undergraduate degree.
Unemployment has climbed to a staggering 33.5% in the second quarter of 2024, up from a painful 32.9% in the first quarter. This translates to a jaw-dropping 8.4million South Africans without jobs. With the job market looking more like an arid desert, where do we turn?
At Allan Gray Makers, we recognise the immense potential of our young artisans. That's why we're proud to support aspiring tradespeople through our Startup Academy, which equips them with essential entrepreneurial skills.
By integrating business training with vocational education, we empower you not only to excel in your chosen trade but also to think innovatively and start your own ventures. This holistic approach ensures that you are prepared for the realities of the job market and can thrive in your career.
Only15,000 artisans are trained each year, significantly below the required 30,000 to combat youth unemployment and meet workforce demands. To achieve this goal, at least 60% of school leavers must be encouraged to consider careers in the trades.
"By highlighting these sobering statistics, we hope to spark a nationwide dialogue about the crucial and often underappreciated value of technical skills, artisan training and entrepreneurship in the trades by inspiring SA's youth to consider these as viable career options," said Seth Mulli, Allan Gray Makers programme director.
We encourage you to explore the diverse offerings at your nearest TVET college and consider the valuable role you can play in bridging the skills gap in SA.
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