Reskilling, upskilling + training
99 in-demand jobs – TVET opens career pathways
C ongratulating the class of 2025 following the release of their matric results, the Kagiso Trust highlights – all- importantly – possible fast-track pathways to employment through technical and vocational education and training. Kagiso Trust CEO Mankodi Moitse says the matriculants of 2025 have reached a key milestone. “Now comes the exciting part: choosing a pathway that aligns with your strengths, interests and the real opportunities available in our economy,” she says. The latest National List of Occupations in High Demand [1] from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) reveals the striking reality that the economy is in need of skilled workers across many sectors. Of the 350 occupations listed, 99 require certificates at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels 1 to 5. Some can be obtained within just one year of focused, practical training. The business impact of unfilled jobs is severe. According to the DHET’s XpatWeb 2025 Critical Skills Survey Report [2] 89% of businesses say critical skills vacancies are harming their operations and impacting stakeholders, leading to lost productivity, project delays and diminished innovation capacity. The survey highlights that artisans represent nearly one in four of critical skills shortages, with 69% of these roles requiring NQF Level 4 or below. “The report states that an ageing workforce, emigration and inexperience among new artisans are contributing to a 20-year skills gap, leaving South Africa without a strong pipeline of young, work-ready tradespeople,” says Moitse. In-demand occupations span the economy The DHET’s 99 occupations at NQF levels 1 to 5 are not obscure or niche jobs. They span major sectors of the economy. Electricians top the list, alongside electrical line mechanics, instrumentation technicians, telecommunications technicians and the increasingly important solar installers who support the transition to renewable energy. As in the Electrical & electronics sector, occupations in high demand range through other accessible sectors. Building & construction: Bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, plumbers and pipe fitters are all in demand as South Africa builds and maintains its infrastructure. Engineering & manufacturing: From welders and boilermakers to millwrights and mechatronics technicians, these skilled artisans keep South Africa’s industrial heartbeat strong. The list also includes toolmakers, fitters and turners, metal machinists and specialised roles such as riggers and patternmakers. Automotive & transport: Mechanics, vehicle painters and Continued from Page 28 environments, and companies need to create workplaces where people can thrive. At SOLA, our values are embedded into the performance system so that how work is done carries equal weight to what is delivered. Much of the industry’s strength lies in the mix of deep technical expertise alongside curiosity and the willingness to take on complex challenges. The clean energy transition is creating new job categories
vehicle body builders are all needed to keep the country moving. Business & administration: Oice administrators, personal assistants, bookkeepers, accounts clerks, payroll clerks, call centre agents and project administrators form the backbone of every organisation. This sector also includes purchasing oicers, stock clerks and import-export administrators. Sales & marketing, Hospitality & tourism, Healthcare & community
services, Security & safety also show high levels of demand, as do Technical & specialised skills such geographic information systems technicians, camera operators, interior designers and statistical clerks – a relfection of the diversity of skills needed in South Africa. “These are careers with real growth potential,” says Moitse. “An electrician can
Electricians top the National List of Occupations in High Demand, alongside electrical line mechanics, instrumentation technicians, telecommunications technicians and solar installers.
become an electrical contractor. A chef can open their own restaurant. A bookkeeper can become a financial manager. Technical and vocational education is a launching pad, opening career pathways across diverse sectors.” Immediate opportunities There’s also good news for learners who did not achieve the results they hoped for: the same government list includes 16 occupations that don’t require formal qualifications, including waiters, hairdressers, receptionists, taxi drivers and forkli¦ operators. “These roles oer entry points into the workforce, with opportunities to gain experience and pursue further qualifications later,” says Moitse. “Everyone’s journey is dierent. Some will start working immediately and study part-time. Others will invest a year in intensive vocational and technical training to fast-track their careers. All pathways are valid and lead to economic independence. “Matric results open doors,” says Moitse. “Then you have to walk through them – towards skills, employment and the future you want.” References: [1] https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202404/50510gen2414.pdf [2] https://www.xpatweb.com/2025-css-results/
For more information visit: www.kagiso.co.za
and redefining old ones. It is expanding opportunities and demanding new skills, new mindsets and new forms of collaboration. It also calls for companies to prioritise skills development across South Africa. Right now, the door is open and there is plenty of opportunity.
For more information visit: https://solagroup.co.za/
FEBRUARY 2026 Electricity + Control
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