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SA’s Top 8 scarce skills you should study for

SA’s Top 8 scarce skills you should study for

With South Africa’s ever-increasing unemployment rate, it comes as a surprise that there is still an abundance of vacancies in certain industries. These vacancies aren’t the result of a lack of interest in these positions but rather the fact that employers require skilled workers to fill them and there just aren’t enough people who meet the requirements.

Unfortunately, due to this skill shortage, local companies within the following industries turn towards the global market to fill vacant positions. By acquiring the necessary skills, you could help to close the gap and eliminate the need to source workers from abroad. The IMM Graduate School knows how difficult it is to decide on a career, so we compiled a list of the top 8 industries in need of skilled employees. The matric class of 2019 should seriously consider one of these as a career choice:

  1. The health care industry

With our government hospitals congested with patients, the lack of skilled medical professionals means that people are often denied proper health care. Careers within the sector include (among others), Clinical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Nursing Educator, Nurse Researcher, Nurse Manager, Medical Doctor, Hospital Pharmacist, Medical Scientist and more.

  1. The Financial sector

According to the Department of labour, financial skills such as accounting, financial management, auditing, and investment analysis are in high demand in South Africa. If you are passionate about estimating profits, reducing financial risks, and planning for unexpected costs, then a career in finance could be for you!

  1. Web Development

In this day and age, every modern business needs a website which needs to be updated on a regular basis. Right now, web development is a thriving, rapidly growing job sector, with demand likely to remain high for many years to come. Careers within this industry include web developer, computer programmer, web designer, software engineer and many more.

  1. Management

Management positions have been and always will be amongst the most in demand jobs across all areas. In South Africa, skills shortages are widespread in this industry, so starting any career with the long-term goal of becoming a manager is a good idea if job security is a concern.

  1. Sales

The sales department is an integral part of a business. With the corporate world becoming more competitive by the day, employers are investing more of their time and money into hiring sales staff. Sales and marketing managers are highest in demand.

  1. Engineering

A large amount of engineering graduates prefer to work abroad after their studies leaving South Africa with a shortage of qualified engineers. The Engineering industry currently dominates the Department of Labour’s National Scarce Skills List, occupying the top three positions and six of the top 10. Careers within the sector include (among others), Energy Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Geologist Industrial and Production Engineers

  1. Education

When it comes to education in South Africa, only 13.8% of South African adults over the age of 20 only attended school up until grade 7. Because of this, the demand in this sector is always growing. There is always a need for Accounting Teachers, Agriculture Teachers, Business Studies Teachers, Computer Studies Teachers etc.

  1. Artisans

Electricians, Boiler Makers, Fitter and Turners, Carpenter and Joiners, Welders, Plumbers, Toolmakers, Diesel Mechanics, Air-conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumbers, Automotive Electricians and Automotive Motor Mechanics Play an important role in society. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of skilled workers in these industries.

Have you decided on what you would like to study? For those interested in a career in marketing, export management, finance and more, visit www.immgsm.ac.za, call us on +27 (0) 11 628 8000 or email  info@immgsm.ac.za for more information.

Still not sure what to study? Take our survey here.