South Africa’s economy is facing a major skills shortage. Picture: iStock The Kagiso Trust has pointed young people and new matriculants to 99 occupations which are in high demand and which they can qualify for through technical and vocational education. Kagiso Trust CEO Mankodi Moitse says the striking reality is that the economy is crying out for skilled workers across numerous sectors.
Of the 350 occupations listed, 99 require certificates at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels 1–5, which can often be obtained in just a year of focused, practical training. According to the 2025 Xpatweb Critical Skills Survey, 89% of businesses said critical skills vacancies are harming their operations and stakeholders, leading to lost productivity and project delays. Xpatweb says artisans alone represent nearly one in four of critical skills shortages.
“The report says an ageing workforce, emigration and inexperience amongst new artisans are creating a 20-year skills gap, leaving South Africa without a strong pipeline of young, workready tradespeople,” Moitse said. The 99 occupations at NQF levels 1-5 aren’t obscure or niche jobs. Bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, plumbers and pipe fitters are all in demand as South Africa builds and maintains its infrastructure.
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