Career Information - National Listof Occupations in Demand

Introduction

South Africa has been facing significant levels of unemployment, and the "mismatch of skills" has been said to have a negative impact on economic growth. For this reason, South Africa needs to correctly identify the skills needed to ensure that education and training needs are properly met.

Key players in identifying skills in high demand

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is one of the most important role players in identifying which skills and jobs will support economic growth. DHET is responsible for improving Post-School Education and Training (PSET) initiatives in relation to labour market needs. A list of occupations in high demand is one of the key tools through which DHET achieves this, since the information it contains provides insight into the skills needed. The first national list was gazetted in 2014, and two further lists were gazetted between 2016 and 2018. The 2020 version is the fourth and most recent list produced by government. The gazette provides a list of occupations identified as being in "high demand", and this information is used to inform decisions relating to education and training.

Reason for having a National List of Occupations in High Demand

The primary goal of the National List of Occupations in High Demand was to improve the PSET system's response to the country's economic and developmental needs. The list was created to support planning within the PSET system by:

- Informing enrolment planning at universities, TVET and community colleges.

- Defining the need for the development of new qualifications, especially to respond to new and emerging occupations and skills needs.

- Informing and guiding resource allocation to where it is most needed.

- Informing career guidance advice for practitioners, learners and work-seekers.

- Serving as a resource for in-house training programmes and interventions within public and private organisations, professional bodies, career development organisations, research organisations and trade unions.

Meaning of occupations in high demand

Occupations in high demand refer to jobs that show high employment growth based on past, present and future trends.

Occupations in high demand tend to have the following characteristics:

- They have shown strong employment growth in past years.

- They presently show strong employment growth.

- They are expected to show strong employment growth in future.

- They have been identified as being in short supply in the labour market.

- They are new occupations expected to emerge in future, due to innovation, the development of new industries, technological advancement, or government's strategic priorities.

Why does one need to consider occupations in high demand?

CDPs can share this information with learners, as it will assist in goal-setting. Learners must consider that there are many contributing factors, such as interests and skills — for example, actuarial science may be in high demand, but a learner will not be able to apply for this degree if their mathematics marks are too low. Knowing which occupations are in high demand allows learners with the appropriate skills and abilities to respond accordingly, matching their skills to gaps in the industry.

CDPs can advise clients to follow a few steps:

Research growth trends. If clients understand job trends, they can map out a trajectory for their career. Information on growth trends or occupations in high demand is published by government and is accessible to all. Information can also be sourced from the Khetha career guidance website.

Find potential employers. Encourage clients to research the major companies in South Africa relevant to their field. Clients can find out about hiring practices or graduate programmes, do some research on company culture to see how it fits with their own values and interests, and gather information by reading company websites as well as employee reviews. Following companies of interest on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn can also help build an impression of the company.

Talk to other professionals. Interaction and networking are essential to gaining career information. Attending as many company exhibitions and career expos as possible helps with this, and learners will gain insight into the working world. For seasoned professionals, interacting with different departments and engaging in company events helps keep them informed when seeking career advancement.

Clients could also request an informational interview to speak to professionals directly. This kind of informal meeting is simply an opportunity to learn more about a company - clients can ask the employee about their history with the company, including their growth and career path within it.

Be open to learning. Clients should be open and receptive to information about the career they choose to invest in. Encourage them to seek out additional information about the profession by reading blogs, books and articles, and by watching relevant video content.

Consider volunteering, interning or part-time work. If there is an opportunity to volunteer and gain hands-on experience in the desired profession, this should be pursued. It helps build job-related experience and confirms whether the profession is a good fit for the learner. Volunteering or part-time work also provides a range of transferable skills that become a valuable asset.

Professional development. Taking additional lessons or completing a certification helps with upskilling and staying current in a profession. Further study can also be beneficial for those changing careers who wish to develop themselves. Many courses are available online, some for free, which can significantly enrich a CV.

Evaluate your brand. Make sure your professional brand and online presence are current and up to date. Keep abreast of developments within your profession to stay connected, follow relevant trendsetters, and keep your brand presence strong by regularly updating your information.

Conclusion

It is necessary to review occupations in high demand, as this information is vital to identifying which skills are in high demand in South Africa. Understanding the List of Occupations in High Demand will ultimately help the country reduce unemployment, as people identify what the country needs and respond directly to it. Search the term "List of Occupations in High Demand" to find the most current list.