Why Qualified Artisans in South Africa Struggle to Find Jobs and How Government Can Help
The demand for skilled artisans is a necessity for South Africa to sustain infrastructure, repair machinery, construct housing, assist factories and contribute to the development of the economy. Yet, many youths after completion of their artisan training are unable to secure jobs.
Electricians, plumbers, welders, boilermakers, fitters and turners, diesel mechanics and motor mechanics may spend years completing their training and earning their qualifications. However, finding employment after qualifying can be another major challenge.
Sometimes it’s not a lack of skills or willingness to work. Newly qualified artisans may have limited opportunities to access the labour market due to limited vacancies, experience requirements, financial constraints and lack of opportunities in the workplace.
The South African Government’s artisan training information has indicated that artisan development is a National priority with the goal of producing 30,000 artisans per year by 2030. But it is important to supplement the number of skilled artisans with opportunities to utilize their skills.
Why do qualified artisans have difficulties getting jobs?
Limited entry-level vacancies
Many companies hire artisans when there are job openings, new contracts or enough money to add on to their staff. Newly qualified candidates can compete for the same vacant positions as experienced workers.
Therefore, an individual may be qualified and not be employed due to lack of appropriate employment opportunities.
There is a demand for work experience within the workplace.
Some employers favor a candidate who has experience in factories, mines, construction firms, workshops or industrial environments.
This leaves a dilemma for newly qualified artisans who require the experience needed to be competitive but then have no way to acquire the experience if they are not offered a chance to do so.
Employers and training institutions must provide realistic entry level pathways for people who are qualified to gain experience in the workplace within a safe framework.
Few opportunities available after training
Practical skills can be gained through apprenticeships, learnerships and internships, but have different purposes.
Apprenticeships are typically a combination of workplace training and technical training towards an artisan qualification. Learnerships involve structured learning and at-work experience, and internships can include professional exposure as per the programme.
Following qualification, for a qualified person, the next phase should be appropriate work experience, work-based training or further specialist training as appropriate.
Economic pressures have an impact on recruitment
Skilled workers may be needed by a small business or a larger employer, but may not have the financial resources or contracts available to hire more workers.
That demand for technical skills doesn’t always come with employment opportunities. Financial assistance and practical collaboration may help to engage and upskill newly qualified artisans who are found to be appropriate businesses.
Geographical barriers and information barriers.
There could be opportunities for artisans in provinces or towns that are a long way from where the people live. The cost of relocation, transport and accommodation may be high for the unemployed.
Additionally, job postings are placed on companies’ websites, Government websites, SETAs and social media. Fleeting information can make it hard to distinguish the real thing, and make it a challenge to submit applications before deadlines.
For instance, the entrepreneurship training that is a core component of the Artisan Program needs to translate into job creation opportunities, which is not always the case.
It is vital to train more skilled artisans, but it is not enough to indicate whether the country is utilizing the skills properly.
Government needs to also look at how many qualified artisans are able to be employed in a relevant job, how long they are jobless and what industries require their skills.
While those skills are acquired through training, the time and resources invested may not be utilized if people are not able to enter the labour market.
The National Skills Fund provides funding to skills development projects, such as artisan development and workplace-based training projects. Cooperation between trainers and employers can help to make sure training programmes meet the needs of the workplace.
What does the South African Government do?
Develop jobs for skilled artisans
Government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges, municipalities and private employers may help qualify artisans by matching them with identified and verified job opportunities, workplace placement and appropriate technical training.
These opportunities need to differentiate between those that do not meet the necessary criteria to become artisans and those who are qualified and looking for their first job.
Increase paid placements in the workplace.
There could be provision of time-limited paid placements for qualified artisans with lack of relevant work-experience by linking with employers on government’s initiative.
Participants should be supervised well, be given workplace safety training and must have meaningful practical exposure. Employers should also indicate if a placement might result in additional opportunities, but not guaranteeing job security.
Establishing clear rules will help to avoid the creation of temporary placements instead of permanent employment.
Make opportunities through infrastructure projects.
Artisans involved in electrical work, plumbing, construction, water services, transport facilities and equipment maintenance may have the opportunities to participate in public infrastructure and maintenance.
Government could incentivize contractors to incorporate realistic employment and skills development programs where budget and procurement rules allow.
Such commitments should be tracked to determine if there are real opportunities for qualified employees.
Support small businesses
Artisanal jobs can be created by small electrical contractors, plumbing companies, motor workshops, welding firms, and maintenance companies.
Government could consider appropriate support for business-development, finance and skills-development incentives to recruit and manage new employees in viable businesses.
Any support should be clear and relate to actual employment or training outcomes.
Improve the relationship between colleges and employers.
There is a need for regular communication between TVET colleges and employers on industry needs, safety, equipment and practical skills.
Employers can support students by visiting their school, arranging a project for students to complete, demonstrating work through practical activities, and providing links to employment. Colleges might also be able to assist graduates with creating CVs and link them to appropriate vacancies.
Following graduates after they have qualified would be useful for institutions to identify where there is a lack of employment.
Make better known verified vacancies
The Department of Employment and Labour delivers its services relating to Employment on its official platforms. The first step for job seekers is to visit the website of the Department of Employment and Labour.
The government, SETAs, colleges and employers could further facilitate and coordinate to enable qualified artisans to access appropriate opportunities better and become aware of the necessary application conditions.
A good system should safeguard the personal data of the applicants and prevent them from being promoted by fraudulent recruitment advertisements.
What do qualified artisans do when they’re looking for work?
While governments and industry must address the broader issue, job applicants have steps to take to enhance their applications.
Make a CV that suits the trade: Qualifications, trade test result (if applicable), practical training, safety training and technical skills relevant to your trade.
Look at official recruitment sites: official company careers or government vacancy sites, SETAs, college careers.
Think about working under contract: Temporary work or supervised work experience could be beneficial for gaining related experience.
Talk to potential employers: Check with workshops, factories, contractors and maintenance businesses whether they are interested in receiving resumes.
Refer to other industries: Opportunities may be available in other industries if they are related, such as manufacturing, construction, mining, transport, energy or facilities management.
Maintain an application record: Maintain records of the employer, vacancy, closing date and application status.
Steer clear of recruitment scams: Check out jobs through official means and if someone asks for payment, be wary.
Steps may not ensure a job but they may make the job search more organised and help applicants to find the right jobs.
What can employers do?
The employers also have an important place in combating the problem of artisans’ unemployment. Employers can provide part-time jobs, on-the-job training and work experience for newly qualified candidates.
New artisans can be recruited to develop business skills and skills that can match the business operations.
But employers do have to offer appropriate supervision, equipment and safety provisions. Newly qualified workers should not be asked to do anything they are not competent in or authorised to do.
Businesses (particularly small) might have access to partnerships with government and training institutions, which could help to reduce the cost of developing new employees.
Do not be satisfied with counting training numbers only, measure employment outcomes instead
Government should assess artisan programmes based on their outcomes, such as the percentage of artisans that have completed the programme, the artisans’ employment relevance, the rate of placement in the workplace, and the time it takes for the artisans to secure their first employment opportunity.
Accurate information will be valuable in determining availability of employment opportunities and the need for further support to these trades.
It would also enable government to gauge whether its programmes are helping artisans who have completed training to find sustainable jobs or merely to add to the number of people who have attended training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Qualified Artisans Struggle to Find Jobs?
Factors that pose barriers include fewer positions available, employers’ demand for experience, financial constraints, geographical constraints and the lack of appropriate work opportunities.
Should we increase the number of artisans in South Africa?
Artisan development is an issue of national importance. Training, however, should be linked to jobs to enable adept workers to be utilized.
How Can Government Help Unemployed Artisans?
Government could help and facilitate paid workplace placements, link job seekers to confirmed job openings, enhance the partnership between colleges and employers, and assist eligible small businesses in building their workforce.
What places do certified artisans turn to for employment?
They can visit the Department of Employment and Labour, SETAs, TVET college career offices, municipal vacancies and state-owned enterprise and official company career pages.
Does an Artisan Qualification Guarantee Employment?”
No. A qualification shows evidence of training and competence but employment also relies upon vacancies, employer needs, experience and economic circumstances.
Conclusion
There is a need for skilled artisans in South Africa but training is not the solution for problems of unemployment. There is also a need for realistic opportunities for newly qualified electricians, plumbers, welders, mechanics and other trades to get experience and jobs.
Government should develop a partnership with employers, SETAs, TVET colleges and municipalities to enhance recruitment, increase meaningful workplace placements, develop appropriate small businesses and link training with industry demand.
Additionally, it is essential for qualified artisans to update their CVs, verify available job posts, and explore suitable job offers in various sectors to enhance their career prospects.
The success of the artisans’ development should not just be measured by the number of artisans who qualify, but also by their ability to apply these skills to sustain their livelihood and create value in the South African economy.
Official source: South African Government — Artisan Training | Department of Employment and Labour | National Skills Fund