Local tech companies are highlighting South Africa’s lack of quality craftsmen, hoping to encourage school leavers to pursue the technical trades they need.
Artisans are in high demand both locally and abroad, with excellent career prospects for those who complete vocational training programs.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, said in November that South Africa needs at least 60% of school leavers to pursue artisan-type training to meet the country’s scarce skills demand.
“We noticed a worrying decline in the number of applications for advertising positions for craftsmen, especially among toolmakers,” Marinus van Rooyen, Manufacturing and assembly manager at Jendamark Automation, said.
The company builds and exports automotive component assembly systems for the global market.
“We are concerned about this trend and find that this challenge is not unique to Jendamark, as local and national manufacturing suppliers are experiencing similar frustrations.”
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Artisans thrive in a hands-on learning environment
He says most matriculants consider a university degree to be the only qualification they want even though many thrive in a hands-on, hands-on learning environment.
“South Africa’s manufacturing sector can only grow if we have engineers, craftsmen and technicians who have the skills to build and repair things,” Van Rooyen said.
He was speaking at the official unveiling of a mural by Gqeberha-based artist Buntu Fihla in the company’s manufacturing and assembly hall. The mural is meant to instill a sense of pride among employees and reflect respect for the craftsman.
“We want to visit school groups, students and employees to understand the value of having a trade and it is a career path to be proud of, which offers many opportunities. For artisans who have tested the trade, the world is an oyster. There is a lack of technical skills all over the world and we have found that many South Africans are lured abroad by international recruiters.
The National Development Plan has a target of setting up 30 000 craftsmen per year in 2030, but current estimates suggest an average of closer to 20 000, indicating a lack of what is categorized as “priority skills”.
According to Van Rooyen, Jendamark has contributed to skills development over the past decade by running its own in-house apprenticeship program for mechanics, electricians and tool makers.
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98% of apprentices are craftsmen
The four-year program, overseen by MERSETA and approved by the department of higher education and training, has so far provided an overall pass rate of 98% for apprentices taking the trade test.
Funeka Gusha is a qualified apprentice toolmaker and mentor and is also a product of the program. He is responsible for training Jendamark toolmaker apprentices through a work-based learning process.
“Being a craftsman gives you a lot of skills and opportunities. You can get an accredited Red Seal certificate, do better paying jobs and like me, you can be called to teach others.
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she says she is proud to have chosen a challenging career path and is excited to share her expertise and experience with young men and women coming up the ranks.
“I’m happy to be a mentor. It has taught me a lot about personal growth, patience and dealing with different students. Seeing them work hard with determination inspires me. We have one candidate who is preparing for the trade test now and the dedication shown is amazing .