As South Africa’s class of 2025 takes a breath after the release of their matric results — and the class of 2026 settles into their final school year — a powerful message is emerging: university is not the only door to success.
According to Kagiso Trust, one of the country’s leading development agencies, there are 99 high-demand occupations that young people can qualify for within a year through technical and vocational education — and the economy is urgently waiting for them.
“Congratulations to every matriculant,” says Kagiso Trust CEO Mankodi Moitse. “You’ve reached a key milestone. Now comes the exciting part: choosing a pathway that aligns with your strengths, interests and the real opportunities available in our economy.”
The economy is calling for skills — loudly
The message is backed by hard data. The Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) latest National List of Occupations in High Demand paints a stark picture of South Africa’s labour market.
Out of 350 occupations identified as critical to economic growth, 99 require certificates at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels 1–5 — qualifications that can often be completed in just one year of focused, practical training.
This is not a future problem. It is a crisis already affecting businesses today.
The 2025 Xpatweb Critical Skills Survey found that 89% of businesses say unfilled critical skills vacancies are harming their operations and stakeholders. The consequences include lost productivity, delayed projects and reduced innovation.
Artisans alone account for nearly one in four critical skills shortages, with 69% of these roles requiring NQF Level 4 or below.
“The report shows that an ageing workforce, emigration and inexperience among new artisans have created a 20-year skills gap,” Moitse explains. “South Africa simply doesn’t have a strong enough pipeline of young, work-ready tradespeople.”
99 occupations, across the entire economy
The 99 in-demand occupations identified by DHET are neither obscure nor niche. They span nearly every major sector of the economy:
Building and Construction
Bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, plumbers and pipe fitters are all urgently needed as South Africa builds and maintains its infrastructure.
Engineering and Manufacturing
Welders, boilermakers, millwrights and mechatronics technicians form the backbone of industry. The list also includes toolmakers, fitters and turners, metal machinists, riggers and patternmakers.
Electrical and Electronic
Electricians top the list, alongside electrical line mechanics, instrument mechanicians, telecommunications technicians and solar installers supporting the country’s transition to renewable energy.
Automotive and Transport
Mechanics, vehicle painters and vehicle body builders keep South Africa moving.
Business and Administration
Office administrators, personal assistants, bookkeepers, accounts clerks, payroll clerks, call centre agents and project administrators are essential across all sectors. Purchasing officers, stock clerks and import-export administrators are also in demand.
Sales and Marketing
Commercial sales representatives, retail buyers, sales clerks, insurance agents and brokers drive economic activity.
Hospitality and Tourism
Chefs, tour guides and flight attendants support one of South Africa’s most vital industries.
Healthcare and Community Services
Community health workers, aged and disabled carers and first aid attendants provide critical frontline services.
Security and Safety
Security officers, traffic officers, intelligence operators and special forces operators protect people and assets.
Technical and Specialised Fields
GIS technicians, camera operators, interior designers and statistical clerks reflect the diversity of skills required in a modern economy.
“These aren’t just jobs — they are careers with real growth potential,” Moitse says. “An electrician can become an electrical contractor. A chef can open their own restaurant. A bookkeeper can become a financial manager. Technical and vocational education are launching pads, not dead ends.”
Immediate opportunities — even without qualifications
There is also encouragement for learners who didn’t achieve the results they hoped for.
The same government list identifies 16 occupations that require no formal qualifications, including waiters, hairdressers, receptionists, taxi drivers and forklift operators.
“These roles allow immediate entry into the workforce,” says Moitse. “They also offer opportunities to gain experience and pursue further qualifications later.”
She emphasises that there is no single ‘correct’ route.
“Everyone’s journey is different. Some will work immediately and study part-time. Others will invest a year in intensive vocational training. Both pathways are valid. Both lead to economic independence.”
Choosing skills that open doors
Kagiso Trust encourages learners in the class of 2025 — and those currently in matric — to research their options carefully, assess their strengths honestly and choose pathways aligned with real economic demand.
“Matric results open doors,” Moitse says. “Then you have to walk through them — towards skills, towards employment and towards the future you deserve.”
