How can corporates help address the skills shortage

It is both the public and private sectors responsibility to address the skills shortage in our country.  Finding a qualified workforce remains a challenge for economically viable entities. By addressing this shortage, a country’s growth, development and sustainability can be drastically improved and future generations are able to further positively contribute to local business success.  

Last year, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimade released the National Scarce Skills List, the Top 100 Occupations in Demand.

To view the list of the Top 100 occupations in high demand in South Africa click on the link below:

http://www.inseta.org.za/

In South Africa there are currently as many as 829 800 unfilled positions for high-skilled workers, according to the latest Adcorp Employment Index. Link this to an unemployment rate of 24.3% and it is easy to see that a change needs to be made.

In order to address our skills shortage we need to work together. The youth market needs to understand that they are the driving force in terms of closing this skills gap. They need to focus on personal development through education in order to equip themselves for their future careers.  But it doesn’t start and end with our youth.

It is also up to organisations across all industries to ensure that the future for all South African youth is brighter.

What role do corporates play?

1: Experience

Education through experience is a key aspect in training and skill development. Offering internships or apprenticeships to candidates looking to start in an industry can go a long way in preparing them for a career or profession.

2: Opportunity

There are countless South African’s who would love to capitalise on an opportunity to prove themselves in an organisation. Mentorship and training programmes provide youth with an opportunity to learn and grow in the field they would have studied.

Consistent engagement with the youth allows organisations to adequately identify potential new recruits. The selection process for graduate programmes, though vigorous, ensures that the right candidates are placed in positions were they can effectively contribute to the economic growth of a country.

3: Continuous learning

Allowing employees to study further can benefit business, employees and South Africa. Further education increases the skills competency of employees and improves staff morale. By acquiring more knowledge, employees are able to improve their marketability and contribution to the organisations they work for.

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Your company can take the skills of South Africans to the next level!

Whether it’s technology, study fees, registration, textbooks or accommodation, Eduloan can assist with all educational finance requirements.

And with expense management, salary deductions, complete fund and bursary administration and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects your business can expand while you change lives.

Since 1996 Eduloan has awarded study loans to the value of over R4 billion.

To contact Eduloan today visit www.eduloan.co.za or call 0860 55 55 44.