99 High-demand jobs: Vocational training can open doors

As the class of 2025 reflects on their matric results and the class of 2026 settles into the new school year, Kagiso Trust has a powerful message for young people: there are 99 occupations in high demand that you can qualify for through technical and vocational education.

Kagiso Trust CEO Mankodi Moitse congratulated all matriculants and said they have 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,” she said.

According to Kagiso Trust, the latest national list of occupations in high demand from the department of higher education and training (DHET) reveals the striking reality that the economy is crying out for skilled workers across numerous sectors.

Of the 350 occupations listed, 99 require certificates at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels 1–5, which can often be obtained in just a year of focused, practical training.

“The business impact of unfilled jobs is severe. According to the 2025 Xpatweb Critical Skills Survey, 89% of businesses said critical skills vacancies are harming their operations and stakeholders, leading to lost productivity, project delays and diminished innovation capacity,” the Kagiso Trust further stated.

Artisans alone represent nearly one in four of critical skills shortages, with 69% of these roles requiring NQF Level 4 or below.

“The report says that an ageing workforce, emigration and inexperience amongst new artisans are creating a 20-year skills gap, leaving South Africa without a strong pipeline of young, work-ready tradespeople,” Moitse said.

99 in-demand occupations

The DHET’s 99 occupations at NQF levels 1–5 aren’t obscure or niche jobs. They span many major sectors of the economy:

Building and construction: Bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, plumbers and pipe fitters are all in demand as South Africa builds and maintains its infrastructure.

Engineering and manufacturing: From welders and boilermakers to millwrights and mechatronics technicians, these skilled artisans keep South Africa’s industrial heartbeat strong. The list also includes toolmakers, fitters and turners, metal machinists and specialised roles such as riggers and patternmakers.

Electrical and electronic: Electricians top the list, alongside electrical line mechanics, instrument mechanics, telecommunications technicians and the increasingly important solar installers who support the transition to renewable energy.

Automotive and transport: Mechanics, vehicle painters and vehicle body builders are all needed to keep the country moving.

Business and Administration: Office administrators, personal assistants, bookkeepers, accounts clerks, payroll clerks, call centre agents and project administrators form the backbone of every organisation. This sector also includes purchasing officers, stock clerks and import-export administrators.

Sales and marketing: Commercial sales representatives, retail buyers, sales clerks, insurance agents and brokers are essential to the economy.

Hospitality and tourism: Chefs, tour guides and flight attendants serve local and international visitors, contributing to a vital sector of the economy.

Healthcare and community services: Community health workers, aged and disabled carers, as well as first aid attendants, provide crucial services.

Security and safety: Security officers, traffic officers, intelligence operators and special forces operators protect people and assets.

Technical and specialised: Geographic information systems technicians, camera operators, interior designers and statistical clerks represent the diversity of skills needed in a modern economy.

“These aren’t just jobs; they are careers with genuine growth potential. 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,” Moitse explained.

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Immediate job opportunities

There’s also good news for learners who didn’t achieve the results they hoped for: the same government list includes 16 occupations requiring no formal qualifications, including waiters, hairdressers, receptionists, taxi drivers and forklift operators.

“These roles offer immediate entry into the workforce, with opportunities to gain experience and pursue further qualifications later.

“Everyone’s journey is different. Some will start working immediately and study part-time. Others will invest a year in intensive vocational and technical training to fast-track their careers. Both pathways are valid. Both lead to economic independence,” she said.

Kagiso Trust, one of South Africa’s leading development agencies, encourages everyone in the class of 2025, as well as those who have just started their matric year, to research their options thoroughly, consider their strengths honestly and choose pathways aligned with real economic demand.

“Matric results open doors, then you have to walk through them towards skills, towards employment and towards the future you deserve,” Moitse noted.