Contents
20 Jan 2026 • 18:29
4 min read
South Africa’s economy needs more skilled hands. Demand for trained artisans — electricians, welders, diesel mechanics and similar trades — is persistent across construction, mining and maintenance work.
This article explains which trades are in steady demand, why that demand exists, and practical pathways into those careers so readers can make grounded choices about skills and work.
Large parts of the economy rely on physical systems that must be built, maintained and fixed. These jobs do not disappear with software updates and are often local, giving workers predictable sources of income.
Policy targets and industry warnings highlight a structural gap: the country is not producing enough qualified artisans to meet long-term needs. Government targets call for a substantial increase in artisan training by 2030, and industry bodies report shortages that constrain projects and growth. Labour Market Intelligence
Several trades repeatedly appear in employer lists and training targets. These include electricians, plumbers, welders and boilermakers, diesel mechanics, millwrights and bricklayers. Demand is concentrated in construction, energy, mining and manufacturing.
Electricians and plumbers are essential for both new builds and ongoing maintenance. Diesel mechanics and millwrights are in demand where heavy vehicles and plant equipment operate, such as mining and logistics. Welders and boilermakers support fabrication and repair across industry.
Employers often report vacancies that go unfilled for months. Firms sometimes recruit from abroad or buy contractors when they cannot find local artisans, a practical sign of shortage in certain specialisations. Industry groups and training surveys document a persistent mismatch between what is produced and what the economy needs. SEIFSA analysis
The typical route into a trade combines classroom learning with workplace experience. Formal apprenticeships and learnerships give the technical knowledge and on-the-job practice needed to pass trade tests and register as an artisan.
There are also Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) routes for people with informal experience. SETAs coordinate many training programmes, and sectoral centres of specialisation run apprentice intakes in partnership with employers. Government briefings describe these targets and schemes.
Pay varies by trade, experience and location, but qualified artisans typically earn more than entry-level general labour. Experienced artisans can move between employment and contracting, which widens earning opportunities over a working life.
For many young people, the trade route reduces the time and cost of entry compared with lengthy academic degrees. It also offers tangible skills that are portable within South Africa and to other countries where similar trades are needed.
Start with local demand: check vacancies and speak to employers in construction, mining, energy or transport to learn which trades they urgently hire. Short courses, shadowing and informal work can clarify whether the daily tasks fit your preferences.
Apply to accredited apprenticeships and register with relevant SETAs or training centres. Where you already have on-the-job skill, investigate ARPL routes that can shorten formal qualification time. Keep maths and technical reading skills sharp; they remain essential for trade tests.
Experience plus a trade certificate can lead to supervisory roles, specialist contracting or small-business ownership. Those who combine technical skill with basic business or digital record-keeping often improve earnings and job security.
Plan for continuous learning: new equipment, safety rules and standards change over time. A pragmatic focus on competence, reliable work, and relationships with local employers will sustain a career longer than short-term trends.
Trades offer steady, practical pathways into work that South Africa needs. The combination of persistent demand, clear training routes and the option to become self-employed makes trades a sensible long-term choice for many young people.
Choosing a trade should follow simple research: confirm local demand, test the daily work, and attach to formal training that leads to a trade test and registration.
