Technical Trades: Why South Africa Faces a Critical Skills Shortage - 20 August 2026

South Africa is facing a growing shortage of skilled professionals in technical trades and engineering, with the country falling behind the National Development Plan’s target of producing 30,000 qualified artisans annually by 2030. Dr Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBi, joins us to unpack why young South Africans may be overlooking careers in technical trades amid the growing focus on digital and technology careers. We explore the rising demand for electricians, fitters and technicians, the impact of the skills shortage on manufacturing, infrastructure and the energy transition, and the role of vocational training and apprenticeships in addressing the gap. Dr Dickson also shares why technical trades offer sustainable career opportunities across almost every sector of the economy.