Top Scarce Skills to Study for in South Africa

Having scarce skills can put you on the path to a great career. Not sure where to start? We’ve made a list for you. Here are the top scarce skills to study for in South Africa

Thinking about furthering your education? Before you decide on a course, perhaps you should take a look at what the top scarce skills to study for in South Africa are. This could help guarantee a job once you graduate.

person climbing a mountain. Top scares skills to study for in south africa.

What are Scarce Skills?

Scarce skills are skills or qualifications that are in high demand with employers. It means that there is a shortage of people in the country who are able to perform that job. 

Top Scarce Skills to Study for in South Africa

Studying a scarce skill can benefit you greatly. This is because you’ll have many job opportunities and a high earning potential. Some of the top scarce skills to study for in South Africa include:

  • Accounting
  • Artisanship
  • Library Sciences
  • Healthcare
  • Forensic Science
  • Engineering
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Occupational Health and Safety

Accounting

Qualified accountants are important for helping our economy grow and develop. If this is what you’re interested in, you can jump in immediately with our ICB Courses. And the best part is that you can start studying some of these accounting courses with just grades 10 and 11. 

Artisanship

An artisan is someone who is highly skilled at working with their hands. These include builders, electricians, boilermakers and carpenters. You can study these through TVET colleges.

Our country needs more artisans to help improve infrastructures such as schools, bridges and roads. 

Library Sciences

There is a need for more librarians who specialise in collections and acquisitions. .

South Africa has a very rich history. So we need professionals who can select, quality check and collect the right information and make it accessible to the public. 

Healthcare

There is a large shortage of doctors and nurses, even more so during the pandemic. Government hospitals especially have their hands full with the amount of patients who walk through their doors. We need more qualified healthcare workers who are registered with the HPCSA

Forensic Science

With the high crime levels in our country, forensic scientists play an important role. They ensure that all the evidence is examined so justice can be served. Our Forensic Science Courses will help you gain industry-specific skills so you can take this field by storm.   

Engineering

Engineers work in a variety of industries and make use of maths and science to problem-solve. They improve our cars, internet, medical technology and so much more. But many qualified engineers are choosing to work overseas, leaving South Africa with a shortage in this skill. 

Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management supervises the production and distribution of products and services. It’s a crucial part of having a successful business. It increases customer satisfaction while decreasing the operating costs of a company. It’s a win-win situation. If you want to enter this industry, you can study our Supply Chain Management Courses today!

Occupational Health and Safety

Effective Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) keeps employees safe by reducing injuries, illnesses and even deaths. South Africa has many high-risk workplaces, such as mines, so it comes as no surprise that OHS is on the list. Get clued up on how to create safe work environments by studying our OHS Courses.   

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Gain Top Skills With Us

Are you ready to learn scarce skills to guarantee your spot in the workforce? Don’t wait, you can start studying our courses immediately. To get more information, contact our course experts today. You can:

  • Call us on: 0800 39 00 27 – It’s free!
  • Fill out our contact form and we’ll call you back  

People Also Ask

South Africa faces a shortage in skills related to information technology, engineering, health care, and specialized artisanal trades, reflecting a high demand for technical and professional expertise.

Rare careers in South Africa include specialized roles in technology (like AI and machine learning experts), renewable energy specialists, and certain medical specializations such as oncology and virology.

Job-scarce skills refer to expertise and qualifications in fields where there is a high demand for professionals but a low supply, such as in certain engineering disciplines, ICT, and specialized healthcare services.

Careers in technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and digital marketing are expected to have more scope in the future in South Africa, driven by technological advancements and evolving market needs.

Last Updated: 22 December 2023

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