If you study to become an engineer
A recent study by the World Economic Forum (WEF) revealed how the Fourth Industrial Revolution has begun to change the nature of work. Technology now impacts every area of human life, and jobs within the Information Communications Technology (ICT) field will only continue to grow in the future. This means that while some jobs in the market will become useless or redundant over time, it is also a time of opportunity, provided you have armed yourself with the right tools — in the form of skills — to benefit from these changes.
According to a future of jobs report from WEF, these are just some of the skills you will require in order to “future-proof” yourself :
1. Complex problem-solving
2. Critical thinking
3. Creativity
4. People management
5. Co-ordinating with others
6. Emotional intelligence
7. Judgement and decision-making
8. Service orientation
9. Negotiation
10. Cognitive flexibility
Careers in Demand in South Africa
The 2016 Career Junction Index, which examines the current the demand for jobs in South Africa, indicated an increase in the demand for jobs within the ICT, telecommunications and finance industries. Some of the careers in demand include those in :
Software development
Middle management
Consulting
Cost and management accounting
Financial analysis
Internal auditing
The sectors that are indicating positive employment trends are :
Health and medicine
Information technology
Engineering
Media and design
Construction
Skills in Demand in South Africa
Every two years the department of higher education and training releases a list detailing the top 100 occupations in the country that are in short supply. This list aims to provide a better sense of what is needed in the market at a skills level to empower South Africa. Most of these occupations require mathematics (not mathematical literacy), English and either natural sciences, accounting or life sciences at high school level. This list was last updated in 2014.
Top 20 in-demand jobs in SA
1. Electrical engineer
2. Civil engineer
3. Mechanical engineer
4. Quantity surveyor
5. Programme or project manager
6. Finance manager
7. Physical and engineering science technician
8. Industrial and production engineer
9. Electrician
10. Chemical engineer
11. Construction project manager
12. Mining engineer
13. Accountant (general)
14. Energy engineer
15. Materials engineer
16. Electronics engineer
17. Metallurgical engineer
18. Medical superintendent /public health manager
19. Telecommunications engineer
20. Energy engineering technologist