Global Courant 2023-05-21 12:00:36
Despite the call for technical and vocational skills in South Africa, young people with soft skills are more likely to find work.
South Africa’s unemployment rate worsened in the first quarter of 2023 and increased by 0.2% from the fourth quarter of 2022 to 32.9%, with youth unemployment of particular concern.
Youth unemployment for ages 15-24 and 25-34 was the highest ever recorded, at 62.1% and 40.7% respectively.
A major cause of youth unemployment is the perceived mismatch between the skills employers want and those of young people.
The government and private sector have said the economy is in dire need of technical and vocational skills.
According to Career Junction’s Employment Insights Report for February 2023, longer-term demand in the building and construction sector grew by 2%, while most other sectors saw a decline in the hiring trend.
In addition, inside JanuaryPresident Cyril Ramaphosa said that technical skills are badly needed for South Africa’s economy.
“The skills our country needs, the jobs that can grow our economy and, most importantly, the entrepreneurial opportunities so desperately needed, can best be achieved by increasing students’ access to technical and vocational subjects.
The government has been trying for several years to improve the technical ability of the country’s youth.
In 2010, the government established the National Rural Youth Service Corps to provide young rural South Africans with vocational skills to improve their job prospects.
However, according to The Conversation, Professor’s National Rural Youth Service Corps research
Soft skills refer to personal traits that enable individuals to work with others and apply to most types of work.
The researchers said improvements in soft skills, such as problem-solving, networking and leadership skills, were a major determinant of finding a job for the working participants.
Soft skills were also crucial for those starting their own businesses, proving much more important than technical skills.
“Soft skills were just as important in getting young people into permanent employment as technical skills,” said Habiyaremye 702.
The researchers said the important role of soft skills corresponded to the increased emphasis on introducing soft skills into international employment support programs.
They argued that soft skills should be an important part of any youth employment process.
However, in relatively good news, Habiyaremye said the government’s rural plan includes an element focusing on soft skills development.
Read: Even with a degree, South Africans cannot find a job
