South Africa Skills in Demand
South Africa’s engineering shortage is well‑documented. The country has far fewer engineers per capita than global benchmarks, and this shortage is visible in infrastructure failures, delayed energy projects, and slow digital transformation.
Below is a breakdown of the engineering skills currently in highest demand.
Civil, Structural & Infrastructure Engineering
These are among the most critically short skills in the country.
- Civil Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Transport / Traffic Engineers
- Water & Wastewater Engineers
- Construction Engineers
- Project Engineers
Why in Demand:
South Africa’s infrastructure is ageing, under‑maintained, and in urgent need of upgrades — especially water systems, roads, bridges, and municipal infrastructure.
Electrical, Power and Energy Engineering
Energy shortages and grid instability are driving demand for:
- Electrical Engineers
- Power Systems Engineers
- Renewable Energy Engineers
- Energy Efficiency Engineers
- Grid & Distribution Engineers
Why in Demand:
The energy crisis, renewable‑energy expansion, and grid modernisation require specialised engineering talent.
Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Manufacturing, mining, and industrial sectors continue to face shortages.
- Mechanical Engineers
- HVAC Engineers
- Maintenance & Reliability Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Process Engineers
Why in Demand:
Industrial automation, mining operations, and manufacturing growth require more mechanical and process engineers.
Environmental, Green Economy and Sustainability Engineering
Driven by climate adaptation, environmental regulation, and green‑economy investment.
- Environmental Engineers
- Sustainability Engineers
- Waste Management Engineers
- Water Resource Engineers
Why in Demand:
South Africa is investing in green‑economy skills and environmental resilience.
Mining, Geological and Geotechnical Engineering
Mining remains a core part of the economy.
- Mining Engineers
- Geological Engineers
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Rock Engineering Specialists
Why in Demand:
Mining operations require continuous engineering expertise, and shortages persist across the sector.
Digital, Automation and Systems Engineering
Digital transformation is accelerating demand for:
- Automation Engineers
- Control Systems Engineers
- Instrumentation Engineers
- SCADA Engineers
- Data Engineers (Industrial)
Why in Demand:
South Africa’s industries are modernising, but lack digital engineering talent.
Artisan Trades and Technical Engineering Roles
These are some of the most severe shortages in the country.
- Electricians
- Welders
- Fabricators
- Fitters & Turners
- Boilermakers
- Millwrights
- Engineering Technicians
- CAD Technicians
Why in Demand:
South Africa faces a serious shortage of artisans and technical professionals, with SETAs actively funding programmes to fill the gap.
In Summary
Across all sources, the most critically in‑demand engineering skills are:
- Civil, Structural and Geotechnical Engineering
- Electrical and Power Systems Engineering
- Mechanical, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering
- Environmental and Green‑Economy Engineering
- Mining and Geological Engineering
- Automation, Controls and Digital Engineering
- Artisans and Engineering Technicians
These shortages are expected to continue due to low graduate numbers, emigration, and ageing infrastructure.
