Scarce skills in South Africa: career paths worth exploring

South Africa’s job market is changing rapidly. While some industries are shrinking, others are facing a shortage of qualified professionals. These are known as scarce skills – specialised abilities and qualifications that are in short supply but in high demand. For students and professionals, scarce skills present a unique opportunity: careers that offer stability, strong earning potential, and faster career growth.

 

Why choose a career in scarce skills?

Building a career in a scarce skills field comes with distinct advantages:

  • Job security → employers compete for scarce talent, making your role more secure, even in uncertain economic times.
  • Higher earning potential → scarcity drives demand, often resulting in above-average salaries.
  • Faster career progression → With fewer qualified professionals in your field, opportunities for promotion and leadership open up sooner.
  • Contribution to South Africa’s growth → Scarce skills play a direct role in nation-building, from infrastructure development to digital innovation and education.

 

Scarce skills in South Africa

According to labour market trends, the following fields are among the most in demand:

 

1. Information technology (IT)

IT specialists drive digital transformation, powering innovation across industries.

High-demand roles: software developers, cybersecurity experts, data analysts, AI specialists.

 

2. Healthcare

South Africa’s shortage of healthcare professionals is worsened by emigration, an ageing population and rising health needs.

High-demand roles: doctors, nurses, pharmacists, surgeons, healthcare specialists.

 

3. Engineering

Teachers, especially in STEM subjects, are urgently needed to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.

High-demand roles: maths teachers, science teachers, technology teachers, university lecturers.

 

5. Finance & Accounting

Businesses and government institutions need skilled financial experts to manage growth and ensure stability.

High-demand roles: accountants, chartered accountants (CAs), financial analysts, auditors.

 

Educational pathways to scarce skills careers

To pursue a scarce skills career, you’ll need the right qualifications:

  • IT Specialists → BSc in computer science, information technology, software engineering, or data science. Supplement with industry certifications (AWS, Microsoft Azure, CISSP)
  • Healthcare Professionals → MBChB (medicine), BCur (nursing), BPharm (pharmacy), plus registration with the HPCSA
  • Engineers → BEng or BSc engineering; professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
  • Teachers → BEd for teaching; PGCE for graduates entering education. Registration with SACE is required
  • Finance & Accounting → BCom in accounting or finance; CA(SA) designation via SAICA for Chartered Accountants

 

Career opportunities in scarce skills fields

Graduates with scarce skills are sought after across industries:

  • IT → careers in finance, telecommunications, healthcare, e-commerce, government. Employers include Naspers, Vodacom, Standard Bank.
  • Healthcare → public/private hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, NGOs. Employers include Netcare, Discovery, Aspen, Dis-Chem.
  • Engineering → mining, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Employers include Eskom, Sasol, Transnet, Concor.
  • Education → public/private schools, universities, consulting. Employers include the Department of Basic Education, private schools, tertiary institutions.
  • Finance → banking, insurance, government, corporate finance. Employers include Deloitte, PwC SA, Old Mutual, Sanlam, Capitec.

 

Future trends in scarce skills

The definition of scarce skills is evolving as industries transform:

  • Technology → AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing are driving IT demand.
  • Green economy → renewable energy engineering and sustainability consulting are emerging scarce skills.
  • Healthcare → specialised practitioners and advanced medical researchers will remain in demand.
  • Education → teachers skilled in digital learning and STEM will be increasingly valuable.
  • Finance → risk management and data-driven financial analysis are growth areas.

 

Building your future with scarce skills

Choosing a scarce-skills career means more than just job security – it’s about aligning your future with South Africa’s growth. By pursuing the right qualifications, embracing continuous learning and staying adaptable, you’ll position yourself in an industry where demand is rising and opportunities are abundant.

 

Emeris: preparing you for the careers that matter

At Emeris, we align our programmes with South Africa’s scarce skills list, ensuring you graduate with qualifications that employers need most. Through our Education by Design approach, you’ll gain not just theoretical knowledge, but also practical experience, adaptability, and the confidence to do well in industries shaping the future.