The youth face the dual challenge of choosing a career pathway that matches their interests and expertise, but is also needed in the labour market. The following sections present information about a broad range of professional fields and the jobs in those fields that are in high demand in South Africa.
Government is the system or group of people governing an organized community – a municipality, province, or country. It is an organizational structure that makes laws, sets policy, and runs the day-to-day affairs of that community. Effective governance can change lives for the better. Government work is broad and includes working in all spheres of government, at all levels. Policy work includes researching and advising on issues faced by communities or interest groups. It includes carrying out developmental work and liaising with internal and external contacts. Depending on the role, it may also involve campaigning for change. Civil society refers to the space for collective action around shared interests, purposes, and values, (generally different from government) with the aim of improving the way government serves communities. Civil society includes charities, development NGOs, community groups, women's organizations, faith-based organizations, professional associations, trade unions, social movements, coalitions, and advocacy groups. Working in government or civil society might be the right choice for you if you want to make a difference to the lives of fellow citizens, and if you enjoy building relationships and negotiating in political spaces.
High Demand Careers in South Africa and NQF requirements:
General Manager Public Service - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Senior Government Official - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Senior Government Manager - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Policy and Planning Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Sustainability Manager - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Water Asset Manager - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Policy Analyst - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
The ICT sector has grown exponentially in the last two decades and is expected to continue along this trajectory. In short, ICT is in many senses the future of work. While to the non-specialist this sector may look homogenous, ICT is in fact a highly varied sector requiring a myriad of different skills and specializations. From IT technicians who install, manage, support and repair equipment, to database administrators who manage organizations data, software developers who develop computer programs, web developers who create the software or websites found online, security specialists who ensure that hardware, software, or data is secured from would-be theft, to a range of analysts including systems analysts, data analysts and other, the demand for jobs in this industry is ever increasing. Take your first steps into a career in ICT by taking one of many introductory courses to be found.
High Demand Careers in South Africa and NQF requirements:
Chief Information Officer - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
ICT Project Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Data Management Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Information Technology Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
ICT Trainer - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
ICT Systems Analyst - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Data Scientist - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Software Developer - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Programmer Analyst - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Developer Programmer - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Web Developer - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Database Designer and Administrator - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Systems Administrator - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Computer Network and Systems Engineer - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
ICT Security Specialist - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Technical ICT Support Services Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
The Creative Arts employment sector refers to a range of economic activities that are concerned with the generation and commercialization of creativity, ideas, knowledge, and information. These include music, film & video, publishing, visual arts, fashion, radio, advertising, literature, performing arts, arts & crafts, design, jewellery, amongst many others. Globally this sector is recognized for its important role in cultivating meaningful work for many millions of people around the world. Work in this sector includes working as musicians, recording artists, music production staff, actors, directors, artists, various kinds of designers including product design, fashion design graphic design, computer game design, illustrators, dance teachers, advertising creatives or art gallerists. People in this field who combine their creative skills with a strong entrepreneurial base have the potential to create or enter lifelong and lucrative careers.
High Demand Careers in South Africa and NQF requirements:
Fashion Designer - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Interior Designer - Higher Certificate (NQF Level 5)
Education is large and varied sector, ranging from early childhood development through to becoming a university Professor. The first thousand days of life have been described as the brain’s ‘window of opportunity’. The development and learning that happens during this period can be an important factor in people’s life trajectories. Early Childhood Development has therefore become to be understood as a critical part of the educational phase. If you enjoy working with older children, teaching at a primary school or high school might be a great career option. All education requires teachers, but great education requires great educators. People suited to become great educators include those people who themselves love learning; are warm, accessible, enthusiastic, and caring; who set a high example for their students; are skilled leaders; who know how to ‘read’ people and shift gears if needed; can collaborate and hold high standards of professionalism. Of course, not all education involves teaching. Academia is the pursuit of the production, research, and teaching of knowledge. Academia can involve any field of academic interest and is as wide as it is endless. If you are passionate about the pursuit of knowledge, an academic career might be the best match for you.
High Demand Careers in South Africa and NQF requirements:
School Principal - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
College Principal - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Faculty Head - Doctoral Degree (NQF Level 10)
Educational Registrar - Doctoral Degree (NQF Level 10)
Departmental Head - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Intermediate Phase School Teacher (Grades 4-6) - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Early Childhood Development Practitioner - Higher Certificate (NQF Level 5)
Education or Training Advisor - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Education or Training Reviewer - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Examination Supervisor - Higher Certificate (NQF Level 5)
Broadly speaking there are six categories of engineering fields, including mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical, management, and geotechnical engineering. Within each of these, there are hundreds of different subcategories of engineering. Engineering uses science and maths to solve problems such as how to design and build machines, structures, utilities, and products. Engineers are practical inventors, designers, builders, and thinkers who use their abilities and skills to improve the physical state of the world, amplify human capability and make people's lives safer and easier.
Trades are occupations that require a special skill, knowledge or ability which can be obtained at a college, technical school or through specialized training. They can be separated in three categories industrial trades (welders, machinists, mechanics, tool and die makers), construction trades (electricians, plumbers, gasfitters, carpenters, bricklayers, technicians, insulators), and service trades (nurses, aides, orderlies, therapists, service technicians). In South Africa, highly skilled artisans are scarce and are in critical demand. As a consequence, the salaries that highly skilled artisans earn can be more than the average worker with a tertiary degree.
High Demand Careers in South Africa and NQF requirements:
Engineering Manager - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Construction Project Manager - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Industrial Engineer - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Industrial Engineering Technologist - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Production Engineering Technologist - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Civil Engineer - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Civil Engineering Technologist - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Environmental Engineer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Mechanical Engineer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Aeronautical Engineer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Marine Engineering Technologist - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Chemical Engineer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Mining Engineer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Metallurgical Engineer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Metallurgist - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Biomedical Engineer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Explosive Ordnance Engineer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Quantity Surveyor - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Agricultural Engineer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Electrical Engineer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Energy Engineer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Energy Engineering Technologist - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Electronics Engineer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Architect - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Industrial Designer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Businesses are the basis of any economy, providing livelihoods for billions of people around the world. From producing, buying, selling, and servicing, businesses fulfil an almost unlimited scope of activity involving almost unimaginable amounts of money. Businesses exist in all shapes and sizes. Within the business environment there are many functions and career opportunities, such as human resources management, supply chain management, administration, product development, marketing, financial management, business strategy, and public relations. Working for an established business provides job security and opportunities for career development. On the other hand, starting your own business provides a chance to grow your own ideas into something that could potentially become meaningful and lasting to you, and others.
High Demand Careers in South Africa and NQF requirements:
Director (Enterprise / Organisation) - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Human Resource Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Business Training Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Recruitment Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Corporate General Manager - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Corporate Services Manager - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Physical Asset Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Programme or Project Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Quality Systems Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Policy and Planning Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Sales and Marketing Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Director of Marketing - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Customer Service Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Research and Development Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Environmental Scientist - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Engineering Manager - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Construction Project Manager - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Supply and Distribution Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Logistics Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Road Transport Manager - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Warehouse Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Fleet Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Airport or Harbour Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Maritime Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Chief Information Officer - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
ICT Project Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Data Management Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Information Technology Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
The law is a set of rules created by state institutions, which are recognised and enforced by the state and state authorities. Legal professionals are involved in the study, development, and application of the law. These could be lawyers, judges, compliance officers, courtroom clerks, academics, paralegals, or a host of other people. Usually, there is a requirement for someone choosing a career in law to first obtain a law degree or some other form of legal education. The three main categories of finance are public, corporate, and personal finance. Public finance includes the financial dealings of the state as well as public entities such as schools and government departments. Corporate finance includes the study and review of economic forecasts, managing company funds, risk, and stock and well as financial reports. Personal finance includes tax planning, investment, retirement planning, and insurance. Both law and finance require attention to detail and being comfortable working within systems of rules and institutions.
High Demand Careers in South Africa and NQF requirements:
Finance Manager - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Credit Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Internal Audit Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Contract Manager - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Management Consultant - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Organisation and Methods Analyst - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Business Development Officer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Organisational Risk Manager - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Business Administrator - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Attorney - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Legal Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Adjudicator - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Actuary - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
General Accountant - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Management Accountant - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Tax Professional - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
External Auditor - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Financial Accountant - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Forensic Accountant - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
The employment sectors of health, science and environment are broad, and often overlap between with other sectors. Health and healthcare careers include doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists, technicians, and many other niches careers such optometrists, sonographers and pharmacists. Medical science involves research into new medicines, medical equipment, or treatments. The broader field of science is large and includes life science (or study of life and living things) and physical science (such astronomy, physics, chemistry, and the earth sciences such as meteorology or geology). Scientists are also academics, and there is overlap here too. Environmental work might be an exciting option if you are passionate about nature and ecological sustainability. In understanding how to manage natural environments or ecosystems in the most sustainable way, an understanding of evidence-based thinking is required.
High Demand Careers in South Africa and NQF requirements:
Health Service Specialised Clinic Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Environmental Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Small Business Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Chemist - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Manufacturing Research Chemist - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Geologist - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Geophysicist - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Hydrologist - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
General Biologist - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Biochemist - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Biotechnologist - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Zoologist - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Medical Scientist - Master's Degree (NQF Level 9)
Agriculture Consultant - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Agricultural Scientist - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Wine Maker - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Food and Beverage Scientist - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Environmental Scientist - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Water Quality Analyst - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Sonographer - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Operating Theatre Technician - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Medical Technician - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Enrolled Nurse - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
The Hospitality and Tourism industries are some of the biggest employment sectors in the world. They can be broadly defined as the set of industries which facilitate or service travel, lodging, leisure, transportation, events and the consumption of food or beverages for the purpose or pursuit of enjoyment or business. These are careers for people who enjoy providing friendly, efficient, and attentive customer service. Consequently, excellent communication skills, patience and a friendly nature are essential for you to thrive in these industries. These careers can be exciting, challenging and varied - requiring hard work and dedication yet bringing a lot of personal satisfaction and reward. Jobs within these industries include tourism guides, tour operators, travel agents, tourism officers, airline crew, cruise-ship crew, travel entertainers, transportation services, hotel staff, various management positions, event planners, PR personnel, chefs, cooks and other restaurant or bar staff, tourism or hospitality entrepreneurs, and many others. Meet people from all over the world, make friends, grow professionally, and expand your horizons.
Top Careers in South Africa and NQF requirements:
Café (Licensed) or Restaurant Manager - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Caravan Park and Camping Ground Manager - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Travel Consultant - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Tour Guide - National Certificate (NQF Level 4)
Hotel Service Manager - No Formal Qualification Required
Despite the rapid changes in the field of media, demand for graduates with media, journalism and communications skills is high. While the traditional roles of journalism and print media are under pressure, new opportunities include being a social media influencer or manager, communications managers or directors and developing online video content, and navigating the increasingly data-rich and dynamic world of online advertising and marketing. The accelerating pace of digitalisation means that online media is a growing sector, and has increasing financial opportunities, career opportunities, and social influence. Employers in media look for a wide range of people with different technical and personal skills. Generally, you are going to need to be confident, enthusiastic and have the ability to build relationships.
High Demand Careers in South Africa and NQF requirements:
Advertising and Public Relations Manager - Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 8)
Book or Script Editor - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Technical Writer - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Interpreter - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Translator - Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6)
Linguist - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
Camera Operator (Film, Television, or Video) - Higher Certificate (NQF Level 5)
