Associations
CALL FOR YOUTH TO PURSUE
CAREERS IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
By Master Builders Association Western Cape ( MBAWC )
The worker shortfall could be addressed if young people stepped up to pursue careers in industries that require trade skills .
While South Africa is ranked number one out of the top 10 countries with the highest unemployment rates globally ( World Population Review ), the Master Builders ’ Association , Western Cape notes that there is a shortfall of 40 000 skilled artisans in the country .
When taking a closer look at the number of qualified artisans in the industry , the most noticeable observation is that over the past three to four years , many qualified and experienced artisans have retired and left the industry . The number of retired artisans versus the number of new entrants does not equate , which has resulted in a shortfall when it comes to training and upskilling new artisans . “ This is a concern , not only for the MBAWC , but for the built sector and country as a whole , as the built environment is a huge contributor to the country ’ s economy ”, says Letitia van Rensburg – training officer at the MBAWC .
Over the years , the MBAWC has kept a close eye on the talent pool within the sector and a key trend that has emerged is that many young people may not be aware of the career opportunities offered to artisans ( such as plumbers , HVACR technicians , builders , carpentry , etc ).
This means that there is an immediate need for associations such as the MBAWC , the Department of Education and the government to start educating young people about career opportunities available within the built environment . Some inroads have been made with the introduction of the A21 programme , but there is still a lot of work to do to close the skills gap .
Although many people can use their hands , for instance , to build a house , skilled professionals are still needed to get the job done according to proper and mandated industry standards . “ Some individuals have the basic skills to build a structure of some sort . However , these structures may not withstand the onslaughts of bad weather or even time , as they were not built by someone equipped with the appropriate skills and knowledge . In essence , being qualified and possessing the correct skills allows for structures that are sustainable , safe and environmentally friendly ,” adds van Rensburg .
Training a qualified artisan takes between three and five years and it takes about 10 years to qualify as a master artisan . What is important for young people to know , is that pursuing a career within the built environment and ultimately qualifying as an artisan is multi-faceted and allows for personal growth and the ability to make a good living once qualified .
The MBAWC has several training programmes aimed at empowering and upskilling young people . One of the best performing training programmes is the Apprentice Training Programme , which is particularly tailored for young people between the ages of 18 and 32 years . The purpose of the programme is to ensure that young people can be placed into the industry as qualified artisans .
In addition , the MBAWC runs a supervisory learnership programme and an occupational health and safety programme , which are both aimed at jump-starting careers for young people in the built environment .
“ As the MBAWC , we are focused on providing learning opportunities for young people , but we need more young people to join and grow in the field . Many retired artisans are willing to mentor new entrants who have a passion for working with their hands . Our young people need to understand that a career that requires one to do physical labor is just as important , and rewarding , as a career that requires one to work on a PC behind a desk ,” notes van Rensburg .
“ One thing about the world we live in today is that there are opportunities and platforms for people to constantly upskill themselves and keep abreast of industry changes . I always advise young people - especially those with a passion for the built environment - to start creating and building things while they wait for their artisan and apprenticeship training applications to be processed .
“ Platforms such as those found online allow anyone to acquire new skills . In essence , my advice is to always be on the lookout for ways to grow and upskill yourself , while knocking on doors of opportunity ,” concludes van Rensburg . RACA
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I September 2022 17