Northern Cape youth urged to explore fast-track technical training after matric results

AS THE Class of 2025 reflects on their matric results and the Class of 2026 settles into the new school year, development agency Kagiso Trust has urged Northern Cape school-leavers to consider technical and vocational training as a fast-track route to employment.

The Trust says young people in the Northern Cape still have real options, even if their results were not what they hoped for. The Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) latest list of occupations in high demand shows 99 careers that can be accessed through one-year vocational training, while 16 entry-level roles require no formal qualifications, allowing learners to start working immediately and build skills on the job.

Kagiso Trust CEO Mankodi Moitse congratulated the class of 2025 and said matric results are a milestone, not a conclusion.

“Matric is not the end of the road,” Moitse said. “Now comes the exciting part: choosing a pathway that aligns with your strengths, interests and the real opportunities available in our economy.”

A skills gap offering a real opportunity

The DHET list highlights the scale of opportunity available through technical and vocational training. Of the 350 occupations listed, 99 require certificates at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels 1–5, which can often be obtained in just one year of focused practical training.

Kagiso Trust also pointed to a national business survey showing the real impact of skills shortages. The 2025 Xpatweb Critical Skills Survey found that 89% of businesses say critical skills vacancies are harming operations, causing lost productivity, project delays and reduced innovation.

Artisans alone represent nearly one in four critical skills shortages, with 69% of these roles requiring NQF Level 4 or below, the survey said.

“The report says that an ageing workforce, emigration and inexperience among new artisans are creating a 20-year skills gap,” Moitse said. “This leaves South Africa without a strong pipeline of young, work-ready tradespeople.”

Northern Cape demand is strong and diverse

The Northern Cape’s economy is diverse, with mining, agriculture, logistics and construction forming the backbone of many local communities. This creates strong demand for skilled tradespeople, technicians and service workers, particularly in regional hubs such as Kimberley, Upington, Kuruman and Springbok.

Kagiso Trust said the DHET list includes mainstream occupations across major sectors, not niche jobs.

In building and construction, the list includes bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers and pipe fitters, all roles needed to support ongoing infrastructure and housing development across the province.

Engineering and manufacturing roles such as welders, boilermakers, millwrights, mechatronics technicians and toolmakers are essential in the mining and industrial sectors, particularly in the Sol Plaatje, John Taolo Gaetsewe and Siyanda district municipalities.

The list also highlights electrical and electronic roles, including electricians, electrical line mechanics, telecommunications technicians and solar installers, skills that are increasingly needed as the province expands renewable energy projects.

The automotive sector also has demand for mechanics, vehicle painters and body builders, while business and administration roles such as bookkeepers, payroll clerks, office administrators and project administrators are needed across industries.

In hospitality and tourism, roles such as chefs and tour guides are relevant in areas such as Namaqualand’s coastal tourism and Upington’s river tourism.

Healthcare and community services roles, such as community health workers and carers, are also essential, particularly in rural areas where access to services is limited.

Other roles listed include security officers, traffic officers, GIS technicians, camera operators and interior designers, reflecting the wide range of skills needed in a modern economy.

“These aren’t just jobs; they are careers with genuine growth potential,” Moitse said. “An electrician can become an electrical contractor. A chef can open their own restaurant. A bookkeeper can become a financial manager. Technical and vocational education are launching pads, not dead ends.”

Immediate entry into the workforce

For learners who did not achieve their desired results, Kagiso Trust said there is still good news. The DHET list also includes 16 occupations requiring no formal qualifications, including waiters, hairdressers, receptionists, taxi drivers and forklift operators.

“These roles offer immediate entry into the workforce,” Moitse said, “with opportunities to gain experience and pursue further qualifications later.”

“Everyone’s journey is different. Some will start working immediately and study part-time. Others will invest a year in intensive vocational training to fast-track their careers. Both pathways are valid. Both lead to economic independence.”

A message to Northern Cape youth

Kagiso Trust urged learners across the Northern Cape to research their options, consider their strengths and choose pathways aligned with real economic demand.

“Matric results open doors,” Moitse said. “Then you have to walk through them, towards skills, towards employment and towards the future you deserve.”

About Kagiso Trust

Established in 1985, Kagiso Trust is one of South Africa’s leading development agencies. Over four decades, the Trust has invested more than R2 billion in development and implemented over 1,800 programmes focused on education, institutional capacity building and socio-economic development.

In 2025, Kagiso Trust celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of work to promote equity and socio-economic inclusion.