South Africa currently finds itself in a constrained environment. In order to alleviate this constraint, Eskom, the dominant (and state-owned) electricity supplier in South Africa has embarked on an electricity capacity expansion programme. One of the constraints on the capacity expansion programme, as identified by Eskom, is the shortage of skills including that of engineering skills. Firstly, an understanding of the background to the shortage of engineering skills in South Africa and Eskom was gained through literature review. Thereafter, a list of contributors was identified in terms of the skills shortage in South Africa and Eskom. In addition to this local view of the engineering skills shortage issue, the author of this dissertation supplemented this with a review of international literature. The issue was then documented using systems thinking diagramming techniques which eventually culminated in the development of a draft systems dynamics model of the shortage of engineering skills in Eskom for the capacity expansion effort. Once the draft system dynamics model was developed, the author of this dissertation conducted one-on-one interviews with staff members who represented the stakeholders in the engineering skills shortage issue for Eskom's capacity expansion programme. This enabled the author of this dissertation to share his understanding of the problem with the interviewees and to gain an improved understanding of the issue by listening to the interviewees. Thereafter, this improved understanding was utilised to update the systems dynamics model. Finally, this updated model was utilised to perform an analysis to determine the leverage points to alleviate the engineering skills shortage problem in Eskom's capacity expansion programme. The literature survey suggested that mentorship, retention of current engineering skills and improving the image of engineering (in general) should be pursued to alleviate the shortage of engineering skills in the electricity industry. Furthermore, the use of interviews and systems dynamics modelling suggested that there needs to be a core focus on mentorship. In addition, effort should be allocated to attracting more of the under-represented groups into engineering i.e. women and black males. Furthermore, effort needs to be placed on specifying the capacity expansion resource requirements adequately i.e. plans in terms of numbers of people, qualifications and skill level are required. Finally, the interview process highlighted the view (not supported by systems dynamics modelling) that outsourcing of engineering work and importing of engineering skills should be pursued as a last resort. KEYWORDS Eskom, Engineering Skills Shortage, Capacity Expansion Programme. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.

South Africans leaving their country of birth is not a new phenomenon. South Africa currently has a large shortage of engineers and the fact that engineers are seeking better opportunities abroad is worsening the skills shortage in South Africa. Engineers form a vital part of any manufacturing, design, supply or production entity and leave a large setback if a skilled, experienced engineer decides to emigrate. Official statistics from self-declared emigrants showed that 601 engineers out of the total 16,165 self-declared emigrants left the country in 2003. This figure can be double the given number of 601 if the multiplication factor of 2.0 is taken into consideration for people that do not complete the emigration forms at the airports. The focus of this study was to investigate the emigration potential of the skilled engineer along with the factors that might lead to emigration, and were classified into three distinctive groups, namely, economic, political and social. These aspects are generally referred to as "push" factors that drive people out of the country such as racism, crime and violence; as well as "pull" factors that attract people such as better work opportunities, better salaries and better education. An electronic survey questionnaire was used to determine the emigration potential of the engineers within a large mining organisation. The respondents had to indicate their emigration potential as well as the major factors that would contribute to them leaving South Africa. The overall measured potential for emigration within the specific mining organisation was significantly low. Only twenty percent of respondents agreed that they are planning to emigrate within the next five years and only two percent within the next year. Forty-six percent of respondents agreed that they would rather like to work in another country for only a few years than to emigrate permanently. Various reasons could have lead to the contradicting low measured emigration potential within this specific organisation. Literature has proven that there is a significant relationship between intention to emigrate and organisational commitment. Results also showed that emigration potential tend to increase the better the engineer is qualified; with the emigration potential amongst electrical and mechanical engineers higher than all other disciplines. Crime and violence were the number one factor impacting the respondent in terms of potential emigration. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

South Africans leaving their country of birth is not a new phenomenon. South Africa currently has a large shortage of engineers and the fact that engineers are seeking better opportunities abroad is worsening the skills shortage in South Africa. Engineers form a vital part of any manufacturing, design, supply or production entity and leave a large setback if a skilled, experienced engineer decides to emigrate. Official statistics from self-declared emigrants showed that 601 engineers out of the total 16,165 self-declared emigrants left the country in 2003. This figure can be double the given number of 601 if the multiplication factor of 2.0 is taken into consideration for people that do not complete the emigration forms at the airports. The focus of this study was to investigate the emigration potential of the skilled engineer along with the factors that might lead to emigration, and were classified into three distinctive groups, namely, economic, political and social. These aspects are generally referred to as "push" factors that drive people out of the country such as racism, crime and violence; as well as "pull" factors that attract people such as better work opportunities, better salaries and better education. An electronic survey questionnaire was used to determine the emigration potential of the engineers within a large mining organisation. The respondents had to indicate their emigration potential as well as the major factors that would contribute to them leaving South Africa. The overall measured potential for emigration within the specific mining organisation was significantly low. Only twenty percent of respondents agreed that they are planning to emigrate within the next five years and only two percent within the next year. Forty-six percent of respondents agreed that they would rather like to work in another country for only a few years than to emigrate permanently. Various reasons could have lead to the contradicting low measured emigration potential within this specific organisation. Literature has proven that there is a significant relationship between intention to emigrate and organisational commitment. Results also showed that emigration potential tend to increase the better the engineer is qualified; with the emigration potential amongst electrical and mechanical engineers higher than all other disciplines. Crime and violence were the number one factor impacting the respondent in terms of potential emigration. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The study investigated the concept of the psychological contract and its influence on engineers’ worker engagement. The underlying rationale for this study was to address the shortage of engineers and specialised artisans (that is, the shortage of skilled people in two of the professions where such a shortage poses a threat to the economic growth of South Africa) by determining the worker engagement of engineers. The study also attempted to identify the true drivers of engagement for engineers which can then be used as a baseline for further development of business specific strategies. The sample was engineering personnel in the South African project engineering sector, and a combination of two existing questionnaires, the Psychological Contract Inventory (PCI) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), was used to gather the data. It was concluded that generally engineers are loyal to the task at hand and not necessarily to the organisation that employs them. They are engaged in their work, but also indicate that they constantly seek to improve their education and experience to make future employment at other companies probable. A somewhat contradictory finding is that they claim to be satisfied with the employment offered to them, as well as the benefits they receive. To ensure the retention of skilled employees, the study proposes that employers of engineers diversify from time to time, or introduce some variation. Even internal shuffling can be used to continually challenge the engineers. It is further recommended that companies should ensure that there are clear career paths for engineering employees, combining secure employment with stable and realistic benefits. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

South Africa currently faces challenges such as high levels of unemployment, inequality and poverty. The skills deficiency in South Africa is one of the biggest obstacles to finding employment and poverty reduction. According to McGrath (2012), the TVET sector needs to be strengthened in order to provide access to high quality technical vocational education for all. This dissertation investigates the potential of a TVET college as a catalytic public building to uplift its community through both secular and educational functions. Humans are makers, everything around us are either made by humans or nature. By possessing the necessary skills to shape things, we also have the skill to shape our futures. This project investigation will specifically look at skills as intangible heritage and how collaboration can empower communities in shaping their own futures in a resilient manner. / Suid-Afrika ervaar huidiglik uitdagings soos ho? vlakke van werkloosheid, ongelykheid en armoede. Die vaardighede tekort in Suid-Afrika is een van die grootste struikelblokke om werk te kry asook om armoede te bestry. Volgens McGrath (2012), moet die TVET sektor versterk word om toegang te voorsien tot ho? gehalte tegniese beroepsonderwys vir almal. Die verhandeling ondersoek die potensiaal van 'n TVET kollege, as 'n katalitiese openbare gebou, om sy gemeenskap op te hef deur beide sekul?re en opvoedkundige funksies. Mense is makers, alles rondom ons is of deur die mens of die natuur gemaak. Deur die nodige vaardighede te h? om te kan maak, het ons ook die vaardigheid om ons toekoms te vorm. Hierdie projek-ondersoek sal spesifiek kyk na vaardighede as ontasbare erfenis en hoe samewerking gemeenskappe kan bemagtig in die vorming van hul eie toekoms in 'n veerkragtige manier. / Mini Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Architecture / MArch (Prof) / Unrestricted

Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2020 / This thesis examined the impact skills shortage among artisans in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) field have on the industry. The rationale for this investigation is based on the view of engineers and company owners in the HVAC industry that there is a dire need to train more artisans and to improving the skills of already qualified artisans. The thesis employed a mixed method research approach and reviewed relevant literature. Empirical data was obtained from HVAC contracting companies being members of the South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (SARACCA) in the Western Cape. The study demonstrates that there is a shortage of skilled and qualified artisans in the HVAC industry. Although there are individuals within the HVAC industry who are passionate about training, their efforts cannot supply the whole industry with knowledgeable qualified artisans. More emphasis should be placed on basic education, the level of artisan training, continuous training of qualified artisans and the retention of skilled artisans. Based on the findings, the study concluded that skilled artisans and poor quality workmanship is being experienced on a continuous basis. The lack of skilled artisans and the cost implication to obtain skilled artisans force companies to employ unskilled labour. It is recommended that the industry should work closer with government agencies to ensure that training being offered by private training institutions and colleges is aligned with the industry requirements. This together with an improved education system will secure skilled artisans.

The technological development of society has led to an increased demand for IT-related skills in multiple industries. The need has grown so large that demand exceeds supply, resulting in a significant skills shortage problem among companies. The purpose of this case study is to examine how the shortage of IT-related skills has been managed among local IT companies in a small island community and how a relatively new education concept, 01 Edu System, can function as a solution to the skills shortage. The concept provides an intensive campus-based programming education that, together with local IT companies who are partners, aims to solve the skills shortage. Six interviews were conducted with representatives from local IT companies that collaborate with a newly established school, grit:lab, which uses this concept. The study shows that it is still difficult to say whether the concept will solve the skills shortage, but several opportunities and weaknesses have been identified. A central problem is that IT companies demand experienced developers who are difficult to find and the companies also have limited ability to employ newly graduated developers. The new concept can therefore partly solve the skills shortage. This investigation provides insights into how various challenges related to the skills shortage can and should be addressed in the future, as well as how a concept like 01 Edu System can support companies' skills supply.

Magister Administrationis - MAdmin / The lack of skills and capacity has been cited as one of the key reasons for organisations failing to recruit staff, with 81% of companies in South Africa experiencing recruitment challenges. More specifically, the problem of low skills and capacity has had an impact on the ability of the state to meet its goals and objectives in a variety of public service areas. In fact, in 2006, a question time session in the National Assembly revealed the enormity of the problem. The President, while being questioned on the crisis arising from a lack of suitably qualified people in the Public Service, referred to a skills audit conducted in 2004. The audit, conducted across 284 municipalities, revealed the number one challenge in the context of service delivery as that of a lack of skills. In this context, the City of Cape Town has adopted an ambitious Human Resource Strategy. One of the Human Resource initiatives is the Skills Development Strategy .This broad strategy provides for the implementation of various interventions that facilitates the development, capacity and retention of local government officials in the City. This notwithstanding, it would seem that the City’s remedial action in terms of skills development and retention is not meeting the prescribed intentions of its HR strategy.The study was guided by the following assumptions:The skills development strategy of the City is aimed at appropriate training and development of local government officials that will facilitate career planning and retention of staff.The City’s broader HR strategies will create an enabling environment in achieving the strategic objectives of the various interventions aimed at skills development and retention.The skills development strategy will enhance employee motivation and loyalty towards the City and hence reduce employment turnover.Successful implementation of the City’s skills development strategy is dependent on effective and innovative human resources policies and interventions aimed at developing the talent pool of the City.The primary objective of the study was to critically examine the strategic aims of skills development strategy as adopted by the City of Cape Town in 2007.In this regard, secondary objectives include:critically examining the legislative and regulatory framework for skills training and development in South Africa, critically examining the policy and regulatory framework that informs the management and development of human resources in the City Of Cape Town,contextualising the need for more rigorous training and development interventions within the City of Cape Town,identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the various interventions put in place to facilitate the implementation of the skills development strategy of the City, and finally proposing recommendations to overcome the implementation challenges. The research relied on theoretical research methodology to collect data for the study. Primary and secondary sources of data were used. Secondary sources included books, journals, and government policies and documents. Primary sources included interviews and personal observations.

Thesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / In developing countries like South Africa, a skills shortage is already one of the most important problems of the twenty-first century. Consequently, South African public institutions have adopted an internship programme to enhance skills development, knowledge and experience, concentrating on a particular population. An internship, as established by the South African Cabinet in December 2002, is a graduate work experience programme aimed at unemployed graduates aged 18 to 35. Therefore, the study assessed the impact of the internship programme on skills development in selected government departments in Limpopo Province. Secondary to the aim, the study explored the nature of internship programme and skills development in public institutions. It also evaluated the link between an internship programme and skills development and concluded by highlighting challenges and opportunities for an internship programme. The researcher used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, with semi-structured questionnaires for current and previous interns, to achieve the study's goals. Face to face interviewing method was used to collect data from public officials in the three selected government departments in Limpopo Province - Department of Education (DOE), Provincial Treasury, and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. Although public institutions are regarded as hosts of internship programme, pitfalls associated with the internship programme in the South African public institutions persist. The study found, to a large extend, a huge impact of internship programme on skills development in the three selected government departments in Limpopo Province. The study further established that not all participants were clear with the job description of the internship programme. The imprecise job description could confuse interns as they would not know their expected daily performance in government departments. The study argues that such may result in displacement and a lack of sense of belonging among interns within their respective government departments. / (Services SETA)

This study aims to investigate manufacturing industries in the Gnosjö region’s perception of the skills shortage within the industry and how they experience the situation and are affected by it. The overall research question focus on examining how manufacturing industries within the Gnosjö region address the skills shortage. This is explored through breaking down the research question to examine the organizations’ understanding of the causes of the skills shortage in the region, their perspective on competence and their strategies to counteract the skills shortage. By using a hermeneutic methodology and a qualitative approach, interviews with eight HR professionals working at organizations in the manufacturing industry in the Gnosjö region formed the basis of the study’s findings. The results were interpreted based on the study’s theoretical framework and the presented prior knowledge. The conclusions are drawn from the findings and show various aspects. Causes of the skills shortage included outmigration from the Gnosjö region and a negative perception of the industry which reduces interest in working in the sector. Respondents primarily viewed competence in terms of longterm perspective and noted a redefinition of the concept of competence due to the skills shortage. Different ways to counteract the skills shortage are presented, including organization’s role in increasing interest in the industry, building of reputation to become attractive employers, recognizing well-being as a significant factor for employee retention, and approaches to competence development. This study aims to shed light on the problem of the skills shortage in the manufacturing industry, how to handle the skills shortage and provide different perspectives on competence. / Denna studie syftar till att undersöka tillverkningsindustrier i Gnosjöregionens bild av kompetensbristen inom branschen samt hur de upplever och påverkas av den. Den övergripande frågeställningen för studien handlar om att undersöka hur tillverkningsindustrier i Gnosjöregionen upplever och hanterar kompetensbristen. Detta undersöktes genom att frågeställningen har brutits ner till att undersöka vad kompetensbristen i regionen beror på, hur respondenterna beskriver kompetens samt hur de motverkar kompetensbristen. Med hjälp av en hermeneutisk metodologi och en kvalitativ metodansats har intervjuer med åtta personer som är verksamma inom HR på tillverkningsindustrier i Gnosjöregionen utgjort grunden för studiens resultat. Med hjälp av studiens teoretiska utgångspunkter och presenterade tidigare kunskaper tolkades resultatet. Slutsatserna av resultatet har olika aspekter. Orsaker till att kompetensbristen existerar visade sig bland annat handla om utflyttningen från Gnosjöregionen samt att det finns en negativ bild av industrin som minskar intresset av att arbeta där. Synen på kompetens från respondenterna handlade huvudsakligen om långsiktighet och att det har skett en omdefiniering av begreppet kompetens till följd av kompetensbristen. Olika sätt att motverka kompetensbristen presenteras genom organisationernas roll i att öka intresset för industrin, deras arbete med ryktesbyggande för att bli attraktiva arbetsgivare, hur de ser trivseln som en stor faktor till att anställda vill stanna kvar inom organisationen samt hur de arbetar med och ser på kompetensutveckling. Ambitionen med studien är att belysa problemet som kompetensbristen innebär för tillverkningsindustrin, hur man kan hantera den samt bidra med olika synsätt på kompetens.