Career guidance · South Africa · Zimbabwe · anywhere

Plan your career with confidence

Name: Tonex Management Solutions
Address: 13 Sharland Street, Germiston, Gauteng, 1401, ZA
Telephone: +27 11 023 1399

See where the jobs are, which skills are in demand and which study route fits you — then use the free tools to take the next step.

All free tools

The job market in South Africa

33.6%official unemployment rate, Q2 2026 (expanded rate 43.8%)

47.4%youth unemployment (ages 15–34), Q2 2026

36.4%of 15–24-year-olds not in employment, education or training

Sources: www.sanews.gov.za · www.gov.za

Skills in demand

The Department of Higher Education's 2024 National List of Occupations in High Demand has 350 occupations. Examples:

ICT: ICT systems analyst, data scientist, software developer, web developer
Trades: Electrician, plumber, welder, diesel mechanic, fitter and turner, millwright, solar installer
Business and finance: Accountant, tax professional, internal auditor, compliance officer, management consultant
Skills development: Skills development practitioner, training and development professional, occupational instructor, assessment practitioner
Technicians: Electrical and mechanical engineering technicians, energy efficiency technician, draughtsperson
Managers: Health and safety manager, project manager, logistics manager, sustainability manager

Some occupations on the list are marked because many unemployed people are already registered for them — check before you choose.

Sources: www.gov.za

Routes into work

University degree. 3–4+ years. Best for professions that require a degree (engineering, medicine, law, accounting, teaching). Needs a Bachelor's pass (SA) or 5 O-levels plus 2 A-levels (Zimbabwe).
TVET college. South Africa has 50 public TVET colleges. NC(V) runs at NQF Levels 2–4, and colleges also offer occupational programmes such as Electrician, Welder, Chef and Bookkeeper. An NC(V) Level 4 can also open the door to higher education.
Learnership. Structured learning linked to a recognised occupational qualification, combining study with work experience at an employer. Learnerships are provided through the SETAs.
Apprenticeship and trade test. Become an artisan — electrician, welder, diesel mechanic, fitter and turner, plumber and more. After your training you pass a trade test and receive a QCTO Trade Certificate.
QCTO skills programme or occupational qualification. Occupationally directed learning — theory, practical and workplace experience — through an accredited provider. Occupational qualifications lead to QCTO certification after external assessment; skills programmes are shorter and focused on a job — ask the provider what certificate you will receive.
Short course. A quick, non-credit course for a specific skill (software, first aid awareness, customer service). You get the provider's own certificate, with no NQF credits.

NSFAS (South Africa): for 2026, NSFAS funded South African citizens at public universities and TVET colleges with a household income of up to R350 000 a year (R600 000 for people with a disability), or who receive a SASSA grant. Applications for 2027 close on 18 November 2026 — check nsfas.org.za for the 2027 criteria.

Before you pay for training, check the provider: the QCTO publishes databases of accredited skills development providers at qcto.org.za. The QCTO warns that employers are reluctant to hire people whose qualifications are not accredited.

Sources: www.sanews.gov.za · www.qcto.org.za · www.dhet.gov.za