By: Janine James - Organisational Development and Learning Manager at Multotec

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the engineering field faces the critical challenge of a diminishing pool of young talent entering the industry. As younger generations increasingly gravitate towards studying robotics, artificial intelligence and design, the industry must redirect its efforts to encourage their participation in engineering.

A primary cause of the decline in engineering skills in South Africa is the lack of exposure to this field at the educational level. Learners are generally not informed about what engineering entails and even less is taught about its subcategories or how diverse the field is in reality.

Compounding this challenge is the common perception that engineering is a “dirty job” leading students to seek more glamourous or financially lucrative careers. On the other hand, those who study engineering at the tertiary level often choose to pursue opportunities outside of South Africa, posing a significant challenge for the sector.

However, it is crucial to redirect efforts towards encouraging the younger generations to pursue careers in engineering, as this field underpins innovation, technological advancement and economic growth. Without increased exposure and participation in engineering, South Africa may face a slower pace of innovation and a shortage of professionals with problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Exodus of skills

Many local organisations are currently facing an exodus of retiring engineers, but a very small pool of young competent talent to replace them. So, while the demand for engineering skills is high, South Africa needs to urgently develop a pipeline of skills to meet this demand.

Unfortunately, the rapidly evolving technological landscape is presenting more attractive career options to young people, which ultimately impacts the country’s current and future engineering skills pool. Many students are choosing to pursue careers focused on emerging technologies which they believe will allow them to solve real-world problems, without realising that engineering underpins these fields.

Emphasising Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is key to nurturing strong technical knowledge and problem-solving skills among students. These subjects form a conceptual framework for understanding complex systems and are likely to drive an interest in engineering.

It is also critical to expose students to real-world applications of engineering concepts and engage them in interactive activities to bridge the gap between theory and practice, which can inspire them to consider a career in engineering. Hands-on experience helps students to see how engineering principles are applied and can then lead to problem-solving. Industry should become more involved in hosting career days and design challenges to stimulate greater interest in this field.

Initiatives to retain talent

Additionally, companies should invest in initiatives and programmes that will help to retain and develop young engineering talent. Because tertiary education is expensive, companies could offer bursaries to engineering students as a form of financial assistance and secure their services during their work-back period. Mentorship programmes also play an important role in ensuring skills transfer from experienced engineers to youngsters entering the organisation, while talent management programmes are key to identifying talented candidates who can be developed further.

Coupling bursaries with career path programmes, job rotation opportunities and rewards for long-term commitment offers additional benefits. This creates a clear roadmap for professional growth and advancement, exposing candidates to various career opportunities within engineering as well as different aspects of the business.

The pressure is on the industry to inspire the next generation of engineers and ensure a thriving and resilient engineering sector for years to come. To solve real-world problems, South Africa needs to keep abreast of how innovation and engineering play a critical role in this.