Training as a technician can offer solid security
Some matric learners want to study law, others dream of a career in medicine, while others just want to ‘make money fast’. But someone might also say: “I don’t want to spend years studying and still be unemployed. I want something solid, something real.”
That honesty is rare, but it speaks to a growing truth in South Africa. Many young people are questioning whether the traditional university route is the only way to success. And more are beginning to look at trades and apprenticeships, not as a fallback plan, but as a wise, deliberate choice.
Think about the last time your car broke down, your geyser burst or your lights flickered out. Who came to the rescue? It wasn’t a lawyer. It wasn’t a consultant. And it was undoubtedly not AI. It was a skilled tradesperson – a mechanic, an electrician or a technician. These careers don’t always make glossy career brochures, but they are the backbone of our country. They keep homes safe, businesses running and industries alive. Without them, our lives grind to a halt.
And while we don’t always say it out loud, the truth is this: trades are some of the most intelligent career choices a young person can make today.
Strong argument
There are plenty of reasons why trades are more than ‘just jobs’. They’re future proof: AI and automation are reshaping office jobs, but no robot can fix a burst pipe or wire a solar system. Skilled trades will always be needed. They’re in demand: South Africa has a critical shortage of electricians, welders, mechanics and renewable energy technicians, which means strong job security and opportunity.
They can offer faster entry into work: many apprenticeships and certifications take 2–3 years, not four or five. And qualified artisans often out-earn entry-level graduates, with self-employment a strong option. Many artisans go on to start their own businesses, employing others and building family legacies.
Trade skills are recognised worldwide, creating opportunities to work abroad, and South Africa’s renewable energy transition needs solar installers, electricians and technicians more than ever.
As a technician, you can literally see and touch the results of your work, whether it’s a lit-up school, a repaired vehicle or a welded structure that lasts generations.
For years, trades were dismissed as second best. But that narrative is crumbling. The truth? Choosing a trade isn’t about settling for less. It’s about making different choices. Apprenticeships and trades offer a direct and respected route into careers.
Text | Gideon Potgieter
Photography | Anon Tae
Gideon Potgieter is CEO of Resolution Circle.
For more information, go to resolutioncircle.co.za.
