Towards Technical Empowering of Young Professionals Through Upskilling Programmes in South Africa

Introduction

There is a critical shortage of skilled technical professionals in the Department of Public Works – Professional Service Branch (PBS) particularly in the construction sector. The study argues that the PBS neds to upskill young technical professionals as it wastes money recruiting from outside the country instead of upskilling locals who can stay on the job compared to outside skilled personnel who can easily change jobs or return to their countries of origin. The study also argues that it is vital to upskill young professionals in order to fill the gap created by many professionals who are retiring due to age. Evidence from a variety of literature show that there is critical shortage of skilled qualified young technical professionals to meet the needs of the new talents demanded in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (World Economic Forum, 2016). It is vital that the Department of Public Works upskill and capacitate young professionals with new talents and to ensure that these young professionals are retained in the workplace.

This chapter sought to examine Professional Service Branch and its effectiveness in upskilling young professionals who were previously disadvantaged. The chapter is important because for public sector to be effective efficient and productive, the deployment of skilled and competent technical professionals is imperative. This chapter assesses the effectiveness of the Professional Service Branch at the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in upgrading young, previously disadvantaged technical professionals.