VerifiedGovernment’s own labour market data says yes. DHET’s 2024 National List of Occupations in High Demand includes Electrical Engineer, alongside Electrical Engineering Technician and Electrician. But the same list marks electrical engineering as an occupation where many unemployed people are also registered as jobseekers, which shows that qualifications alone do not solve the shortage.
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What the demand data shows
| Occupation | On the 2024 high-demand list? |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer | Yes, ranked near the top with Mechanical Engineer |
| Electrical Engineering Technician | Yes |
| Electrician | Yes |
Why the gap persists
- Employers look for experienced and professionally registered engineers, not only graduates.
- Candidacy and workplace training take years after a degree.
- Some skills, such as grid, protection and renewable energy work, are specialised.
Routes into the field
| Route | Where | Leads to |
|---|---|---|
| BEng or BSc Eng (electrical) | Universities | Professional Engineer, after ECSA candidacy |
| Diploma or BEngTech | Universities of technology | Technician or Technologist registration |
| Occupational Certificate: Electrician | About 35 public TVET colleges | Trade test and work as an electrician |
| NC(V) Electrical Infrastructure Construction | Public TVET colleges | NQF Level 4 and a route to further study or a trade |
TVET colleges do not award National Diplomas in electrical engineering. NSFAS funds TVET programmes up to N6, and university diplomas and degrees at public universities.
See choosing a college for electrical studies and how many electrical engineers there are.
Frequently asked questions
Is electrical engineering a scarce skill in South Africa?
Government data lists it as an occupation in high demand, although employers mainly seek experienced, registered engineers.
Can I become an electrical engineer through a TVET college?
Not directly. A TVET college can train you as an electrician or start you with NC(V), but a Professional Engineer needs a degree and ECSA registration.
