Newcastle’s economic landscape, boasting a myriad of industries, now faces a critical juncture following South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent proposal to remove the work experience requirement for entry-level positions.
During his recent State of the Nation Address, President Ramaphosa said, “We reiterate our call to companies, departments and SOEs to remove the requirement for work experience for young people seeking entry-level positions.”
However, exactly how feasible would this be, especially when considering how experienced staff are required to elevate a business?
Regional Director at KZN Region Workforce Staffing, Ponch Maduray explained that from an experience perspective, President Ramaphosa’s aims and goals are gallant, yet businesses can’t compromise their operations if a person with a certain (even fairly low level) of skills is required.
“This is where a TES (Temporary Employment Service) can come in and a person can be placed with the right balance of skills and experience to perform the job optimally. This will open the market up for the TES to employ a school leaver and provide them with the necessary training to get them to obtain a certain level of skills and gain valuable experience,” stated Maduray.
Yet, when zooming into Newcastle’s job sector and the industries currently seeking skilled hands, Maduray said, “In assessing the most sought-after jobs in Newcastle, machine operators stand out prominently, driven by the robust demand observed within our client-base engagements in industries like manufacturing, construction, and logistics.”
Additionally, Maduray stated that it’s worth noting that sectors such as security may also harbour significant demand, even if not as actively represented in Workforce Staffing’s current interactions. He said this highlighted the diverse employment landscape of Newcastle, where various industries presented unique opportunities, and staying attuned to evolving trends across sectors is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the local job market dynamics. On average, Workforce Staffing receives 100-450 employee applications for the manufacturing and logistics sector. Of that figure, 60% of the applicants are from the manufacturing sector, while 40% are from the logistics sector.
Expanding further on this, when looking at the most common job applications that Workforce Staffing receives in terms of job qualifications and experience, Maduray explained that while the company received a variety of job applications throughout the year, it also varied depending on the time of year.
“During the ‘Christmas-December’ season we commonly have a spike in the applications for retail sector. During the year, we receive various job applications in Business Administration, Machine Operators, Drivers, and Artisans. In general, we get 3000 applicants a month,” emphasised Maduray.
While seeing a large number of local applicants monthly, the question arises regarding out-of-towners seeking potential job opportunities within Newcastle, as this indicates the allure of Newcastle and if it is seen as a good relocation point for people hailing from other parts of South Africa.
However, according to Maduray. “The area is very self-sufficient. We hardly must consider out of town applicants. Our primary objective is to employ from the surrounding community before we go outside of the community because of skills shortage. We get about 5-10 out of town CV’s,” he pointed out.
Delving further into the matter, Maduray explained that when considering the careers most commonly in demand in the region, several sectors emerge as key contributors to employment opportunities. “In the engineering sector, positions for artisans, semiskilled labourers, and unskilled labourers, often referred to as general workers, are consistently sought after.”
Likewise, he noted that within the manufacturing sector, roles such as machine operators, cleaners, and drivers remained in high demand.
“Additionally, in the retail sector, positions like cashiers and floor staff are frequently sought after, reflecting the ongoing need for customer service and sales support roles. These observations underscore the varied employment landscape of the region, with opportunities spanning across different industries and skill levels, catering to diverse workforce needs and preferences,” clarified Maduray.
When looking at predictions for jobs that would be in demand within Northern KwaZulu-Natal in the coming months, Maduray explained, “We have seen a spike in the Engineering sector applicants in the past few months, it might be an indicator of the job market at present or something to come. It is hard to tell. We are optimistic that Government and Business led programs will yield some positive results which will assist in eradicating unemployment.”
While acknowledging the intricacy of President Ramaphosa’s proposal, Maduray asserted, ” In my view, it is complex issue which requires much contemplation. The initiative to employ Youth by relaxing the requirements for prior work experience is one that speak to practicality in various parts of the job market. Some positions are accommodating, while others require extensive skill which comes with experience to execute safely and effectively.”
In conclusion, the discourse over the necessity of work experience persists, prompting businesses and the community to engage in critical reflection on the potential implications of President Ramaphosa’s proposal. The delicate balance between fostering opportunities for young job seekers and maintaining operational efficiency remains at the forefront of discussions, urging stakeholders to navigate this complex terrain with careful consideration.
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