The National Engineering Skills Survey was launched on the 8th October 2013 to determine the extent of available engineering skills in South Africa. The survey, initiated by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and supported by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Economic Development Department (EDD), aims to inform national engineering skills planning.
The survey takes 8 minutes to complete and will run until 15 December 2013. All registered and non-registered engineers, certificated engineers, engineering technicians and engineering technologists should visit www.engsurvey.co.za to participate. This includes engineering practitioners educated in South Africa as well as those educated beyond our borders who are currently working in South Africa, and those who studied engineering in South Africa but have left the industry or emigrated. The education pathways of technicians and technologist through the artisan, technical college, technikon or university of technology routes, is of particular interest, as South Africa is considering articulation pathways for future training.
Data obtained through this survey will help build an updated picture of SA’s available engineering skills and guide future action required to strengthen the engineering skills pipeline. It will also assist ECSA to address needs voiced by practitioners.
Over 6 000 responses were recorded in the first month and emerging trends indicate that:
* The profile of the profession has transformed significantly from the traditional white male profile of the past in terms of race, but limited progress has been made in terms of gender.
* Some 10 % of projects carried out by local engineering practitioners are international projects, largely based in Africa.
* Less than 7% of engineering practitioners working in South Africa are foreigners.
* Most retired practitioners are willing to continue working as consultants.
* 40% of engineering practitioners have post-graduate qualifications, mostly in technical specialisation areas.
* 74% of respondents registered with ECSA value the professional designation and the recognition of expertise it provides.
* One of the main reasons why practitioners do not register with ECSA is because their work environment does not require registration.
* Some 4% of respondents also hold Government Certificates of Competence.
* Comments on the registration system indicate that it takes too long and that communication with candidates needs to be improved.
* 66% of practitioners belong to recognised voluntary engineering associations.
* Those who have left the profession mostly work in consulting and professional services.
* Most would like feedback on the survey.
In order to reach as many engineering practitioners as possible, ECSA’s Acting CEO, Edgar Sabela is calling on all interested and affected parties to support this campaign by informing their engineering stakeholders, staff, colleagues and friends of the survey and urging them to participate.
A detailed report on the findings will be published in April 2014.
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