In a recent publication, leading jobs portal CareerJunction has unveiled its latest employment insights report for January 2024, shedding light on the job skills currently in high demand by South African employers following the last quarter of 2023. This comprehensive report delves into the intricacies of the online employment market in South Africa, providing a detailed analysis of the supply and demand dynamics for various occupations.
The valuable data presented in this report has been meticulously gathered from 5,000 of the country’s largest recruiters, agencies, and employers who regularly post job positions on the CareerJunction portal. The insights provide a nuanced understanding of the current state of the South African job market.
As the report reveals, the final months of 2023 witnessed a marginal uptick in recruitment activity, despite CareerJunction reporting a decline in recruitment from November to December 2023, amounting to a 6% decrease. Furthermore, on a year-on-year basis, hiring activity experienced an 8% decrease compared to December 2022, with CareerJunction noting that the December decrease was more pronounced than the seasonal trend for that time of the year, making it the lowest monthly recruitment activity in the last three years.
The decline in hiring activity during December 2023 was attributed to a slowdown across various sectors, with Finance, Business & Management, Sales, Manufacturing & Assembly, as well as IT and Admin, Office & Support witnessing the most significant hiring decreases. Business & Management professionals, however, saw a 5% increase in hiring activity over the last three months (October to December 2023), particularly in roles such as Middle/Department Management and Senior Management.
Conversely, some fields experienced a slowdown in hiring activity during the same period. Legal professionals witnessed a notable decrease of 25%, while Sales and Marketing roles saw declines of 8% and 4%, respectively. The Building & Construction sector also saw a modest decrease of 3% in hiring activity, with Quantity Surveying roles being particularly affected.
CareerJunction highlighted regional differences in recruitment trends, revealing that recruitment per province in South Africa remained relatively static. Gauteng, as the economic hub of the country, continued to offer the majority of job opportunities, accounting for 50% of the total. The Western Cape experienced a 1% increase in job opportunities in December 2023, making up 24% of the total, while KwaZulu-Natal saw a 2% increase in hiring activity, contributing to 12% of the total.
Focusing on the Building & Construction sector, CareerJunction identified three key skills in demand, particularly in Gauteng – Project Engineer, Quantity Surveyor, and Site Supervisor. Interestingly, this field stands out as one where having a diploma, degree, or qualification isn’t always a prerequisite, with 32% of candidates not holding any formal qualifications for their positions. However, 17% have at least a diploma, and 12% possess a degree.
The report also provides insights into the salary ranges for top-demand positions in the Building & Construction sector:
This information is invaluable for job seekers and employers alike, offering a comprehensive view of the current employment landscape in South Africa. It also serves as a guide for professionals looking to enhance their skills and adapt to the evolving job market. As South Africa navigates economic challenges, staying informed about employment trends and regional variations becomes crucial for making informed career decisions. CareerJunction’s commitment to providing accurate and relevant employment insights makes it a trusted source for both job seekers and employers in the country.
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