Young South African Artisans Invited To Compete in The World Skills South Africa Competittion

In support of South Africa's economic growth World Skills South Africa invites young South African artisans to showcase their abilities by pitting their skills against their peers at the inaugural World Skills South Africa (WSSA) competition.  

Supported jointly by the Department of Higher Education & Training (DHT) and MERSeta, World Skills South Africa also represents an opportunity to emphasise the key role that artisans play in the economy.

“We have a considerable talent pool of young artistisans in South Africa, and the World Skills South Africa competition is both about celebrating that talent, as well as communicating how key the artisanal sector is to South Africa’s economy” WSSA chair, Raymond Patel. 

“The fact is,  as a nation, we simply do not have enough artisans. There are more jobs in the artisanal sector than there are candidates – and in a nation that is challenged by unemployment, it’s clear that we need to address this disconnect.”

South Africa requires that training institutions produce 30,000 artisans per year, but to date, only 12,000 are graduating every year.  Placed against the daunting figure of 50.5% youth unemployment, this gap becomes especially urgent.

“We have a youth unemployment rate of 50.5%” comments deputy minister of Higher Education Mduduzi Manana 

“Ironically, 60% of these youth actually have qualifications – just not the right ones to secure them work! The role of the artisanal sector is vital in this regard – we MUST get young South Africans trained and skilled in sectors where the work is.  There is a massive diversity of career options in the artisanal sector, ranging from transportation & logistics, to information& communication technology,  right through to the creative arts and fashion. This past February, we declared 2014 – 2024 the Decade of the Artisan.  We have made it our business  to ensure that there is a dramatic turnaround in youth involvement in this sector, and initiatives like World Skills SA are key in meeting that objective.”

Following the registration period, which closes on 31 October 2014, the entrants will compete against their peers at a provincial level.

The victors of the provincial competition will then graduate to the national  competition, which is being held in Cape Town from the 28th January – 1 February 2015.

The winners of the nationals stand a chance to compete against 74 other nations at the  World Skills International Competition in Brazil in August 2015.

`”South Africans have always distinguished themselves internationally across a variety of sectors, and we have no doubt that the World Skills SA competition is the first step to greatness for the participants of the inaugural event.” concludes Deputy Minister Manana. 

“From industry leaders such as PayPal inventor Elon Musk, who started out as a computer programmer, to Oprah’s own event planner Colin Cowie, to the masterchef himself Benny Masekwameng, artisans are achieving incredible feats on the world stage! Let the games begin!"

Entries are currently open for artisans across 17 categories to enter for the regional competition – the online entries close on 31st October, and youth artisans from the following s are encouraged to enter on www.worldskillsSA.org.za :

1.       Auto Body Repair
2.       Auto Mobile Technology
3.       Beauty Therapy
4.       Car Painting
5.       CNC Turning
6.       Cooking
7.       Electrical Installations
8.       Graphic Design
9.       Hairdressing
10.   IT Network Cabling
11.   Jewellery
12.   Mechatronics
13.   Mobile Robotics
14.   Plumbing and Heating
15.   Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
16.   Restaurant Service
17.   Welding

Please note: 

• To register for the WSSA, candidates should visit www.worldskillsSA.org.za
• The closing date for submissions is 31st October 2014.
• Candidates have to have been born in 1993 or later (not be over than 22 years old in 2014).
• Candidates must be a South African citizen and must submit a certified RSA ID Document and original ID Document before the Regional competition deadline date to be allowed to compete.

Employed applicants may only compete if a written letter of consent, in their employer’s official letter head, is submitted before the Regional competition deadline date. The letter must approve of the contestants availability to participate in all competitions as well as mentoring and preparation activities leading up to the national competition.

World Skills SA is jointly supported by MERSeta (Manufacturing, Engineering & Related Services Seta) and the Department of Higher Education & Training.

Good luck guys. This is a great opportunity. I am a firm believer in young people being proactive about their career prospects. I fully support this initiative and hope it will help some of you build careers.

For more info visit:  www.worldskillsSA.org.za