Higher standards, better results

Higher standards, better results

Each year, the release of the matric results unleashes a frantic conversation about how to meet the demand for skilled workers to support the South African economy. We live in a world where technological innovation is vital for global competitiveness. So, unsurprisingly, a lot of attention is given to maths and science results and to the number of matriculants choosing technical courses at the tertiary level.

Although our circumstances are unique, South Africa is not alone in its concerns about technical skills. The global shortage of skilled workers is likely to explode in the coming decades.

According to one projection, the unmet demand for workers with a tertiary qualification will be as high as 40-million by 2020.

To make matters worse, populations are ageing in countries such as Japan, China and Germany. This means the supply of educated workers in these regions will decline.