2024 National List of Occupations in High Demand Compiled

Introduction
The 2024 National List of Occupations in High Demand has been compiled by the higher education and training department [1]. This list is designed to improve the responsiveness of the post-school education and training (PSET) system to the needs of the economy and South Africa’s broader developmental objectives. It identifies occupations that show strong employment, wage, and vacancy growth, indicating that employers are likely to recruit for these positions in the medium term.

Purpose of the List
The National List of Occupations in High Demand serves several purposes within the PSET system [1]:

1. Enrolment Planning: It serves as a signpost for enrolment planning at universities, TVET Colleges, and other education and training institutions.

2. Qualification Development: It signals the need for the development of new qualifications, especially to respond to new and emerging occupations and skills needs.

3. Resource Allocation: It guides and informs resource allocation processes.

4. Career Guidance: It informs career guidance for learners and work-seekers.

Review and Publication
The List will be reviewed every two years, subject to availability of resources and consideration of processes. The plan is to publish the next List of Occupations in High Demand in 2026 [1].

High-Paying In-Demand Jobs
While the specific occupations on the 2024 National List of Occupations in High Demand are not mentioned in the search results, it is worth noting that high-paying in-demand jobs that don’t require a degree are also available. According to research from McKinsey & Co., trade jobs in the U.S. skilled labor market are facing record-high pressure [2]. Labor shortages, amplified by disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, have led to increased competition for talent and rising wages for skilled trade jobs.

Some of the most in-demand trade jobs in the U.S. include construction superintendent, manufacturing production manager, and journeyman plumber [2]. These jobs offer strong job security and median salaries ranging from $61,500 to $84,600.

Sources:

1. 2024 National List of Occupations in High Demand compiled-Sabinet
2. High-paying in-demand jobs that don’t require a degree, according to new research-CNBC Make It
3. High Demand Occupations | U.S. Department of Labor