Young professionals don’t stay in the same field for too long. This threatens the longevity of consulting engineering firms, says Young Professionals Forum Gauteng North Chairperson Mosa Tsoai.

Tsoai notes several reasons for this problem. These include a lack of career development and mentorship programmes as well as remuneration.

He proposes a variety of solutions to this problem. In terms of career development, Tsoai sees a need for promoting personal development among young professionals as well as providing them with a variety of work opportunities. He feels firms should engage client bodies to put emphases on quality based tendering as opposed to price based tendering. He further propagates the development of mandatory mentorship programmes and recognition of firms that produce registered young professionals.

Addressing the schooling problem

A further problem Tsoai has identified is a lack of understanding and awareness about engineering at some schools. He believes it is vital to change this for economic growth, delivery of infrastructure and sustainability of infrastructure development companies.

To rectify this problem, Tsoai proposes ongoing interventions. These include a job shadowing initiative, possible adoption of schools by engineering firms, presentations to learners, and firms getting involved in school career days.

Only a small percentage of students are getting the marks required do study maths inclined courses such as engineering. South Africa’s quality of maths is ranked 143^rd out of 144 countries survey in the World Economic Forums Report.

While government is required to address the maths problem in schools, Tsoai says the private sector must be proactive in seeking solutions to address the problem. He suggests initiatives such as maths programmes and volunteering resources to aid students.