The newly-launched Postgraduate School of Engineering Management (PSEM) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) is ideally placed to bridge the skills gap in the South African engineering industry.
Delivering an address at the official launch, Dr. Tom Marshall, COO of SMEC’s Africa Division, commented that the PSEM would “develop the engineering management skills and knowledge of its students to produce innovative young engineering managers with key competencies.” Dr. Marshall highlighted that “the industry suffers from a shortage of black mid-management candidates, as well as a very small number of senior black engineering managers, to serve as mentors and role models.” However, the looming management succession crisis “will create new opportunities for graduate engineers who are equipped and willing to fast-track their careers and take on higher-level management responsibilities at a relatively youthful age.” This is particularly relevant in an African context, with South African engineering graduates having access to the entire continent. “Africa has become one of the fastest-growing economic regions in the world. For engineering graduates, the opportunities are as many as one could possibly imagine.” In terms of the major challenges, Dr. Marshall highlighted the dearth of appropriately skilled, top-class engineering managers.These were sorely needed to bridge the gap resulting from the skewed age distribution in the South African engineering profession.
“We need large numbers of appropriately educated and experienced engineering and technology managers to manage, lead and mentor South Africa’s young technical human resources. When compared to international benchmarks, our future engineering managers will be young themselves.
