Changing perceptions around artisan careers

Allan Gray Makers is urgently addressing South Africa’s pressing need to double its annual production of artisans. Currently, only 15 000 artisans are trained each year, significantly below the required 30 000 to combat youth unemployment and meet workforce demands. To achieve this goal, at least 60% of school-leavers must be encouraged to consider careers in the trades.

Allan Gray Makers’ initiative aims to inspire young people to pursue these vital professions, securing a sustainable future for the nation’s economy and its youth.

“By highlighting these sobering statistics, we hope to spark a nationwide dialogue about the crucial and often under-appreciated value of technical skills, artisan training and entrepreneurship in the trades by inspiring South Africa’s youth to consider these as viable career options,” says Seth Mulli, Allan Gray Makers programme director.

“By changing perceptions around technical skills and entrepreneurship in the trades and generating interest in a career in the technical trades, Allan Gray Makers also hopes to engender a greater understanding – especially among school-leavers and the youth – of how rewarding this path can be: potentially allowing them to become successful entrepreneurs and business owners in their own right, generate employment opportunities for others and gain financial success.”

In fields like plumbing and electrical work, there exists a wealth of opportunity for building successful businesses and fostering employment, yet these career pathways remain largely unrecognised and undervalued, he says. “We’re looking at changing that perception by shining the national spotlight on these careers and skills, and highlighting the diverse and rewarding career opportunities that artisan skills offer. These professions are not only vital to the country’s economic growth but also provide a solid foundation for young entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses and, in turn, employ others.”

To bring this message home, in the coming months Allan Gray Makers will be sharing success stories of young artisans who have transformed their lives and communities through their craft and have found success. These stories will be featured throughout the Perception Change Campaign, culminating in the Allan Gray Makers Fest in September, where the TVET and Technical Entrepreneurship ecosystem will convene under this year’s theme of “Innovating the Trades for a Sustainable Future”.

The Allan Gray Makers Fest, to be held from 5 to 7 September 2024 in Johannesburg, brings together more than 600 participants from alumni, current Allan Gray Makers Programme participants, like-minded organisations and thought leaders in the technical and vocational space.

Allan Gray Makers Fest provides a platform to celebrate, learn and collaborate, further underscoring the importance and potential of artisan skills in driving economic growth and personal success.