Labour Market Intelligence research programme

Abstract

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has an important role to play in both identifying the occupations that will support key government policies and improving the responsiveness of the post-school education and training (PSET) system.  The List of Occupations in High Demand (OIHD) is one of the most important mechanisms through which the DHET fulfils this role.  This report presents both the list and the methodology for its development.

To identify the appropriate occupations, occupations were ranked according to an index of relative demand constructed using a range of variables indicating employment, vacancy, and wage pressure, and strategic importance.  In parallel to this quantitative analysis, a review of government strategic documents, and interviews with public and private sector industry representatives and stakeholders were conducted.  A preliminary list was then published for public comment via government gazette.  Once all comments were received, evidence was considered cumulatively to produce the final list.

This publication covers

• Introduction to the List of Occupations in High Demand
• Theoretical Foundation for the methodology
• Methodology for identifying occupations
• Analysis of results
• Presenting the 2020 List of Occupations in High Demand