Check out these 15 hot jobs

By Sharon Davis                     

Eight years ago, Lungile Mchunu  of Bloemfontein in the Free State, was a technician for a local consulting engineering company. Armed with a technical diploma, she continued to study for a degree while she worked, earning a B.Tech in transportation engineering.

Today, Mchunu is a provincial government transportation specialist. As the Free State's Deputy Director General for Roads and Transport, she is responsible for transportation planning and traffic law enforcement in the province, as well as the planning, design, construction and maintenance of roads. Her new job pays more than double that of her old one - and she loves it. "Most people have never heard of a roads or transportation engineer," she says.

Anyone looking for a job today ought to follow Mchunu's lead. By increasing her knowledge in a high-skills area, the 32-year-old mother of two vaulted into a managerial job in one of the fastest-growing occupations in one of the country's fastest-growing fields - construction and engineering - which, along with a handful of other industries, is expected to lead employment growth in South Africa over the next few years.

"Construction has been the fastest-growing sector in the South African economy for both 2005 and 2006," said Andrew Donaldson, National Treasury deputy director general, at a recent Construction Conference in Durban. "This is likely to continue up to the hosting of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup."

Many jobs in the fast-growing fields value brains above all else; they demand complex skills - and pay well for them. Luckily, almost anyone who's motivated and flexible can take part in the shift - whatever their background.

Ready to switch industries and get the training you need? One of these jobs is within your reach. For some, now's the time to make the leap. In the information technology sector, for example, the demand for programmers and project managers is urgent.

Working with Manpower, a global employment consultancy that analyses workforce trends, we've identified five fields among those likely to offer the most growth in the near future. Within each we've picked one job for high school graduates of any age (HSG), experienced white-collar managers (WCM) and recent tertiary institution graduates (TIG). Here they are:

Construction

As we gear up for the World Cup, building and infrastructure development projects are booming. The result: there's a noticeable shortage of qualified engineers, technicians and artisans. A recent survey conducted by Manpower indicates an anticipated 40% increase in employment in the construction sector. "Engineers with university degrees are in demand and will remain so for at least the next five years," says Tim Hackney, Manpower South Africa's managing director. "Technicians with a recognised diploma and relevant practical experience are also in demand. These include electrical, civil, mechanical and electronic engineers or technicians."

Electrician (HSG)

Andrew Merrifield, a consultant to the Construction Industry Development Board, says the country has a critical shortage of trained artisans, incuding diesel mechanics, fitters and turners, electricians, etc. If you have a technical mind and like working with your hands, why not become a skilled tradesman. You'll need to get an N3 [this is required] certificate at a technical college, to serve an apprenticeship and to pass a trade test. "South Africa is producing about 5 000 artisans a year," says Glen Fischer, policy director of the National Business Initiative. "We need to more than double that."
Salary range: R80 000 to R250 000.

Document Controller (WCM)

Administrative skills are key in this job, in which you manage and maintain an integrated documentation system that securely stores, files and archives project documentation and correspondence. Computer literary and exposure to AutoCAD, as well as experience in document control, could see you working in a lucrative position within an engineering or building and construction company.
Salary range: R200 000 to R380 000.

Transportation Engineer (TIG)

Interested in doing what Lungile Mchunu does now? To become a professional engineer, you'll need a degree specialising in engineering. In addition, your chances of securing a top job would be enhanced if you're registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (www.ecsa.co.za). "Employment in engineering will be booming for the next 10 years," says Elize Potgieter  of Network Recruitment in Pretoria, specialists in engineering placements.
Salary range: R240 000 to R650000.

Information Technology

Essentially, this is a fancy name for computerisation and the control of information through the use of computers, which today underpins everything from ATMs to fighter jets. According to Manpower, the IT sector in South Africa went through a slump from 2000 to 2003 but has since made an amazing recovery. Their recent survey shows an anticipated 30% increase in employment in this sector.

Computer Technician (HSG)

Boost your odds of being hired to maintain and fix computers - as a salaried worker or as a consultant - by getting the appropriate certification, such as an A+, N+, MCDST or MSCE. Louis de Klerk  of Insource, a company specialising in IT recruitment, says employment in the industry is strong.
Salary range: R100 000 to R130 000.

Data Analyst (WCM)

Join this high demand area by building on your business acumen with product specific training that will give you the tools to provide data analyses in the investigation of commercial crimes like the Shabir Shaik trial. Training in i2's products, especially Analyst's Notebook, will boost your career, says Heather Merrington, 31, an independent data analyst who interprets data for many high profile commercial cases. "An affinity for working on computers and a tertiary education will help to put you ahead of other applicants," says Merrington. "But it's really a person's natural aptitude for the job that counts." Banks, auditing firms, the SA Revenue Service and specialised police units often have positions available for data analysts.
Salary range: R150 000 to R350 000.

Programmer (TIG)

Demand is high for programmers, particularly those with strong Microsoft skills. Use your degree or three-year diploma to optimise and enhance system functionality and assist with user support and queries. Patience is important when dealing with end users, says fifty-two-year-old freelance programmer Fiona Tozer,  who improves and develops programmes for a variety of clients. "Attention to detail is also important, as well as the ability to think logically," she adds.
Salary range: R170 000 to R450 000.

Tourism and Hospitality

According to Statistics South Africa, the number of international visitors has increased from 3.6 million in 1994 to 7.3 million in 2005 - and the number continues to rise. As a result, Manpower anticipates a 31% growth in employment in this sector. "Tourism is going sky high," says Sheryl Ozinsky, CEO of Cape Town Routes Unlimited. "Tourism in South Africa increased by more than seven percent last year, almost double the world average of four percent - and this is translating into investment in further tourist attractions and the creation of more jobs in the industry," she says.

Chef (HSG)

This job is a perfect fit for food lovers with a creative flair and initiative to create attractive presentations and new exciting dishes. Strong organisational skills and computer literacy could see you cooking your way up into the top earning bracket. Study while you earn towards a diploma in professional cookery, culinary and food science, hospitality management, or food and beverage management.
Salary range: R54 000 to R264 000 as a head chef in a top hotel.

Resort Manager (WCM)

Management skills are key in this job, in which you coordinate all the resort's various services and supervise personnel. Qualification requirements vary from resort to resort, says Bruce Botes, operations manager for Cathedral Peak Hotel in the Drakensberg. "I don't have a formal qualification - I got into the industry by mistake, looking for a job before joining the air force, and now have 22 years' experience; but our general manager has a hotel management diploma," says Botes. "To be successful you'll need to be a people person, and have the ability to talk to anyone."
Salary range: R150 000 to R400 000.

Publicist (TIG)

Use your excellent writing and presentation skills, along with a sharp media savvy, to promote South Africa's unique destinations, either for individual establishments, the burgeoning number of tourist routes or one of the official tourism offices. A degree or diploma in public relations, communication or journalism is a must, along with a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, e-mail and the Internet; desktop publishing skills would be an advantage. "To be successful you have to be able to see the forest and each set of trees," says Lesley Schroeder McLean, managing partner of PR Africa. "Attention to detail and a passion for simple, direct communication is everything."
Salary range: R120 000 to R350 000 - and up to R650 000 for top senior positions.

Financial Services

Increasing affluence among the formerly disadvantaged and a strong emerging black middle class, with the need to make smart medium- and long-term investment decisions, is driving growth in this sector. "The financial sector has been growing strongly for the past four months and is going to grow even more over the next five years," says Charl Viljoen, branch manager of Communiqué Personnel Group in Gauteng. Respondents to Manpower's survey expect a 32% increase in employment in finance, insurance and real estate.

Claims assessor (HSG)

Of course, not all finance-sector jobs involve investments. Property-casualty insurers and vehicle insurers, for example, need people to work with policyholders in assessing claims, evaluating losses and settling payments. "The implications of the FAIS Act mean that, once introduced, anyone working in the insurance industry will need to meet certain qualifications," says Charles Humphreys, a mechanical breakdown warranty assessor. "We are all studying and doing assignments at the moment - so that we will meet the Act's requirements once it is introduced."
Salary range: R130 000 to R200 000.

Investment Consultant (WCM)

Your background in finance, business or consulting at corporate level will leave you well suited to make the switch to investment consultant. Knowledge of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act would be an advantage, registration with the Financial Services Board is required, and a Certified Financial Planner qualification is desirable.
Salary range: R180 000 to R480 000.

Management Accountant (TIG)

Management accountants advise senior management on the financial implications of decisions, work out profitability analyses and draw up annual budgets. Your business degree with articles will stand you in good stead and accreditation with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants or as a chartered accountant will boost your earning potential.  "People with exposure to an international environment working to international reporting standards are in demand," says Viljoen.
Salary range: R250 000 to R450 000.

Manufacturing and Marketing

With the favourable exchange rate of the Rand against major international currencies, exports will increase. As a result, manufacturers will be looking for staff across all sectors. Car exports are expected to increase by more than 30% and manufacturing will be a big driver in economic growth. Manpower forecasts a 28% increase in employment in the manufacturing sector.

Sales Representative (HSG)

The world is driven by sales. "To become a successful salesperson an individual has to be achievement-orientated and resilient," says Hackney. He believes that the demand for talent in sales will continue for at least the next decade.
Salary range: Varies dramatically from R36 000 plus commission to R180 000 plus commission.

Quality Manager (WCM)

If you are organised and naturally pay attention to detail, this could the job for you. Familiarity with costing, stock control, the South African Bureau of Standards and the standards of the International Organisation of Standardisation is a recommendation.
Salary range: R200 000 to R400 000, depending on industry; expect to earn at the top of the range in a specialised area, such as aviation.

Brand Manager (TIG)

Use your degree or diploma in commerce, with marketing specialisation, to prepare marketing plans, brand awareness, advertising and promotions, monitor sales and create innovative product launches and specials. "To enter this field you will need a firm understanding of management accounting and the financial impact that your brand plans will have on the firm's profits," says Jennifer Smith, marketing and brand manager for the SA Sugar Association.
Salary range: R180 000 to R400 000.