The brain drain concern is becoming a reality

[Isetech]

The general and road side spark might be able to do simple installation, like installing twin+e and connecting DB's etc. they are dime a dozen, much like inspectors doing COC's.

What I have found is a huge demand for sparkies who can repair machines. I am getting a lot more calls from customer looking for someone to repair machines and equipment. In our small group of 10, we are left with only 2 in this country, the other 8 have chosen to relocate their families to a safer environment. The same with master electricians, they also seem to be leaving at a steady rate.

Is this a reality or am I just blowing hot air ?

[Justloadit]

There is definitely a major shortage of qualified, but skilled technicians.
I am also getting inquiries if interested in doing electronic control repairs.
The problem is that it is always urgent, and when presented with the bill the fight starts.
I am avoiding this and continue servicing with my own products.

Many of the failures is due to lack of skills of the operational staff running the machines.

[skatingsparks]

Qualified people - literally thousands as far as i can make out. People who were taught how to pass a (a really outdated) trade test - and thats it.

I mean they are churning them out at quite a rate. Every day there is new school ad of my facebook - get trade tested R12000

So many "trade schools". Absolutely no skill or ability to think! Just lots of people who drew a star/delta starter and linked some pins on a board out on the right day.

There are times when I have work for 10 people and can't find 1 who has any idea. Qualification means you are of a certains standard - er... NO!

Yes, any chop can replicated a house rewire. 2.5 for sockets, 1.5 for lights.... blah blah blah. Even then the sockets are all different height.

Saw a socket "install" on a ware house a few weeks back. Ware house is over 400 meters long. Needed socket for cleaning from the gererator board used for the offices - no probs - they ran a 2.5mm flat twin and earth just under 500 meters and wondered why the pressure washer and vucuum cleaner were not working very well.

Licensed guys, signed off by the company owner. Didn't know for teh life of him why it wouldn't work. Volt drop? Volt what?

Governments short term solution to a problem - churn em out.

There is PLENTY (like a life time) of work for those that have the skills. Sad story is..... so many think they have the skills.

And when people say I'm leaving all you hear is "good, let them go".

You need skilled people to pass on their skills. Pay R12000 and you are qualified if theres no one left to teach you the actual skills..... Sorry for you.