Gerber, A and Crafford, G (2025) Shocking shortage: the electrical trade crisis in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Management, Procurement and Law, 178(2), pp. 94-102. ISSN 17514304
Abstract
This study examines the shortage of professional electricians in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, exploring the root causes, consequences, and potential solutions. Using an interpretivist paradigm and inductive approach, qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with local electricians were analysed through thematic analysis. Findings indicate that inadequate training opportunities and low industry awareness are major contributors to this shortage, leading to an increased presence of unqualified electricians. The analysis identified three primary themes: causes, including insufficient training and awareness; consequences, such as diminished industry standards and rising unqualified practitioners; and potential solutions centred on educational reform and expanded vocational programs. While this study is limited to the Eastern Cape, it provides valuable insights that may inform similar regions, offering actionable recommendations for industry stakeholders. By addressing these training and awareness gaps, stakeholders can help reduce the shortage, enhance workforce skills, and improve overall industry standards. The research underscores the critical need for educational initiatives and awareness campaigns to counteract skilled labour shortages, emphasising that targeted strategies could stimulate sustainable workforce development. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of labour market dynamics in the construction sector, with particular relevance for the sustainable growth of skilled trades.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | awareness campaigns; construction; education & training; electrician shortage; skilled labour; training challenges; vocational education; workforce |
| Index terms: | dynamics, paradigm, labour market, presence, vocational education, electrician, interview, skilled labour, strategy, inductive approach, program, workforce development, thematic analysis, practitioner, construction sector, South Africa, shortages |
| Subjects: | environmental science, economic analysis, practitioner, professional education, research methods, Geography, data collection methods, industry analysis, systems engineering, management, education and knowledge transfer, economics, software systems, methods and analysis, professional development |
| Topics: | Human Resources, Digital Applications, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions, Supply Chain Management, Education, Engineering Principles, Geographical Context, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here