Multotec Highlights Urgent Need to Inspire Future Engineers

Multotec has raised concern about the shrinking pool of young talent entering South Africa’s engineering sector, warning that the trend could hinder future innovation and economic growth. With older engineers retiring and fewer graduates choosing the profession locally, the industry faces a widening skills gap. The company points out that while robotics, artificial intelligence and design attract increasing interest, learners often overlook that engineering underpins these very fields.

To address the issue, Multotec emphasises the importance of greater exposure to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in schools, coupled with practical engagement through career days, design challenges and mentorship. They stress that bursaries, structured career path programmes, and job rotation opportunities can help retain talent, while mentorship and skills transfer initiatives are essential to building a sustainable workforce.

The company further notes that initiatives designed to make engineering more visible and accessible could help shift perceptions and demonstrate how engineers play a crucial role in solving real-world problems. Strengthening these pipelines, it argues, will be central to maintaining a vibrant and resilient engineering sector in South Africa.

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