Powell, M, Reddy, V, Paterson, A, (2014) Approaches and methods or understanding scarce skills occupations in South Africa.

The purpose of the present study, is to contribute to the current debates on scarce skills through: (i) Providing a better understanding of what is meant by the terms ‘scarce skills’, ‘occupations in high demand’ and related terms; (ii) Understanding the factors that give rise to the creation of scarce skills; and (iii) Identifying a more coherent and valid method for developing a scarce skills list for South Africa. We build on past experiences of how South Africa approached the construction of the scarce skills list, and identify the lessons that can be learnt from the ways in which other countries develop their scarce skills lists.
We conclude by recommending how South Africa should move forward with constructing a scarce skills list.