CONSTRUCTION IS KEY TO NEXT EMPLOYMENT BOOM

Roelof van den Berg, CEO of the Gap Infrastructure Corporation, says that following the economic downturn over the past few years, the South African construction industry is quickly regaining strength, and ranks among the top ten largest industries in the country. Employing about 1.2 million people every year, the industry has the potential to substantially reduce the country’s high rate of unemployment.

In keeping with the needs of the local labour market, the construction industry has many job opportunities for unskilled and semi-skilled labourers who are often overlooked by other industries. This can make a meaningful difference towards addressing unemployment, poverty and inequality, potential which has been restricted in South Africa due to a lack of investment.

Companies looking to improve their hiring practices and combat unemployment should:

*hire lower-skilled workers and invest in upskilling programmes;

*speed up hiring processes; and

*retain employees during economic slowdowns.

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