For years South Africa’s energy crisis has affected its economy and society. Eskom, the country’s state-owned power utility, continuously struggles to meet the growing demand for electricity, resulting in frequent and prolonged blackouts.

As the situation worsens, challenges and opportunities emerge for engineers.

Although engineers are crucial when it comes to finding solutions to the country’s energy problems, they have their own difficulties finding jobs, advancing their careers, and keeping up with the evolving demands and expectations of the industry.

The energy crisis vs the engineers

On one hand, demand has increased for renewable energy, electrical, mechanical, civil, and chemical engineers who can design, build, operate, and maintain alternative energy sources while improving the efficiency and reliability of existing power plants and grid systems.

On the other hand, the energy crisis has reduced the availability of engineering jobs in some sectors. For example, according to the Inclusive Society Institution, manufacturing, mining, construction, tourism, and agriculture are negatively affected by frequent power cuts and rising electricity costs. Many are forced to cut costs, reduce production, lay off workers, or even close down.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Engineers looking for jobs or career advancement opportunities may face a lack of:
 

·        Funding and resources for projects and research

·        Innovation and competitiveness in the sector

·        Skills development and training opportunities

·        Diversity and inclusion in the workforce

·        Recognition and appreciation for their achievements

·        Collaboration and communication between disciplines

New types of engineers and jobs

Fortunately, the negative weight of the energy crisis has stimulated innovation and creativity in the engineering sector. New engineering jobs combine different skill sets from various disciplines to address complex and multidisciplinary problems related to energy.

These include:

·        Energy systems engineers design, develop, integrate, optimise, and manage complex energy systems involving multiple sources, technologies, and stakeholders. This role requires electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, and project management skills.

·        Smart grid engineers develop, implement, and maintain technologies that enable more efficient, reliable, and secure electricity transmission and distribution. Skills include electrical engineering, computer science, communication engineering, and cyber security.

·        Energy efficiency engineers improve the energy performance of buildings, industries, and appliances through thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics principles and techniques. Skills include mechanical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, and economics.

·        Renewable energy engineers design, install, operate, and maintain renewable energy systems that use solar, wind, hydro, biomass, or nuclear power. Their skills combine electrical, mechanical, chemical, and environmental engineering.

While these roles can make a significant difference in how the country responds to the energy crisis, the challenge remains to find inspired young minds and provide access to the learning and development required.

What about skills from the past?

While appreciating new types of engineers and jobs, we shouldn’t forget about the knowledge and skills of those who have exited the industry. Even if technology has advanced, golden oldies can help to address current and future energy challenges.

In fact, many retired engineers were taught and trained during an era when technology wasn’t an option, which forced them to develop critical skills including:

·        Problem-solving: Engineers have always been problem-solvers who can analyse, diagnose, and resolve complex issues, relying solely on their expertise, initiative, and experience.

·        Creativity: They could generate, evaluate, and implement original ideas using traditional and modern tools.

·        Mentorship: Because technology wasn’t as prevalent as it is today, most skilled engineers mentored and taught younger generations on the job, giving them tricks of the trade that aren’t widely known today.

·        Ethics: With a passion for problem-solving, engineers prided themselves on ensuring solutions were safe, fair, and beneficial to society. They acted with integrity, responsibility, and accountability because it was in the country's best interest.

If engineering veterans are willing to offer their skills and expertise to government, firms, and institutions, we should consider welcoming input and assistance. This may help to minimise, or at least reduce, the impact of South Africa’s energy crisis.

Tips for companies and candidates

We recommend that firms, institutions, and companies:
 

·        Look for engineering students, graduates, and candidates with skills in renewable energy, electrical engineering, and computer science.

·        Consider approaching retired engineers with experience in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

·        Offer competitive salaries and benefits to exceptional talent.

·        Create a positive, supportive, and collaborative work environment.

·        Prioritise professional development and growth opportunities for potential, new, and existing engineering employees.

If you’re an engineer interested in entering the energy sector:
 

·        Consider developing your skills in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and demand response.

·        Network with other engineers and professionals in the sector.

·        Attend trade shows and conferences related to the energy sector.

·        Keep your skills up-to-date by taking online courses, attending workshops, or doing internships.

Contact Network Recruitment for more insight into engineering recruitment and opportunities in the energy sector.