The Case for Targeted Skills Funding

Not all training is equal. We waste millions on courses that don’t connect to real jobs.

I’ve seen better results when funding is tied to clear labour market demand. In the Western Cape, targeted training in boatbuilding met a local industry shortage and placed graduates quickly. In Gauteng, welding programmes linked to construction contracts had similar success.

We need more of this — training that starts with employer needs and ends with actual jobs. Otherwise, “skills development” is just a line in the budget.