Skills are key as entry-level jobs become harder to access

Pnet’s Head of Insights and Customer Success, Paul Byrne, says South Africa’s job market is undergoing a major transformation, with entry-level positions becoming harder to access and upskilling now a necessity for jobseekers.

“What we're seeing is that jobs which were typically accessible to people straight out of school and who may not yet have any skills or formal qualifications - even a certificate - are finding it increasingly difficult to enter the job market,” he said.

Byrne noted that overall growth in the "jobs economy" between November 2024 and November 2025 showed a 6% increase in the volume of advertised positions.

“That’s a particularly positive signal… there is growth, companies are expanding, and they’re creating these opportunities.”

He added that South Africa is rapidly becoming a skills-based economy, where specific skills are valued as much as formal education - making upskilling essential.

“Anyone in the job market today really needs to focus on ongoing learning, especially given the changes we’re seeing in the workplace with AI and other technological advancements.”

To listen to Paul Byrne in conversation with 702's John Perlman, click the audio below: