By Maureen Phiri, Director of Oxygen People Solutions
South Africa's energy transition is placing new demands on the construction sector. As the country expands its grid, integrates renewable energy and modernizes infrastructure, construction companies are moving beyond traditional projects to deliver solar and wind farms, support grid expansion, and work on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) programs for energy security. This shift is changing the way projects are delivered and the skills required on site. Additionally, the adoption of AI-powered tools is improving efficiency and risk management. However, the pace of change is highlighting the gap between the skills available and the skills required for modern, large-scale energy infrastructure. Bridging this gap will be critical to supporting South Africa's energy transition.
has become a manufacturing center
Energy Month is an opportunity to recognize how the role of construction has changed. The sector is now directly involved in delivering energy infrastructure, from renewable generation projects to grid expansion and reinforcement.
The implementation of the Transmission Development Plan (TDP) highlights this change. The TDP focuses on expanding network capacity in areas where new renewable projects are being developed while strengthening system stability and refurbishing aging infrastructure. They also support the integration of alternative energy sources, including battery energy storage systems, and reduce reliance on coal-fired generation.
For construction companies, this means delivering more complex and technically demanding projects, while also contributing to investment and job creation with the expansion of energy infrastructure.
Technology is reshaping the landscape
As construction projects become more complex and closely linked to energy infrastructure, site operations are also evolving. Digital tools, including AI-enabled systems, are increasingly being used to manage these projects and improve coordination of work on site.
Teams now have access to real-time site data, allowing them to track progress and respond more quickly when issues arise. AI-powered project tools can flag delays or risks early, helping teams take corrective action before problems escalate. Tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) are used to help identify design issues early, avoid rework, and reduce material wastage. On site, automated tools and monitoring systems are used to monitor conditions and manage safety risks by reducing the risk of high-risk activities.
These changes improve the way projects are managed, but they also change the skill set required on site. Workers need to be able to work in a more digital environment and work with AI-enabled systems as they become part of standard site operations.
growing skills gap
The adoption of digital and AI tools in construction is coming at a time when the industry is already facing a shortage of skilled professionals. An aging workforce coupled with limited training opportunities has reduced the number of new entrants into technical roles. At the same time, demand for experienced professionals has increased, especially for roles that require both technical expertise and experience with modern manufacturing methods.
This has made it even more difficult for companies to recruit the right people. Skilled professionals are in high demand and can command higher rates, while recruitment timelines are extended as candidates complete existing projects. This creates pressure on project delivery and increases costs.
When the right skills are not available at the right time, project timelines are adversely affected. Delays in appointment or gaps in capacity can slow progress and increase risk, particularly on complex EPC and independent power producer (IPP) projects.
Skills transfer and development need to be prioritized
One of the main challenges is the limited transfer of knowledge from experienced professionals to new entrants. Senior staff are often focused on meeting project deadlines, leaving little time for structured mentorship and training. Without deliberate intervention, this slows down the development of new skills in the workforce. It also increases reliance on a small group of experienced individuals rather than building broader capability across teams.
To address this, skill development needs to be more structured. This includes creating opportunities for mentorship, expanding training programs, and using technology to support learning. Virtual tools, including AI and simulation, can provide experience in complex environments and help accelerate skill development.
Energy Month is an ideal opportunity to promote these initiatives, including programs that train youth in renewable technologies such as solar PV installation. Increasing awareness of career pathways in the field can also help guide education and training choices.
Building the workforce for the energy infrastructure of the future
South Africa's energy transition will depend largely on its ability to provide infrastructure. This requires a construction workforce that is equipped to work on renewable projects, integrate digital tools, and operate in more complex environments.
Developing this capacity will involve skilling existing workers and preparing new entrants for the demands of modern manufacturing. It also requires making better use of the experience that already exists in the industry, ensuring that knowledge is transferred before it is lost.
Addressing skill development and technology adoption together will enable the construction sector to support the energy infrastructure needs of the country. This will not only improve project delivery but will also help in creating a more sustainable and capable workforce for the future.