Several of South Africa’s biggest banks are currently hiring, with specific skill sets a high priority for most hiring executives.
Recruitment Platform Pnet told BusinessTech that the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the impact of the fourth industrial revolution in South Africa, which has fostered a “new world of work.”
This new working world is heavily slanted towards science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and IT skills, Pnet said.
BusinessTech asked several banks what roles they are hiring and what skills they are currently searching for, with many highlighting the importance of STEM and IT skills to their operations.
“The key capabilities we need for 2023 and beyond include multi–stack development skills such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud, Machine Learning (ML), and blockchain; User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) skills; data science, actuarial and predictive analytics skills, as well as emerging risk capabilities such as cyber risk, climate risk and open banking risk, amongst others,” Deb Fuller, Group Executive for Human Resources for Nedbank, said.
In addition, Ayn Brown, Chief People Officer at TymeBank, said that the group is currently searching for data, engineering and tech skills.
Discovery Bank, FNB and African Bank also said they were searching for those with STEM and IT skills among their employees.
They are still financial institutions
However, despite the push for IT skills, many banks also stressed that people with financial and commerce backgrounds and those with soft skills are still incredibly important.
Nedbank’s Fuller said that the bank is still looking for skills in human-centred interaction, including marketing, customer service and sales.
In addition, Fuller said that the group is still looking for Chartered Accountants and others with financial acumen.
Moreover, despite acknowledging the importance of STEM skills, Sungeetha Sewpersad, RMB’s Chief People Officer, said it is vital for organisations to have people with backgrounds and qualifications in commerce.
“Accounting and Economics play a critical role in our company, and it is not lost on us that many youngsters are deviating away from this field of study to keep up with global trends,” Sewpersad said.
“In addition, actuarial, business science, research & analysis and soft skills like communication, networking, time management and interpersonal skills are all critical skills.”
