Q1 2026
VUKA.
Decision tool

Compare two pathways, side by side

Pick any two qualification routes and see hire probability, salary band, time investment and outlook against each other — verified data, no marketing.

Pathway A
GO

AI / Machine Learning Engineer

BSc Computer Science / Data Science → Specialisation

Hire probability
>85%
Starting salary
R700K–R1M+
Time investment
3–5 yrs
2030 outlook
★★★★★ Explosive
Pathway B
GO

Electrical Engineer

BEng Electrical → ECSA registration

Hire probability
>88%
Starting salary
R350K–R560K
Time investment
4–6 yrs
2030 outlook
★★★★★ Critical Need

Source: SAGEA 2025 · DHET 2023 · Stats SA QLFS · GTAC · Xpatweb 2025

The verdict

Both pathways carry the same signal grade. Decide on interest, aptitude and access — the data does not separate them.