Brain Drain: 60% of Mauritian Skilled Artisans Leave for Canada

Mauritius’s economy faces a growing threat as vital trades, including construction, plumbing, and mechanics, are grappling with a severe lack of qualified personnel and insufficient public recognition.

Essential manual professions, which ensure the daily function of infrastructure and support critical services—from the upkeep of public and private buildings to industrial plant maintenance—are being hampered by a significant deficit of skilled labour, according to an analysis of the local job market.

A key concern is the under-valuing of these professions, which demand precision and skill.

This lack of respect, compounded by issues like perceived lack of professionalism among some uncertified individuals, is driving qualified workers overseas, particularly to Canada, in search of better opportunities.

Brain Drain and Lack of Respect

The emigration of skilled Mauritian artisans is highlighted by the trend of economic migration to countries like Canada, where 60% of immigrants come through economic programmes, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Stéphane Maurymoothoo, founder of the Regroupman Artisanisien, underscores that these trades are “vital for the country” but often lack the necessary consideration. This sentiment is echoed by those on the ground.

• Jean-Claude, a joiner for 20 years, notes the social stigma: “When I say I’m a joiner, some people think I failed at school. Yet it requires precision, patience and creativity… we are not respected as much as an office worker.”
• Reyna, a woman with a construction degree, speaks of the struggle to change attitudes on sites, where she is often viewed with astonishment.
• Independent mechanic Suren Mungla points to unfair competition from uncertified, inexperienced workers operating at half-price, which damages the reputation of reputable tradesmen.

Furthermore, a distinction between “staff” and “non-staff” within companies, even visible at year-end events, can discourage young recruits, and workers’ salaries generally remain low.

Training Efforts Contrast with Youth Unemployment

Despite these challenges, the Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD) offers a range of training programmes in manual trades, including motor mechanics, masonry, plumbing, scaffolding, and carpentry, as well as creative fields like floral composition.

A trainer notes that these courses attract passionate and talented young people, often directed to these fields after secondary school.

However, the Labour Market Survey 2024 reveals a serious challenge in integrating young people into the workforce:

• The unemployment rate for 16-to-24-year-olds stands at a high 20.1%, affecting 12,800 individuals.
• Most of these unemployed young people are single, have some professional experience, but possess limited qualifications, underscoring a critical skills deficit.

While overall unemployment dipped slightly to 5.9% in the second quarter, affecting 34,200 people, the general market improvement contrasts sharply with the youth figures.

The most active recruiting sectors noted in the survey are hospitality and catering, wholesale and retail trade, and non-textile manufacturing.

Calls for Change and Foreign Examples

Industry figures are urging a change in mentality at all levels of society and government to properly value these careers.

• Stéphane Maurymoothoo calls for greater communication on career prospects, salaries, and progression to attract more young people. He stresses the need to raise awareness of the importance of every profession from school age.
• Sam Kuppan, a member of the State and Other Employees Federation and the MITD Non-training Staff Union, notes that the MITD maintains a register of graduates to help businesses and individuals find qualified manual professionals.

The importance of a supportive ecosystem is highlighted by the success of manual trades abroad.

In Switzerland, technical professions offer attractive starting salaries and stable prospects supported by a dual education system.

The Netherlands integrates practical workshops and internships from secondary school, while France hosts regional and national competitions to reward excellence.

Manual trades are also evolving with new technology. While Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot replace artisans, it can support them, for example, by providing smart tools for electricians installing solar panels.

This combination of practical expertise and technological competence offers a competitive advantage, though manual workers remain indispensable.

Source: l’Express