More than 1,500 pupils are being upskilled across the Retail Motor Industry Organisation’s (RMI) five regions in an effort to the address the critical skills shortages in the automotive aftermarket sector.
After securing R23.5m in funding from merSETA in 2024, the organisation’s short skills training programme is equipping 1,575 high school pupils from Gqeberha to Cape Town.
RMI national training director Louis van Huyssteen said the programme was a collaborative initiative between RMI, its employer members, and key training partners — ECS-BCS, KATS, and UXI.
“This programme is not just about closing skills gaps; it’s about equipping learners with practical, job-ready expertise that directly benefits the industry,” he said.
“While the training providers deliver the technical skills, success ultimately depends on workplace support.
“Encouraging attendance, providing feedback, and assisting with assignments are key factors in ensuring learners gain the full benefit of this opportunity.”
At least 150 pupils have already been nominated by employer members, working closely with UXI’s campuses in Cape Town and Gqeberha.
Motor Industry Workshop Association (Miwa) national director, Pieter Niemand, said the training aligned with real-world automotive needs.
“The response from employers has been fantastic, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce.”
Miwa National Training Committee chair and owner of a five-star woman-led RMI Miwa workshop, Andrea Bogner, concurred and has even enrolled herself and her staff in the programme.
“Training is a challenge for small independent workshops and being short-staffed for even a few days can be stressful.
“However, investing in skills development benefits everyone. It enhances confidence, efficiency, and expertise, leading to faster, higher-quality repairs, increased profitability, and improved customer satisfaction.
“Three of my technicians have already completed their training in automotive electrical and diagnostics, and seeing their pride in their achievements has been incredibly rewarding.”
Van Huyssteen said an addition to 2025’s programme was the introduction of a fully online option from KATS for two of the short skills programmes, namely Service Advisor and Parts Sales.
“This option was enthusiastically scooped up by over 100 Sambra [SA Motor Body Repairers Association] members in the motor body repair sector,” he said.
“Success in training — whether through ECS’s fully physical model, UXI’s blended learning, or KATS’ fully online courses — relies on active workplace support.
“Encouraging attendance, giving feedback, and assisting with assignments help learners fully engage and apply their knowledge effectively.”
The Herald
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