August is a bumper month, not only for women, but also to showcase young talent. Every August, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Month shines a spotlight on the vital role South Africa’s TVET colleges play in equipping young people with the practical skills needed to enter the workforce. For the automotive sector, however, it is also an opportunity to ask a more important question: how do we ensure today’s apprentices become tomorrow’s qualified artisans?
More apprentices, but fewer qualified artisans
South Africa’s automotive industry is facing an interesting contradiction. While more young people are entering apprenticeship programmes than ever before, the number of qualified artisans continues to decline.
RMI’s analysis of MIBCO occupational data reveals the scale of the challenge. Between 2014 and May 2026, the number of qualified artisans across fourteen automotive trades declined from 15,936 to 11,646 – a reduction of almost 27%. During the same period, registered apprentices increased from 1,764 to 4,254.
For Louis van Huyssteen, National Director: Training at the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), these figures highlight one of the industry’s biggest challenges – and one of its greatest opportunities.
“TVET Month reminds us that developing artisans is not the responsibility of colleges alone,” says Van Huyssteen. “It requires genuine partnerships between education, industry and employers if we are serious about rebuilding South Africa’s technical skills base.”
“The increase in apprenticeship numbers is encouraging,” says Van Huyssteen. “But registering apprentices is only the first step. We must ensure they complete their training, qualify as artisans and remain in the industry. At the same time, qualified artisans are the very people who mentor apprentices. If their numbers continue to decline, our ability to train the next generation is also weakened.”
The automotive retail aftermarket contributes an estimated 2% to 2.4% of South Africa’s GDP and supports more than 316,000 registered employees across almost 24,000 businesses. From motor mechanics and diesel technicians to spray painters, automotive electricians and body repair specialists, these skilled professionals keep South Africa’s vehicles safe, reliable and productive.
TVET is a career pathway, not a second choice
For Jeremy Schuster, curriculum developer and accreditation and assessment consultant for False Bay College, the conversation about skills development must begin by changing perceptions of vocational education.
“TVET colleges are not a second-choice route,” says Schuster. “They are a vital part of South Africa’s skills pipeline, providing one of the most direct pathways from education into meaningful employment. When TVET is properly recognised, more young people will see technical careers as respected professions that offer long-term opportunities for growth, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.”
He believes this is especially true in the automotive sector, where safe, reliable transport depends on highly competent technicians who combine sound theoretical knowledge with practical workplace experience.
A shared responsibility
While TVET colleges provide structured learning, practical workshops and technical knowledge, employers provide something equally valuable – real workplaces where apprentices experience the realities of modern automotive repair.
“Colleges and workplaces need each other,” explains Van Huyssteen. “Students learn theory and practical skills in college, but they develop confidence, judgement and professionalism by working alongside experienced technicians, solving real customer problems and learning industry standards.”
Schuster agrees, saying the transition to occupational qualifications has strengthened this partnership. “Colleges provide structured learning, industry ensures that training remains relevant, and workplaces develop competence through practical experience under the guidance of workplace mentors. None of these role players can succeed in isolation.”
Preparing technicians for a changing industry
Today’s automotive workshop looks very different from the ones of a decade ago.
Modern vehicles increasingly rely on advanced electronics, sensors, software, sophisticated diagnostics, safety systems and alternative-energy technologies. As a result, automotive training has evolved well beyond traditional mechanical repair.
“Modern workshops need graduates who can think diagnostically,” says Schuster. “A technician today needs to understand not only mechanical systems but also electronics, computer-based fault finding, safety procedures and digital technologies. A vehicle is now an integrated system rather than simply a collection of mechanical components.”
As vehicles evolve, so too do employer expectations.
According to Schuster, employers increasingly value graduates who combine technical competence with digital literacy, communication skills, teamwork, professionalism and a commitment to continuous learning.
Employers are investing in the future
For employers, taking on apprentices is about far more than filling vacancies.
Ashraf Wallace, Workshop Manager at SMG BMW Century City, says apprentices represent a long-term investment in both the business and the future of the automotive industry.
“Investing in apprentices allows us to develop skilled professionals who understand our company’s standards, values and way of working from the beginning of their careers,” he explains. “It requires time, patience and commitment from both mentors and the business, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the investment.”
Wallace believes technical knowledge alone is no longer enough.
“What matters most is a willingness to learn, a positive attitude and a strong work ethic,” he says. “The apprentices who succeed are those who ask questions, accept feedback, respect their colleagues and customers, and take pride in the quality of their work.”
“The vehicles will continue to evolve,” he says. “The best technicians are those who are prepared to grow alongside the technology.”
Mentorship turns apprentices into artisans
Rasheed Adhikari, Apprentice Facilitator at the College of Cape Town’s Athlone campus, agrees saying successful apprenticeships are built on much more than technical training.
“The apprentices who stand out are those with a genuine passion for working on vehicles,” he says. “Technical skills can be developed over time, but enthusiasm, commitment and a willingness to learn create the foundation for long-term success.”
Adhikari believes strong employer partnerships are fundamental to producing competent artisans.
“Employers play an essential role because apprentices need meaningful workplace experience,” he explains. “The best outcomes are achieved when colleges and employers work together, communicate regularly and focus on developing the apprentice rather than simply completing a training programme.”
From classroom to workshop
The partnership between the College of Cape Town’s Athlone campus and industry partners illustrates how collaboration between education and industry produces confident, work-ready artisans. Students combine structured classroom learning with practical workplace experience under experienced mentors, while employers help shape future technicians and identify talent for their own businesses.
For Schuster, these partnerships are essential to keeping automotive education relevant.
“Industry partnerships ensure that curricula remain aligned with real workshop practice,” he says. “They expose lecturers and learners to current technologies, strengthen workplace learning and help graduates enter the industry with a far better understanding of employer expectations.”
Wallace says the benefits extend beyond technical training.
“We’ve found that mentorship works both ways,” he says. “While we share our experience with apprentices, we also learn from their enthusiasm, fresh perspectives and willingness to embrace new technology. It’s a partnership that benefits everyone.”
An opportunity for the entire industry
Van Huyssteen believes rebuilding South Africa’s artisan pipeline requires collaboration far beyond colleges and employers.
Beyond colleges and employers, government, merSETA, industry associations, suppliers, insurers, financial institutions and development partners all have a role to play in expanding opportunities for young people while strengthening the capacity of TVET colleges and workplaces. “This is about more than funding apprenticeships,” he says. “It’s about creating an ecosystem where colleges, employers and industry partners work together to ensure young people have access to quality training, meaningful workplace experience and clear career pathways.”
Looking ahead, Schuster believes the sector must continue evolving alongside the industry it serves.
“We need faster curriculum renewal, stronger lecturer exposure to current industry practice, improved access to modern diagnostic equipment and more structured workplace learning opportunities,” he says. “Colleges cannot achieve this on their own. A coordinated approach involving colleges, industry, employers and training partners will ensure graduates are prepared for the vehicles already entering South African workshops.”
Creating careers that change lives
Ultimately, says Van Huyssteen, the success of South Africa’s skills development efforts should be measured not only by the number of apprentices enrolled, but by the lives they change.
“The purpose of technical education is not simply to produce qualifications,” he says. “It is to give young people the opportunity to build meaningful careers, earn sustainable incomes, support their families and eventually become mentors themselves.”
As South Africa celebrates TVET Month, the message from educators, employers and industry leaders is clear: building the country’s next generation of automotive artisans is a shared responsibility. Success will depend on strong partnerships between colleges, employers, industry bodies, government and experienced mentors who are committed to developing skilled, adaptable professionals ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing automotive sector.
“By investing in those partnerships today, South Africa is investing in safer roads, stronger businesses, sustainable employment and a more resilient economy tomorrow,” concludes Van Huyssteen.
