INDUSTRY NEWS
Seen with RMI Training Advisor, Priscilla Maritz( with cap), is from Left Willie Matthiae( UXI – George Tech Manager, Terri Lewis( UXI – RMI Project Data Capturer WC and EC), Elsie Harmse( UXI CEO), Maritza van der Merwe( UXI – RMI Project Administrator WC and EC), and Kobus du Plessis( UXI – RMI Project Manager)
RMI’ S AUTOMOTIVE WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE PROGRESSES WITH SHORT SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM
The RMI’ s ambitious short skills training program, launched after securing R23.5 million in funding from merSETA last year, is making significant progress in addressing the critical skills shortages in the automotive aftermarket sector. The program currently has over 1,575 learners actively participating across five RMI regions
The collaborative effort between RMI, its employer members, and key training partners ECS-BCS, KATS, and UXI has ensured the smooth progression of the initiative, according to Louis van Huyssteen, RMI National Training Director.“ 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 says.
More than 150 learners in the Western and Eastern Cape have been nominated by employer members to participate in the program. These employers work closely with UXI’ s campuses in Cape Town and Gqeberha. MIWA National Director Pieter Niemand emphasizes the significant impact of these regional efforts.“ Our focus is on ensuring that the training aligns with realworld automotive needs. The response from employers has been fantastic, reinforcing the industry’ s commitment to developing a skilled workforce.”
Despite delays in learner registrations due to strict compliance requirements, the program is on track to achieve its goals. This success is due to careful planning, continuous oversight and strong employer engagement.
Van Huyssteen emphasises the importance of employer involvement in mentoring and guiding learners.“ 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 that learners gain the full benefit of this opportunity.”
Andrea Bogner, who owns and operates a successful 5-Star RMI MIWA workshop, is also the Chairlady of the MIWA National Training Committee. She supports the program and has taken the initiative to enroll both herself and her employees in it.“ Training is a challenge for small independent workshops and being shortstaffed 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,” she says.
Bogner appreciates change and growth can be uncomfortable, but believes it is always worth it.“ 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. I encourage all workshops to invest in their teams because a skilled workforce is the key to success!”
Van Huyssteen states that the program has been expanded this year to include a fully online option from KATS for two of the short skills programs, specifically Service Advisor and Parts Sales. This online option was enthusiastically received by over 100 SAMBRA members in the motor body repair sector.
With the continued rollout of this initiative, RMI remains committed to strengthening South Africa’ s automotive workforce, ensuring the sector’ s long-term sustainability and growth. www. abrbuzz. co. za 15 MAY 2025