Short skills programme drives success for aspiring service advisors

When Anneke de Swardt walked through the doors of Equal Career Services and BCS Training Academy in Centurion, she became the first learner to embark on the Retail Motor Industry Organisation’s Automotive Service Advisor short skills programme.

With dedication and enthusiasm, she embraced the opportunity to gain industry-relevant expertise, setting the foundation for a promising career.

Charlene Prinsloo, Anneke’s trainer at the training facility commends her commitment, “Anneke approached every aspect of the programme with determination. She actively participated in class discussions, completed her workplace assignments with care, and consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic. From the outset, I had no doubt she would successfully complete the programme and prove her competence in the final assessments.”

The Automotive Service Advisor short skills programme is one of five specialised training programmes available to RMI employer members. Louis van Huyssteen, RMI training director, highlights its significance: “This programme equips learners with the essential skills needed to excel in the automotive service environment. It provides structured, industry-aligned training that meets both workplace and customer service demands.”

A key component of the programme is the ‘Skills Programme Orientation & Business Ethics’ module, which lays the foundation for professionalism in the industry. Pieter Niemand, national director of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud RMI constituent association, emphasises its importance. “Ethical conduct and professionalism are critical in our sector. This module empowers learners with the knowledge and values needed to navigate workplace challenges with integrity.” Topics covered include skills programme orientation, business ethics, workplace conduct, managing ethical dilemmas, and personal value development.

Beyond business ethics, the programme includes modules on ‘Communication Skills,’ ‘Managing Customer Satisfaction,’ ‘Service Administration Processes,’ and ‘Automotive Vehicle Product Knowledge’. Charlene says, “These modules provide a well-rounded learning experience that mirrors the real-world industry landscape. Learners develop essential communication and customer service skills while gaining hands-on expertise in service administration and vehicle product knowledge.”

Hester Delport and Kowie Botha, directors at Equal Career Services and BCS Training Academy, take pride in their learner-centric approach. “From day one, our focus has been on creating an environment where learners can develop both technical and professional skills. Through comprehensive training materials and practical exercises that simulate real workplace scenarios, we prepare them to become industry-ready professionals who add value to their employers.”

Anneke’s success is just the beginning. As the RMI continues to champion skills development through its short skills programmes, more learners will have the opportunity to build sustainable careers in the automotive sector, ensuring a skilled and competent workforce for the future.