Technical schools driving careers in the automotive sector

The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, and technical schools are playing a vital role in preparing young South Africans for a dynamic career in this sector.

With a focus on equipping students with both practical and theoretical skills, these institutions are helping bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.

Since its inception in 2019, the Motor Mech competition, initiated by the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), has become a shining example of how schools and industry can collaborate to nurture young talent. The competition started at Newton Technical High School in Gqeberha and has since expanded to regions such as East London, Kariega, Worcester, and now KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

In a first for the province, Meadowlands Technical High School in Montford hosted its first Motor Mech competition in September this year, marking a significant milestone in skills development for the region. Principal Suren Naidoo expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “Skills development is a critical need in addressing the unemployment crisis among our youth. Hosting this competition showcases our commitment to providing students with a pathway into the automotive industry.”

Pieter Niemand, National Director of MIWA says, “Competitions like Motor Mech not only attract young talent but also demonstrate the industry’s dedication to fostering careers in the automotive sector. We are thrilled to collaborate with Meadowlands for the first time and to see the success of our Motor Mech competitions nationally.”

South Africa boasts a number of top-tier technical schools that offer a wide range of subjects such as Mechanical Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design, and Technical Science. These courses prepare students for various career paths, from apprenticeships to advanced engineering studies.

The integration of modern technology, such as AI, robotics, and automation, into the curriculum ensures that learners stay abreast of advancements in the sector. Niemand, stresses the value of technical education. “An education in this field provides students with practical skills directly applicable to the workforce, increasing their employability and earning potential while aligning with the needs of the industry.”

The Motor Mech competition is already shaping futures. Learners like Okuhle Motota, who won the 2023 competition at Port Rex, and Sunita van Rensburg from HTS Drostdy, have shared how the experience has opened doors to mentorship, job shadowing, and industry exposure.

Okuhle, now in matric, reflected on the competition's impact: “It gave me opportunities I didn’t have before and inspired me to pursue a career in automotive engineering.” Meanwhile, Sunita’s advice to peers is clear: “Don’t let anyone dictate your dreams. Your hard work will define your success.”

“We look forward to seeing more learners step into the spotlight and take advantage of the opportunities these competitions create,” concludes Niemand/

With plans to expand the Motor Mech competition to George and Bloemfontein in 2025, MIWA continues to invest in the future of South Africa’s youth and the automotive sector.