AUTOFORUM

BMW's R73 million Plant Rosslyn Training Academy

Feb 08, 2018 BMW, Automotive, Training, Jobs, South Africa, apprentices

BMW Group South Africa has confirmed it is “taking training and development to the next level” at its new R73 million Plant Rosslyn Training Academy. The automaker says that the the state-of-the-art, 6000 square meter facility is able to host 300 apprentices per year.

The training centre this year celebrates its 40^th year at BMW Plant Rosslyn, which has seen it focus on development and empowerment of workers for the automotive and manufacturing sectors. Even in this pre-democracy era, the company was ahead of the times in training learners irrespective of their ethnic background.

Tim Abbott, CEO BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, says: “Global automotive production stands on the brink of momentous change with an increased focus on digitalisation and electrification. The workforce of tomorrow needs to keep pace with these trends. At BMW Group South Africa we are investing in the skills of the future.”

The facility focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical application. A stimulating and interactive learning experience has been created through the innovative use of technology and digitalisation. Modern manufacturing skills such as robot programming, Advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) simulation and training on electric vehicles have been included in the new Academy.

An accredited Trade Test Centre has been incorporated into the building, allowing learners to achieve their trade qualification in-house. This functionality will also be extended to the public in the course of 2018.

Minister, Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize (Department of Higher Education and Training) adds: “In June 2017, Cabinet approved the Human Resource Development Strategy towards 2030. One of the strategy programs talks to the skills that are produced based on the partnerships that can be encouraged within the country. The country can only achieve this if companies such as BMW continue to encourage Work integrated Learning. Students from the TVET colleges will benefit immensely with such partnerships.”

Charissa Hector, BMW Group South Africa Human Resources Director, says: “Over the years, our training facility has certainly supplied a high percentage of the skilled workforce in the motor industry, including the extended value chain of suppliers and dealerships. We are also proud of the career growth trajectory of learners that have been absorbed into our own workforce, including the recent appointment of a Training Academy graduate as the first black female Production Manager in our Assembly plant.”

The Training Academy will continue to provide skills development for existing BMW Group South Africa employees and managers. This includes training on the advanced technologies that will be used in the production of the new BMW X3, which will kick off within a couple of months.

The following programmes will be offered for external applicants:

Learnerships:

Mechatronics

Autotronics

Trades:

Millwright

Electrician

Fitter

Fitter and turner

Motor mechanic

Spray painter

Panel beater