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RMI applauds success of Motor Mechanic Apprentices at College of Cape Town

Feb 07, 2025 Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), Automotive Motor Mechanic Occupational Certificate, Louis van Huyssteen, Rasheed Adhikari,

RMI applauds success of Motor Mechanic Apprentices at College of Cape Town

The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) has applauded the work being done in the automotive sector at the College of Cape Town’s Athlone campus as the most recent cohort of motor mechanic apprentices prepare for their upcoming trade tests.

In March 2022, 32 apprentices embarked on their journey at this Centre of Specialisation, which offers the unique Automotive Motor Mechanic Occupational Certificate. Developed by industry experts and a merSETA-appointed development specialist, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on diagnostics, a vital skill in modern vehicle maintenance and repair.

The three-year programme provides comprehensive training designed to build the necessary technical competencies for apprentices. In the first year, they receive both theoretical and practical instruction at the Athlone campus, learning to identify, remove, and inspect key components such as the auxiliary electrical, brake, cooling, ignition, and fuel injection systems. The second year shifts focus to dismantling, inspecting, and reassembling various system components. In the final year, apprentices concentrate on diagnosing and repairing these systems, using advanced scan and diagnostic tools. They also apply systems such as Haynes Pro or Auto Data to interpret fault codes, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern automotive industry.

Rasheed Adhikari, Facilitator at the College says the practical experience they gain during these three years in industry is critical to the success of the programme. “The apprentices must keep a record (journal) of all work during these industry engagements to provide evidence they have sufficient practical experience to write the upcoming Trade Test. “It is critical the logbook journal is signed off by an industry mentor or manager,” he says.

Adhikari and the rest of the campus team highlight the importance of maintaining strong employer relationships. “Practical training alongside experienced motor mechanics and dedicated mentors definitely enriches the learning experience and builds the bridge between industry and academia. It also secures employment so by the time the apprentices have written their test they already have job security,” says Adhikari. He says this is so important when you consider how many graduates struggle to find work after they qualify. “This is definitely not the case in our sector,” says Adhikari. The close relationships he has fostered with industry allow him to move apprentices around and manage the employment pool so everyone is finally placed and it is a win-win for both the College and the apprentices.

In the inaugural cohort, 22 out of 30 apprentices earned their certificates after successfully completing their trade tests. The second cohort, comprising 32 apprentices (27 males and 5 females), have been gaining hands-on experience at prestigious new vehicle dealerships, such as BMW, Toyota, and Land Rover, as well as at reputable independent repair workshops, all of which are accredited RMI members.

Louis van Huyssteen, National Director Training for the RMI, emphasises the importance of these strong employer ties, saying, “The genuine commitment of our employer members and the nurturing environment at the Athlone campus ensure that our apprentices not only develop technical expertise but also gain the respect of their peers and communities. When employers treat every team member consistently, it creates a culture where every apprentice feels engaged and valued.”

Adhikari adds, “More than 90% of our apprentices secure permanent positions as technicians at vehicle dealerships or as qualified motor mechanics in independent MIWA-accredited workshops. Our ongoing partnerships and commitment to reducing administrative burdens are key to our success.” Adhikari notes that some young people from the programme are even starting their own mechanical repair businesses. He highlights the crucial role industry support from RMI can play in guiding them to meet the required criteria and start contributing positively to the economy.

A recent visit by Sabelo Buthelezi, Chief Director at DHET’s Special Projects Unit (SPU), and Zinathi Mbendeni of the SPU’s TVET section further highlighted the passion and motivation of the Athlone campus team, as they witness young talent evolving into skilled professionals.

Van Huyssteen concludes, “Employers interested in partnering with the College of Cape Town and contributing to the development of tomorrow’s motor mechanics can be assured that the Athlone campus staff are dedicated to delivering top-notch training—balancing classroom knowledge with practical experience, liaising with regulatory bodies, managing apprentice rotations, and addressing challenges along the way.”