The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), in partnership with Germany’s Chamber of Crafts Erfurt, is nearing the end of a 12-month project that aims to drive vocational training in the automotive aftermarket with a focus on Alternative Energy Vehicles (AEVs), including hybrid (HEV) and fully-electric (EV) autos.
This initiative is viewed as an essential step toward preparing technicians and professionals for the future of transportation in South Africa.
In February, the entities launched a two-week pilot project at the Eastcape Midlands College to train 16 lecturers from 8 TVET colleges on the intricacies of aftermarket AEV support.
This April, the second pilot was launched at Tshwane South TVET College, supported by Porsche’s provision of an electric VW E-Up as one of the scheme’s partners.
The landmark project is scheduled to conclude in June 2024 and provide the RMI with invaluable insights into the specific training needs to bolster AEV support in South Africa, as well as the common fundamental interfaces in this area.
Developing a national electromobility specialist qualification
The ultimate goal of the AEV training initiative is to develop a nationally registered electromobility specialist qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in South Africa.
Not only will this be a boon for accelerating the adoption of these vehicles by quelling some of the concerns of would-be owners, but it will also boost employment in the country’s automotive aftermarket sector.
“By leveraging both vertical and horizontal articulation pathways, individuals with qualifications such as Electromobility Specialist can enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and advance their careers in the dynamic field of electromobility,” said Louis van Huyssteen, RMI national training director.
Youngsters pursuing this speciality will have plenty of avenues available to them as the AEV landscape grows, including charging infrastructure specialists, grid integration specialists, battery engineers, and renewable energy technicians.
“E-mobility training is becoming increasingly crucial in the automotive industry as electric vehicles become more prevalent. The RMI and HWK Erfurt’s collaboration is an essential step towards preparing technicians and professionals for the future of transportation,” said Marcia Modiba, acting national director of the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (Sambra).
“With advancements in electric vehicle technology, staying updated with the latest training ensures that professionals can effectively diagnose, repair, and maintain electric vehicles.”
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