The automotive training will focus on areas such as productivity, quality control, entrepreneurship, leadership and life skills.
The programme is administered by the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), a subsidiary entity of the Gauteng Growth & Development Agency, an agency of the Department of Economic Development - with its partner Mothersons Sumi Systems Limited (MMSL), a global leader in component manufacturing with a presence in 25 countries.
Gauteng MEC for Economic Development Nkosiphendule Kolisile says, "The initiative is part of ensuring that we empower young women from disadvantaged backgrounds with skills and training and enhance their career opportunities. It also presents us with a unique opportunity to transform the automotive industry, which is still a male-dominated industry."
"It also bears testimony to the Gauteng Provincial Government's commitment to young people in this province," says Kolisile.
According to Siphiwe Ngwenya acting CEO of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, "the programme ties in perfectly with plans to turn Gauteng into a compelling automotive investment destination."
Barlow Manilal, AIDC CEO, says that the automotive sector is a significant contributor to the national GDP and a priority sector for Gauteng. "We are actively involved in building a talent pipeline to empower Gauteng youths with skills to meet industry needs. This initiative will have a positive effect on skills, development and training in the automotive sector in general," he says.
Upon completion that AIDC will facilitate a matching and placement programme for returning students.
