RMI training keynote at SA Auto Week 2026 highlights the skills and career opportunities shaping South Africa's automotive aftermarket.
Automotive careers are evolving, not disappearing. That was a key message from the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) at SA Auto Week 2026, held at the Durban International Convention Centre from 13 to 16 October, where its NationalTraining Director, Louis van Huyssteen, provided a keynote address yesterday focusing on skills required for New Energy vehicles.
His message to young South Africans, particularly Grade 10–12 learners considering their future careers, was clear. The automotive aftermarket needs people who can build on sound technical foundations, embrace new technologies and continuedeveloping their skills.
"The car is changing, the career is changing, and the opportunity is growing. While vehicle technology is advancing rapidly, sound mechanical fundamentals remain essential. Tomorrow's automotive professionals will need to build on thesefoundations with electrical, electronic, digital and diagnostic competence," says Van Huyssteen.
Technology is expanding the skills required
South Africa's automotive aftermarket must maintain and repair an increasingly diverse vehicle parc. With the average vehicle age estimated at 10 years and 11 months (source: Lightstone) conventional vehicles will continue to require servicingand repairs even as hybrid, electric and other new energy vehicles (NEVs) become more prevalent.
At the same time, technologies such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), electronic diagnostics, and connected vehicle systems are becoming increasingly important across vehicle types, not just electric vehicles. This is expandingthe range of technical knowledge and practical capabilities the industry requires.
"The transition to new energy vehicles does not mean that traditional automotive skills are becoming irrelevant. It means that these skills need to evolve," he explains.
More than just motor mechanics
Van Huyssteen emphasised that the automotive aftermarket offers a wide range of career paths beyond the traditional role of a motor mechanic. The industry needs skilled technicians, diagnostic specialists, service advisors, parts specialistsand technical support personnel, as well as people with strong digital, problem-solving and customer-service skills.
"Not every career in the automotive industry requires someone to become a motor mechanic. What matters is developing the right skills, gaining practical experience and being willing to continue learning," he says.
The RMI supports this development through a range of training and skills initiatives. Five short skills programmes focus on service advising, parts sales, leadership and problem-solving, basic automotive electrical skills, and automotivecomponents diagnostics and repair. Apprenticeships, artisan development and Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) provide further pathways into the industry, helping people develop occupational competence or gain recognition for skills acquired throughworkplace experience.
As at 5 October 2026, 1 316 learners had registered for three of the merSETA funded RMI training initiatives, including 1,106 in short skills programmes, 188 in artisan programmes and 22 through ARPL. Young people and employers can findout more by visiting the RMI website
Industry collaboration is key
Developing the next generation of automotive professionals requires close cooperation between employers, training providers, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and experienced workplace mentors. Formal trainingprovides essential technical knowledge, while practical workplace exposure helps learners apply it in real-world environments. For employers and training providers, the challenge is to ensure training keeps pace with technological developments and changingworkplace needs.
Van Huyssteen encouraged schools, parents, employers, and training providers to work together to help learners understand their career options, promote the value of technical and vocational education, and create opportunities for practicalworkplace exposure. This will create meaningful career pathways for young people while ensuring businesses have the skills they need to remain competitive.
"Early engagement can help young people make informed career choices while building a pipeline of skilled professionals for the industry," he says.
"Whether your interest lies in mechanical systems, electronics, technology, problem-solving or working with people, there is a place for you in the automotive industry. Your future in automotive starts with skills," Van Huyssteen concludes.