After struggling to recruit qualified mechanics, a Somerset West workshop is opening its doors to train young artisans, highlighting the skills shortage facing the motor industry.
For many businesses, a shortage of skilled workers means placing another job advert. One Somerset West workshop decided to try something different.
After struggling to recruit qualified mechanics over the past year, Somerset Mechanical Centre (SMC) is converting part of its workshop into a practical training space aimed at preparing young people for careers in the motor industry.
According to the business, repeated recruitment efforts revealed that qualified mechanics have become increasingly difficult to find, with employers competing for the same limited pool of experienced technicians.
Rather than continuing that cycle, the workshop says it wants to help produce more skilled mechanics. The programme will focus on young people from communities including Strand, Macassar, Firgrove, Sir Lowry’s Pass and Grabouw, combining practical workshop experience with mentorship and exposure to professional workshop standards.
Training is expected to include general vehicle maintenance alongside specialist areas such as diesel mechanics and wheel alignment. The project is being developed with support from the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and merSETA.
SMC aims to officially launch the training facility on 1 July 2026, marking the start of what it hopes will become a long-term investment in developing the next generation of skilled artisans.
The workshop says funding, transport and learner support remain challenges, but renovations are nearing completion as preparations continue.
A local response to a national problem
South Africa’s shortage of qualified artisans has been raised repeatedly across industries, with employers often citing difficulties in finding experienced technical staff.
While one training workshop will not solve the broader shortage, initiatives like this show how local businesses are beginning to invest in developing their own future workforce instead of relying solely on recruiting experienced mechanics.
For the Helderberg, it represents another example of businesses responding to local challenges with practical solutions.
